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Writer's pictureBrandt Ratcliff

Book Review: "Good Morning, Monster" by Catherine Gildiner


About a year ago, I was told about this book from one of my clients. I'm always looking for good reads, and I was genuinely impressed by Good Morning, Monster. The stories that the author, Catherine Gildiner, shares about her clients are not only compelling but also enlightening. This book offers a unique perspective from a therapist's point of view, delving deep into the complexities of challenging cases and the therapeutic journeys that each individual undergoes. The narrative weaves a tapestry of human experiences and emotions, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.


Good Morning, Monster narrates the therapists work with five clients, each grappling with their own emotional and psychological struggles. What struck me most was the theme of clients progressing through developmental stages as they heal, begining their journeys from being stuck in the trauma of their pasts. It's a poignant concept that underlines the transformative power of therapy. Gildiner masterfully brings out the nuances of these journeys, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The five cases highlighted in her career are:


  • Roberta: Roberta is a woman who has endured a lifetime of emotional and physical abuse. She struggles to confront her past trauma and make sense of her current life. Through therapy, she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery, ultimately finding the strength to confront her traumatic experiences and reclaim her life.

  • Paul: Paul is a man who grapples with the impact of a profound cultural wound, the trauma of his experiences as an Indigenous person in Canada. His story highlights the enduring effects of historical injustices and the resilience it takes to confront one's past and find a path to healing and reconciliation.

  • Marian: Marian is a woman who carries the emotional scars of a childhood marked by her mother's cruelty, who used to greet her with "Good morning, Monster." Her journey in therapy involves unraveling the impact of this early abuse, gaining self-esteem, and learning to build healthier relationships.

  • Rebecca: Rebecca, a gifted artist, struggles with the burdens of her family's expectations and the toll it takes on her emotional well-being. Her story delves into themes of identity, creativity, and the pressures of living up to others' standards, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and her own sense of self.

  • George: George, a complex character, faces a web of individual and familial wounds. His story explores the intricate dynamics of his family and the roles they've played in his life. Through therapy, George unravels the past and seeks to find his own identity and healing in the midst of familial complexities and trauma.


Catherine Gildiner's writing style is a perfect blend of narrative and analytical, which makes it particularly appealing to fellow therapists. Her ability to combine the personal with the professional, offering glimpses of her own parts' reactions, adds depth to the narrative. It's a refreshing and candid take on the therapeutic process, allowing readers to see the therapist's own growth and self-awareness throughout the book.


The stories in Good Morning, Monster are not just accounts of clients but windows into the human condition. Each one invoked a rollercoaster of emotions within me, fostering empathy and a profound connection to each the characters and their stories. I believe that therapists would benefit from the book by gaining insights and learning from Gildiner's experiences, while clients could find solace in the resonance with the characters' stories, realizing that they are not alone in their struggles.


As a therapist, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the characters and some of my own clients. The cultural wounds explored in Paul's story and the impact on his life, as well as the individual and familial wounds Marion endured who was repeatedly told "good morning, monster" by her mother, struck me as highly relevant and thought-provoking. It's a testament to the book's ability to transcend individual experiences and touch on universal themes.


Good Morning, Monster is a powerful and resonant book that offers a unique perspective on therapy, healing, and human resilience. Catherine Gildiner's storytelling and introspection make this a must-read for both therapists and clients, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the therapeutic journey.


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