Reviews

This novel, which really reads like a “true story,” is a highly riveting read. I found it difficult to put down! It hooks you in from the very beginning & the pace of the events is excellent. This book primarily involves 4 people; 1 psychotherapist, 2 clients & one of their friends. It addresses many feelings, thoughts & problems that all people have; that there’s “simply got to be MORE to life” than this. If you are a psychologist/psychotherapist, a student of psychology, someone who thinks about the meaning your life has/can have or are just curious about the mind/existential aspects of life, then this book will be of high interest to you. You get to see characters really growing in their psychological, moral & spiritual lives, as well as how they go about doing this. One important thing that I got from it is the reminder that “the glasses from which we look” (such a human thing we do!) are sometimes faulty & it is good to remind yourself of & explore this. The story line also includes some real twists & turns that will have you on the edge of your seat & very surprised near & at the end! Reading this novel was a very pleasurable experience. I also recommend it for professionals preparing to work & those who have worked in the field of practicing psychotherapy.

I have enjoyed this book immensely. I got more out of it the 3rd time. The lessons are practical and wise. Wish I had known this stuff in the past as it would have certainly saved me a lot of pain. I related with both Linda and Rick. Linda for having an existential crisis plus trying to please others and Rick for his passivity and naïveté.
The therapeutic interactions that Linda and Rick have with Bill are truly brilliant. I enjoyed watching as Bill helps the others understand the battle with their ego and beyond.
There is so much in this book that has helped me see how my beliefs, emotions, and constructs have shaped my life. Bottom line, this book has helped clarify and open my mind concerning questions that I wondered about for years. This book is terrific!

All too commonly, therapy treats psychopathology rather than directly eliciting wholeness. Dr. Ritter presents a lively fictional narrative of a course of psychotherapy that features not only psychological healing and maturation, but a major step in a client’s spiritual development. A believable and very human character, the therapist embodies vulnerability, humility and transcendent wisdom. At strategic moments, when his client is open to receive this wisdom, the therapist skillfully transmits a “truth beyond words” to her: “The process involves moving into essence while maintaining awareness. You don’t lose your sense of self, but you do have to leave behind parts of who you think you are because they’re unsuitable for high altitude flying. Remember, we’re dealing with energy. If you flow with it, the intensity will allow you to soar to unimaginable heights.” It’s rare and illuminating to encounter a book that offers an account of a client being consciously and expertly assisted to experience the transpersonal dimension of her being during the process of receiving psychotherapy. Truth beyond Words, A Teaching Novel, is an engaging story with the potential to help both therapists and their clients deepen the experience of therapy, of being human and of Being Itself.

Dr. Ritter has constructed a scenario based in a reality of clinical psychology: an attractive, capable young woman longing for meaning in her life and the very human counselor who is challenged to give her appropriate guidance. The sexuality of some of the scenes is a training tool for young psychoanalysts who are not aware of the temptations they will face. And the counsel to rise above everyday reality to a meta-reality beyond emotion and logic is a guide post to us all. As a teaching tool and insightful development of characters and plot, Truth Beyond Words is reminiscent of the Morality Plays of Medieval Europe, the Kabuki Theater of ancient Japan. Read it and look for more.

“I think it is a work of art.could not put it down.interesting…sexy…real…magical…grounded ..elating and inspiring a must publish if u can.,,,,,cant wait for your next one!,,!!!”

An excellent resource for both the experienced and beginning psychotherapist. I highly recommend it for all mental health professionals.