Mixed Nuts or What I’ve Learned Practicing Psychotherapy, by former Fairhaven resident Rick Cormier, is a memoir of a life working in psychotherapy.
Speaking to the layperson and the practitioner alike, even Rick’s signature humor can’t hide his wisdom, his deep understanding of mental illness, his desire to help heal it quickly and effectively, and his pragmatic and often creative approach to treatment.
“Some people assume that all therapists are new-agey hand-holders who just listen and nod like bobbleheads, then suggest an astrology reading, a gluten-free diet, and your choice of complimentary love flower or polished healing stone on your way out the door.
“That’s not me. My job is to help fix what’s broken.”
The Chapter That Helped Save Women
When Mr. Cormier was writing Mixed Nuts he decided to post a few chapters online to test how they might be received. One of those chapters was on Abusive Relationships. Rick received messages from nearly three dozen women asking, “My husband/boyfriend does X. Would that be considered abuse?”
Rick responded and helped as well as he could from his desktop computer in Santa Fe, NM. One of those women is one we’ll call “Susan.”
Susan’s husband was almost finished serving a prison sentence for his last act of domestic violence. Rick helped the 30-year-old mother of three through her separation, divorce, and child custody hearings. When Susan found full-time employment, she began giving public talks educating other women about domestic abuse. She calls Rick her “guardian angel” and insists that any guy who wants to date her will have to talk with Rick first.
Rick is hoping that his new book will have the same effect on others. Mixed Nuts is filled with stories and insights told in easy-to-read language, often with humor.
Some early reviews:
“I applaud your simple, direct, informative and realistic writing.”
“I ordered Mixed Nuts for my Kindle which says I’ve read 50% in my first sitting! Your anecdotes and humor are riveting, and depression guidelines helpful.”
“Rick was a bit hard on psychoanalysts. I suspect poor potty training.” ~Sigmund Freud
Available on Amazon.com and other bookstores. To read excerpts, go to http://synthrick.tripod.com/ mixednuts/
About the Author:
Rick Cormier, MEd, LCPC lives surrounded by mountain ranges in the suburbs of Santa Fe, NM, with his wife, his corgi, and his overworked camera. His “mindfulness practice” consists of drumming in a blues band, two kirtan bands, and hosting a community drum circle.
Click to download the 5/26/16 issue in its entirety: 05-26-16 SpanishShip
