Chapter 1: A Promising Title

Recently, I purchased a book titled "Tissue Therapy in Working with Different Categories of Clients," hoping it would enhance my professional library. However, my expectations were not met.

The author, Elena Tararina, is a certified art therapist, the president of the Eastern Ukrainian Art Therapy Association, and a candidate of pedagogical sciences. Her book was published in 2018 by the small press "Variant" and is part of the "Art Therapist Library" series, marketed as a scientific and methodological manual.

As I held the book, I noticed its physical attributes:

• Sturdy hardcover
• Glossy exterior
• Standard dimensions
• Thick, white paper

However, this is where my positive impressions ended.

The book spans just 92 pages, and the font is excessively large—akin to the type used in children's fairy tales for pre-kindergarten readers. Only four to five modest words fit on a single line. The section titled "Features of Using Tissue Therapy in Working with Clients of Different Ages" barely occupies one incomplete page. You can read this section below and judge for yourself its depth.

Let's take a look at the book's structure:

• 1 page — about the author
• 1 page — table of contents
• 1 page — advertisement for the publishing house
• 2 pages — text from reviewers
• 5 pages — bibliography
• 6 pages — notes
• 9 pages — advertising for training courses

Ultimately, this leaves us with only 67 pages of actual content. While I hoped for more, I am reluctant to dismiss it outright; perhaps quality compensates for quantity.

Regrettably, my inner child feels disappointed—beneath the appealing cover lies nothing of substance, not even a metaphorical treat!

After a few hours of reading, I found no answers to my queries regarding the use of fabric in therapeutic practices or its advantages over other artistic expressions. I didn't encounter anything particularly unique or engaging in the proposed techniques.

To my astonishment, there were also no illustrations, which feels quite odd for a book focused on art therapy. There were no examples of fabric installations or analyses of completed works.

This book might suit students or novice professionals just embarking on their journey in art therapy. But as the saying goes, pick it up, flip through it, and… "think for yourself, decide for yourself—whether to keep it or not."

In closing, I must emphasize that even negative experiences contribute to our growth! For a modest price, I not only faced disappointment but also gained a valuable insight to broaden my professional horizons.

The first video, "It's Okay Not to Think for Yourself (Philosopher Explains)," explores the philosophical implications of self-reliance in decision-making.

The second video, "Peter Adamson - Don't Think For Yourself: Philosophy, Authority, and Belief In Medieval Cultures," delves into the historical context of authority and belief systems.