After 30 years of mental health counseling, psychotherapist Guy Shilts has created 13 rules
for living based on his observations about human nature.
Designed as a self-help guide, this book will help you investigate whether you are stuck in some survival pattern from your youth, it will
help you understand how family issues follow you through life until they are identified (and modified), and it will help you make decisions
that will lead you to your own happiness (and not someone else's).
It’s rarely easy for any of us to weave our way through the complexities of life without stumbling at some point.
We endure sad mistakes of the heart, we allow solid reasoning to be flawed by emotional reactions, and we slip into
difficult relationships with those who are closest to us too frequently. Why do these things happen and how can we fix them?
Thankfully, Guy Shilts has given us a well-structured approach to finding answers. He motivates us to move forward.
He puts our experiences into perspective and gives us skills that strengthen our lives.
In his book, Guy’d Lines, we are exposed to a great deal of wisdom and insight drawn from his time with grateful clients.
Like them, we too can move toward better emotional health. Thanks, Guy, for showing us how to grow and mature, and how to
make sense out of these difficult lives that we lead.
Richard D. Sovde, Ed.D.
Harvard University
Superintendent of Schools (retired)
Washington State
"Guy’d Lines" is a wonderful resource and truly a joy to read. Guy Shilts has an innate ability to understand people,
and his genuine love for helping them improve their lives comes through in every page.
The book is cleverly designed in a way that allows the reader to digest a lot of serious information, while the book is
still easy to read and reference.
As a husband, father, and coach the book helped me to see myself more clearly
and undoubtedly has improved my relationships. I don’t think there is a person out there who won’t see some part of
themselves in this book and would not benefit from the wonderful experience of "Guy’d Lines"
Frank Barnes, USPTR
UW-Whitewater Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach
Warhawk Tennis Camp Director
My first impression of Guy’d Lines was that this was a book by a psychotherapist for psychotherapists.
As such, I did not anticipate that I would find it valuable reading. To the contrary,
I found the book to be intriguing from the very first page. To the reader from outside the profession of psychotherapy,
Guy’d Lines provides a fascinating insight into this complex profession.
The author captures the essential elements
of what psychotherapists do, but the writing is clear, humorous, and includes many excellent examples.
In addition to sharing the wealth of knowledge gained over thirty years in the profession, the author
invites the reader to reflect on his/her own life experiences in the context of common psychological
issues and rules for mental health.
Throughout the book, most readers will catch themselves exclaiming,
"I can relate to that" or "I know someone like that." The author then provides a logical structure to understand behaviors
and then suggests ways to improve mental health based on this understanding.
I believe that this book provides an informative and entertaining approach that will appeal to those both inside and outside
the profession.
Jeffrey C. Barnett, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Education
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
What I found absolutely wonderful about this book, is that Guy creates 13 rules to live by that are all based on
common sense and tasks that are easily accomplished within our everyday lives.
Furthermore he does so in a way that is both interesting and humorous. It requires that the reader look within themselves
to confront whatever issues they might have, and makes them primarily responsible for their own happiness in the future.
Jonathan C. Enslin
Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
I have been seeing Guy Shilts off and on since 1989. He has had a profound effect on the way my life has turned out.
Throughout the years he has also seen other family members and friends. I have and will continue to recommend anyone to see
him because his is one of the best, if not the best therapist around. It seemed only natural to me that he would write a
book that combines his own experiences with that of his patients. To be able to offer his caring, nonjudgemental and
very down to earth help to those in need via a book is a fantastic idea. I had the honor of being asked to participate in the
making of the book, as one of the three patients he asked to play an active role. It was a great experience and one that
I will never forget.
The book reads easy enough, it's especially interesting when you are reading other patients experiences.
It's possible for the reader to experience many AH HA moments, because it's written for the average person who does not have
a degree in counseling. The quotes and other miscellaneous information on the sidebars can be a bit distracting, but
they are also very insightful. The artist, Gary Gandy, is a local who did a tremendous job with his drawings.
All in all, I find it to be a great offering from a great therapist who really does know what he's talking about,
and would recommend it to anyone who is searching for answers.
Kathy Helgeson
Milton, Wisconsin
Guy has captured the essence of so many critical issues facing our
mental health practitioners. His book combines his wonderful humor,
story-telling ability, and strong conceptual knowledge to create a
"must read" book.
As a long time school administrator with a background in educational
psychology, I believe the book will provide direction for those working
with family and other system issues, troubled individuals, special
education students, at-risk and hard to reach students, and more. A
wonderful bonus is Guy's unique analysis of therapy which provide
therapists and each of us with better self-understanding by creating
opportunities for growth. If you read this book, there is a high
probability you will be more effective in and better enjoy your
profession.
A few words come to mind when I think of the author - compassionate,
creative, knowledgeable, and caring! All of these attributes show
through in this most enjoyable reading experience. Obviously, I recommend
"Guy'd Lines" without any hesitations whatsoever. Thank you.
Tom Evert
Superintendent of Schools, School District of Janesville
Guy’d Lines are really life lessons, ones that we all need to learn. People can either learn them painfully through
their life experiences, expensively through psychotherapy, or easily and humorously through reading Mr. Shilts’ book.
I know that reading it has helped me put my life into perspective and understand why I act the way that I do.
Vivian Creekmore, LCSW, MSW
Guy Shilts distills a lifetime of work and learning into an intuitive, easy-to-understand, practical way of learning
about and changing our life rules. Guy’d Lines helps the reader make sense of their own others underlying assumptions
and shows them how to improve their lives by developing new, healthier rules for living.
Dr. Michael Kaye, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
President of Psych Screening
Guy’d Lines by Guy Shilts is a great resource for anyone going
through the recovery process or for anyone wanting to learn more about themselves.
Guy demonstrates an intimate understanding of every day issues that stand in the way of our spiritual and emotional growth.
Guy’d Lines is easy to read and to apply to one’s self. This book can be used as a roadmap to enlightenment and to a higher
quality of life.
Michael Sheridan
Wisconsin State Representative
Not only was this book very inspirational to read, but also the personal
touches that are through out the book, from the notes in the margins, to the
illustrations are uplifting as well as humorous. This book makes you look at
your life in a way that will make you smile, laugh and cry all at the same time.
I love this book because we are all, at some point in time, looking back at
our lives and how it made us who we are today. This book takes you on a step-by-step
journey to help you uncover life and relationships, past, present and future.
Guy Shilts book is written in such a way that you can't help but wonder what your
life would have been like if you didn't pick it up and read it.
Very INSIGHTFUL, POWERFUL and INSPIRATIONAL......... five stars just aren't enough!!!
There's no other book like it, where the Author is so committed to helping everyone
understand life a little bit easier! Thanks Guy!
- M. Peters
I was introduced to this book as an adjunct to my practicum experience while a graduate student
in the counseling program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. What resonates for me is
the wealth of experience and wisdom that is compiled into an amazing resource for laymen and
professionals.
I am impressed with the author's straightforward consideration of "facing your own truths,"
and his ability to successfully weave this concept into a psychotherapeutic framework.
I believe this is a wonderful read for anyone, and a "must-have" book for students and clinical
repertoires of experienced and 'newly-emerging' therapists.
- L. Beal
I have read and re-read this book. I found it to be very, very theraputic
and would recommend it to anyone that is searching within for a healthier being.
- P.J. Anderson
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