Anyone know a good therapist?

My coping mechanisms have included orange wine and Agent Provocateur, now I’m back to my first love

Recently, I’ve been reading an excellent book called What Women Want – Conversations on desire, power, love and growth by psychotherapist Maxine Mei Fung Chung.

The blurb reads: Through the profound and moving stories of seven very different women, Maxine Mei-Fung Chung sheds light on our most fundamental needs and desires. From a young bride-to-be struggling to accept her sexuality, to a mother grappling with questions of identity and belonging, and a woman learning to heal after years of trauma, What Women Want is an electrifying and deeply intimate exploration of the inner lives of women.

Based on hours of conversations between Maxine and her patients, this book lays bare our fears, hopes, secrets and capacity for healing. With great empathy and precision, What Women Want presents a fearless look at the depths of who we are, so that we can better understand each other and ourselves.

So first I need to tell you, if you haven’t already, you need to get this book. Therapy is generally more common now, even in the UK (which is where Maxine practices) but there is still something that feels mystical about it. This idea that these deep and long conversations – confessions? – will lead to a freedom and understanding of self. As a trained journalist, Maxine skilfully weaves fiction-like prose around the stories of women who have come to her for healing and in some cases, affirmation. I’ve not experienced physical abuse from a partner or lost a child through suicide, but there were many stories I did see myself in…