The Longest Journey

the only way to heal ourselves and our lives is to confront
the hurts of the past head on . . .
The Longest Journey
Finding the True Self
By Amanda Stuart

Invariably when clients seek counselling, it is apparent that old
wounds — neglect, hurt and anger — are at the heart of the
presenting problem, sometimes decades later.

In The Longest Journey: finding the true self Amanda Stuart, a
respected and sought-after Melbourne counsellor, draws on 13
years of experience to highlight the effect of buried pain, and
how it relates to anxiety and depression in adults.

In these inspiring true stories Amanda Stuart describes how,
with the help of professional counselling, her clients have
triumphed over a range of obstacles and difficulties — covering
such taboo topics as a parent’s suicide and physical and sexual
abuse.

Including well-written, honest contributions from the clients
themselves, this ‘important’ and ‘profound’ book will provide
an invaluable tool for counsellors, students, parents, and
anyone wanting to understand and heal issues from their past.

About the Author

Since training as a counsellor and psychotherapist, Amanda Stuart has
worked with individuals, couples and families. The main focus of her work
with clients is to develop their sense of self, to improve their relationships
(particularly with partners), and to enable both men and women to
change negative patterns in their lives. Amanda Stuart encourages her
clients to use their creativity as a means to heal emotional pain, through
writing, drawing, painting or music. Exploring clients’ dreams is a
significant part of her work, leading clients to a richer understanding of
their emotional life.

Reviews for The Longest Journey

I read this book with surprise and delight. It is written in clear elegant prose without the heaviness
of professional jargon and psychological concepts. And its great centerpiece is the author’s clients,
describing in their own words the experience of counselling and the changes they were empowered
to make in their troubled lives. It will be especially helpful to beginning therapists and the general
public, particularly those wondering how therapy works and “Is it for me?” — Bob Sharples,
Psychologist /Psychotherapist

Amanda Stuart has done a superb job conveying the issues that bring people to therapy. She has
highlighted themes that are central to many people who suffer for too long, and presents the stories
of real clients in a way that is easy for others to relate to. Amanda is a gifted therapist who has
conveyed the therapy process in a way that is inspirational. This is a ‘must-read’ for anyone who is
debating whether or not to make that first phone call. — Judith Siegel, Associate Professor, School of
Social Work, New York University

This is a very important book that demonstrates the devastating long-term effects and feelings
of shame associated with child abuse. Confronting buried pain is pivotal to reclaiming life after
abuse and for many of the survivors in this book, sharing their stories has been a powerful tool
in overcoming feelings of shame, anger and sadness. — Bernadette McMenamin AO, CEO and
Founder of Child Wise

Stuart doesn’t leave any stone unturned – physical, sexual and emotional abuse; alcoholism; absent
parents; bullying; sibling rivalry. How we ‘survived’ our childhood has a huge bearing on how
we cope as adults in a complex and demanding world. Stuart’s book draws heavily on clients she
has helped immensely over the years. I warn you, though, these chapters really hit raw nerves. Be
brave, read this book (to help yourself, family or friends) and take a good grasp of life – and live!
— Wendy O’Hanlon, Acres Australia

The Longest Journey: finding the true self takes the reader into the intimate space of counselling and
psychotherapy. Clients of the author, Amanda Stuart, describe how their lives were explored, pain
experienced, insights gained and the way new and more positive pathways became possible in their
lives. Anyone considering therapy and those who have embarked on the process will find this book
beneficial, as will psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers. — Dr Coral Brown, Fellow of
the Australian Psychological Society, Assistant Director, The Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne
The Longest Journey: finding the true self is a profound book. It shares a powerful message that so
many of us have intentionally tried to hide from. Blissful ignorance is no longer an excuse. Our
children and future generations need us to learn from the lessons that are so eloquently shared by
the author, Amanda Stuart. — Dr Angus Pyke, Pyke Family Wellbeing

Price: AUD$24.95
Paperback, 346 pages
ISBN: 978 1921829857
Publisher: Sid Harta

www.amandastuart.com.au

www.amandastuart.com.au