Therapists Need Mental Healthcare Too
In End of the Hour: A Therapist’s Memoir by Meghan Riordan Jarvis, a deeply introspective journey unfolds as the author—a seasoned therapist—bravely recounts the realities of sitting in the therapist’s chair. This memoir does not only illuminate the professional highs and lows of the field; it invites readers into the tender, human heart of a clinician. As a therapist, I found the book profoundly resonant, thought-provoking, and a touchstone for the complexities of our work. However, while the book is moving and honest, it is not without its shortcomings.
The memoir is structured around pivotal client sessions, blending case studies with the author’s personal reflections. What makes this book exceptional is its willingness to explore the blurred boundary between therapist and human. Through carefully anonymized stories, the author demonstrates how clients’ lives reverberate in the therapist’s own psyche, shaping their identity in ways they often never acknowledge. The delicate tension between professional detachment and emotional engagement is palpable in every chapter. I found myself thinking of many client stories and their intersection with events in my life.
The memoir also delves into the author’s life outside of the office: their own therapy sessions, the toll of burnout, and the challenge of finding balance, including time in an inpatient treatment facility. These passages were particularly meaningful, as they validated my own struggles in managing self-care while supporting others. For therapists, who are so often expected to be endlessly resilient, this book is a gentle reminder to extend the same compassion to ourselves that we offer to our clients.
Who Should Read This Memoir?
While End of the Hour is undoubtedly a must-read for therapists, it also offers lay readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of therapy. It demystifies the process, dismantles the notion of the all-knowing therapist, and highlights the collaborative—and sometimes messy—nature of the therapeutic relationship. For therapists, this book will feel like a conversation with a trusted colleague, one who understands the invisible weight of this work. For clients or anyone curious about the human experience, it is an empathetic and accessible window into the unique, vulnerable dynamic of therapy. However, readers looking for a cohesive, polished narrative may find themselves frustrated by the memoir’s uneven flow.
