Polio Place

Written jointly by a former patient and her psychotherapist, the book is a unique account about both sides of the therapeutic process. At first, the cause of Dorothea Nudelman’s depression seems to be the effects of post-polio syndrome that threatens all that she has worked so hard to achieve — both personally and professionally. However, David Willingham, using a wide range of tools-- from dream analysis to hypnosis to humor-- performs his role as counselor to help Dorothea uncover the hidden cause of her pain. Together, they convey with amazing clarity, the theoretical and practical issues involved in the progression of therapy and, ultimately, healing. In the end, Dorothea gains the confidence and tools she needs to overcome her depression when it strikes.

 Dorothea Nudelman (who passed away 5-30-09) was Professor of English at Foothill College, and President of the Foothill College Academic Senate where she coordinated the Writing Across the Curriculum program.