Full of compassionate wisdom … a rich, wise book

The case-studies here are presented so well that they often read like good fiction, but by an author who is endlessly patient with her characters … There are all kinds of lessons to be learnt from this wise, kindly book … Julia Samuel has a basic faith in human decency, and her optimism shines through every sentence

Julia Samuel’s compassionate realism shines through every word of this wise, kind volume. It is emphatically not a ‘self-help’ book, but a beautifully written celebration of the strength of the human spirit … Wisdom and experience alone would make this essential reading for us all – but, in addition, the extraordinary generosity of Julia’s personality shines through every word, offering profound understanding and consolation … It feels a privilege reading this wonderful book full of insight

Cannot recommend it highly enough

In this moving and insightful book, Julia Samuel explores how we can navigate, adapt and ultimately become the people we’d hope to be but also to nurture ourselves and understand what makes us us (…) this is just the book we all need when times get tough – and even when they aren’t … [A] comfort read

A comforting and enlightening read … If you’re looking for comfort in the presence of wise and caring strangers, then this is the book for you

The psychotherapist author of the acclaimed Grief Works returns with a bracing, brilliant exploration of how we can adapt and thrive during our most difficult times (…) Samuel dispenses much wisdom and empathy about the hard times we experience (…) to help us better navigate the changes we will all face sooner or later

I loved This Too Shall Pass. So full of wisdom and light. I learnt a lot and also felt comforted and soothed. Julia really is a force for good in the world. I wish more people could experience the joy of being with her, and this book is a way that they can

As you read this book, you absorb new and radical ways of thinking about yourself, family, and friends. It’s compassionate and gentle yet is fiercely on the side of building sustainable and satisfying relations even when they have gone wrong. Read it.

Julia Samuel is the psychotherapist you wish you had on call and her books are the next best thing. The challenges we all face in life are unpicked, explained and made bearable in this thoughtful, illuminating book. A book for anyone experiencing the pain of change from divorce to debilitating illness. Julia Samuel’s stories from the therapy room light the way for the rest of us’