Shrink Unwrapped by Joel Schwartz

To treat patients using psychoanalysis, psychiatrists must first undergo their own analysis. And Dr. Jacob Fink plans to coast through his own stint on the shrink’s couch as quickly as possible. After all, there’s nothing wrong with him!

But soon, his forty‑five minute sessions unearth long‑buried struggles that are both profound and profane. Can a three‑year‑old who was unable to sit still on his carpet square in nursery school and constantly joked his way through his schooling ever be successful in life? Can listening to a weather forecast be dangerous to your health? Can a boy get a venereal disease just by thinking about girls? How can you get fresh semen stains out of white linen pants and beat a traffic ticket?

Jacob is on his way to a breakthrough when something unthinkable happens and he now has to dig deep to unwrap the last of his inner struggles and finally grow into the therapist he knows he can be.

Dr. Joel Schwartz is  the published author of 7 middle grade novels, including Upchuck Summer (Yearling, 1983), which sold over 150,000 copies, He is the Emeritus Chair of Psychiatry at Abington Memorial Hospital,  and a board certified adult and child psychiatrist/psychoanalyst. He is also a professional speaker, and works with organizations to improve workplace dynamics. In addition, he is an amateur stand‑up comic and wishful golfer. You can learn more about Dr. Schwartz at  http://www.stresslessshrink.com.

This funny poignant story is reminiscent of an updated Roth’s Portnoy’s Complaint. Savor the emotional  ride as Dr. Jacobs Fink’s analysis takes you through the smiles and tears of his journey to untangle himself.

Judy Carter, author of The Comedy Bible and The Message of You