By: Shira Friedman
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
ISBN: 979-8891326804
Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose
Review Date: May 6, 2025
Written by Shira Friedman, a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), clinical psychotherapist and holistic energy healer, Midwife of the Soul: A Teaching Memoir Through the Lens of an HSP Psychotherapist is a personal memoir as well as a resource guide for other HSPs and teachers or parents of HSPs on how to interact with them. The book begins with poignant vignettes of the author's childhood, describing several memories of traumatic incidents pulled from her past. But it is far from being a lament about how unfair life can be. Instead, it reminds us of the potential we all have within us. Following the author’s journey of self discovery and spiritual awakening, this book offers comfort and strength to those who seek it.
As a homeschooling mother of seven children, cohabiting with abusive and neglectful partners, single-handedly managing a household on the brink of poverty, coupled with added work stress on top of that, Friedman went through a lot of crisis - both physical and mental. She struggled to put food on the table for her family but she never gave up on pursuing her academic and career goals. She juggled multiple part-time jobs to sustain her children’s educational needs and her family’s growing financial demands, while still keeping up with her coursework at the same time. It was not an easy feat and she often had nervous breakdowns when her body would refuse to cooperate with her.
But her mother’s refrain "children should not be seen or heard" haunted her and she strived to be acknowledged by others. As a highly sensitive and empathetic person, she was conditioned to accommodate other people’s needs before her own and this people-pleasing attitude held her back from attaining any form of true freedom. Suppressing her voice and emotional needs had become second nature. Breaking out of that shell required immense power, which she was simply incapable of summoning. Unable to find the courage to carry on and exhausted by the never-ending challenges that life threw at her, when everything seemed to spiral out of her control, she turned to religion and spiritual practices for solace. She began trying different methods to regain peace and calm of her mind.
While the book provides us important advice gleaned from the author’s turbulent experiences, it also wonderfully records the gradual yet steady development of her character throughout the years as a healed and strong woman. In one place she shares that her mission "is to serve my clients as a 'midwife of the soul' by helping them transmute their weaknesses into strengths with the goal of transforming their lives as they participate in the joyful process of birthing their own unique soul." What we have here is not just a memoir but also precious teachings for readers who are struggling to find meaning in their lives. Perhaps, this is the reason why reading this book can be a very moving experience for everyone, opening up possibilities for us to return to our roots, reconnect with Mother Nature and to engage in traditions of healing by drawing from her wisdom. Regardless of time, culture or nationality, it helps people find renewed faith in the gift of spiritual consciousness and inspires us to embrace the light that shines within us.
Quill says: This book is a reminder to HSPs to stop considering their heightened sensitivity as a flaw and start seeing this unique trait as their superpower!
For more information about Midwife of the Soul: A Teaching Memoir Through the Lens of an HSP Psychotherapist, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/midwife-of-the-soul-a-teaching-memoir-through-the-lens-of-an-hsp-psychotherapist-by-shira-friedman
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