Into The Woods: A Fairy-Tale Companion for Reflection on Everyday Life

A guided reflective companion for adults who want to think more deeply about the stories shaping their lives.Life is not a straight road. Sometimes the path disappears, and old stories can help us find our bearings again.Written by clinical psychologist and group analyst Dr Libby Nugent, Into the Woods draws on familiar fairy tales including Jack and the Beanstalk, The Six Swans, Cinderella, Sweet Porridge and The Three Little Pigs. Through these stories, it opens questions about courage, inheritance, invisible labour, belonging, limits, rupture and repair.The book moves through five widening circles of life: - Self - Family - Work - Community - SocietyEach short chapter contains: - a psychologically informed reading of a familiar tale; - open-ended questions and prompts; - three generous ruled pages for your own reflections.You can follow the book from beginning to end or open it wherever something catches your attention. Write a page, a sentence or a list. Pause, notice and return when you are ready. Reflection does not need to be hurried or performed.Created for adult readers who enjoy fairy tales, psychology and meaningful journalling, Into the Woods offers companionship rather than prescriptions. It leaves the stories open enough for your own memories, associations and questions to emerge.Take what is useful. Leave what is not. Follow the thread and see where it leads.