The Skeleton Cupboard

By: Tanya Byron

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's Summary

Tanya Byron shares powerful stories inspired by her years of training as a clinical psychologist. The Skeleton Cupboard is professor Tanya Byron's account of her years of training as a clinical psychologist, when trainees find themselves in the toughest placements of their careers.

Through the eyes of her naive and inexperienced younger self, Tanya shares remarkable stories inspired by the people she had the privilege to treat. Gripping, poignant, and full of daring black humour, this book reveals the frightening and challenging induction faced by all mental health staff and highlights their incredible commitment to their patients.

Powerfully moving and beautifully written, The Skeleton Cupboard shares the tales of ordinary people with an amazing resilience to the challenges of life.

©2014 Tanya Byron (P)2014 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd

Interesting and insightful

I have always respected the work of Tanya Byron so was very pleased to see that she had written this book about her years as a trainee clinical psychologist. It is an honest and interesting book that gives a real insight into the work of psychologists. Tanya Byron narrates the introduction and I really wish she had narrated the whole book as she narrates with real intelligence, warmth and humanity. Although Imogen Church's narration is listenable she does struggle to voice the male clients and does not convey the warmth or humanity of the author.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Great book (I imagine) Dreadful narration

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No - and simply because of the narration

What did you like best about this story?

Wish I had a chance to hear more - I am an admirer of Tanya Byron and enjoy how she writes elsewhere. This was all paid for and I waited for release with great interest. However, the narration is beyond irritating so as to distract from what is being said.

What didn’t you like about Imogen Church’s performance?

Silly, unconvincing voices which add nothing to a story and are beyond cliche.I really feel a good narrator could just have spoken - I feel fairly sure that when Tanya Byron gives an example of her work with clients she does not affect a a silly offensive voice to match. As listeners I feel confident we would be able to discern who was saying what. So disappointed and will now order a tangible version of this book as a to read for myself - hopefully I will have thrown off the terrible voices by then.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, the opening chapter spoken beautifully by Tanya Byron

Any additional comments?

This is the first review I have ever left in years of Audible membership - I felt compelled and hope it stops others from wasting their money on it until such time as it is recorded well.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Poor language skills?

I was quite interested by most of the book, and moved by many scenarios. HOWEVER!!!! and it is a BIG however ... I really found the 'sh***, sh***, sh**, a bit much - also the f**k. I would expect that an intelligent and well educated woman would not have to resort to these expressions so very frequently. There must be other ways to express disappointment, dismay, horror and embarrassment. I found this to be a let down in an otherwise interesting book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fascinating

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, a truly fascinating insight into the role and training of clinical psychologists.

Any additional comments?

Entertaining, educational and enlightening. A well written story and interesting audiobook to listen to.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fabulous

If you could sum up The Skeleton Cupboard in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating, insightful, gripping.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author, Tanya, because this is her honest account of her journey to become a clinical psychologist.

What does Imogen Church bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I liked the way that Imogen's voice very closely matched Tanya's, she also added great character to Tanya's clients/patients.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Being a counsellor in training there were points where I laughed because Tanya's emotions and experience of her supervisor reflected my own. I laughed out loud on several occasions.

Any additional comments?

This is a really interesting book for a trainee counsellor like myself because Tanya goes through her thoughts about her 'clients/patients' [none are real per se but devised from people she's seen over the years], how she works out their narrative and how she seeks to help them. I also found the fact that she had included her experience of the supervisor/supervisee relationship really useful too. I loved this book, listened to it in a few days during dog walks and after a knee op! As my first Audible book it has set the bar very high. I would recommend.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Fascinating Insight

Although the author describes the characters in this book as 'constructs', each of the cases that she describes have a thoroughly authentic feel. The book is rooted in the authors experience and this comes across. The insights into the struggles of those coping with mental illness are valuable. Equally, the description of the role of the practitioner and the struggle to maintain professional detachment while remaining deeply affected by the patients' suffering is impressive.
I enjoyed this book and the narration and developed a better understanding of mental illness and its treatment as a result.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Moving & thought provoking

Couldn’t help feeling every character was real despite the before and after reminders that they’re not ! So wonderfully written and extremely well narrated and voiced.
Really gripping and thought provoking
Thanks Tanya, your insight was inspiring

Buy it, read it, and reflect....

I have long been a Tanya Byron ‘fan’ and this book, which I came across by a happy coincidence, confirms why I hold her, and the authenticity of her views, in such high esteem.

I was put off by the comments regarding the narrator, and hesitated to buy. However, she is EXCELLENT and, contrary to others opinions, made the narrative come alive for me.

My daughter would like to follow a career in clinical psychology, and this book has been inspirational, and given her much to think about; in a positive way.

My one criticism? When it came to an end. And the measure of any good book, for me, is that when it comes to an end I feel a deep sense of loss! (and maybe there’s a thought to focus my own therapy on!! ;) )

Psychology students read this!!!

The perfect book for anyone who is interested in clinical psychology, but unsure as to what area they would like to go into. Brilliant, brilliant book!

Really enjoyed listening to this

This book was so much better than I expected. I thought the book was very well laid out - each chapter relating to a different placement. All the individual stories were very interesting and informative. I loved hearing the authors thoughts as she was consulting a patient or with her mentor.
However, you would probably have to have a keen interest in mental health to enjoy this book.