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Dying to Live: A Spiritual Case Story of a Secular Counsellor.


Dying to Live: A Spiritual Case Story of A Secular Counsellor

David Midgley

Free Association Books

c/o International Specialized Book Services (ISBS ISBS International Society of Biomechanics in Sports
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920 NE 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786, USA

1853439835 $29.95 208 pages (503)-287-3093 www.isbs.com

"Dying to Live: A Spiritual Case Story of A Secular Counsellor" is a spiritual life history of David Midgley, an unusual psychotherapist psy·cho·ther·a·pist
n.
An individual, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or psychiatric social worker, who practices psychotherapy.
 trained in both Transactional Analysis and also classic Jungian approaches to therapy. Midgley deftly weaves a varied tapestry of many of his significant life experiences both as a therapist and counselor, and also as a humble individual. His interests in occult areas as well as his commitment to Methodist lay ministry are explored. Many black and white photos of mentors or other significant people in his life are included that add to the text. Although "Dying To Live" is a relatively slim book, it contains an amazing amount of precise, clinical detail and anecdotal memory. In true nonjudgmental non·judg·men·tal  
adj.
Refraining from judgment, especially one based on personal ethical standards.

Adj. 1. nonjudgmental
 tradition, the style is to present the information and leave the conclusion(s) to the reader, though the author's reactions and responses are also described, sometimes clinically. The author's considerable contributions to British/European practice of TA therapy and teaching, lecturing and preaching are sparely presented. As "Dying to Live" concludes its final chapter, "The Anteroom," Midgley explains that he is in the process of experiencing motor neuron disease motor neuron disease: see amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. , a deterioration of the nerve fibers that help convey signals from the spinal cord spinal cord, the part of the nervous system occupying the hollow interior (vertebral canal) of the series of vertebrae that form the spinal column, technically known as the vertebral column.  and brain to the rest of the body. The disease's progression is generally outlined, and Midgley's acceptance of his status is tentatively explored. He remains as active and independent as it is possible for him to be. The writing of "Dying To Live" is a part of his determination to fulfill his life goals and contracts with himself. Perhaps Midgley's greatest gift is his ability to touch the reader. A sense of humility, pride, and mingled determination and grace suffuse suf·fuse  
tr.v. suf·fused, suf·fus·ing, suf·fus·es
To spread through or over, as with liquid, color, or light: "The sky above the roof is suffused with deep colors" 
 the work. "Dying To Live" is about accepting imperfections and making the most of them. Above all, it is about choosing to live all the natural span of days allotted al·lot  
tr.v. al·lot·ted, al·lot·ting, al·lots
1. To parcel out; distribute or apportion: allotting land to homesteaders; allot blame.

2.
, with dignity, grace, and joy.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Midwest Book Review
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Copyright 2006, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Publication:Small Press Bookwatch
Article Type:Book review
Date:Aug 1, 2006
Words:361
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