"As a therapist and one who has read many profound books, I was not expecting to be so inspired and informed as I was after reading "The Real You." Gavin's relating of his own journey along with his selection of poetry and his profound insights moved me to my core.

This book can be used in many venues, such as an adjunct to therapy, or as a study book for groups, or simply to touch and assist you in embracing moments of truth on your own journey."

~ Sally Clark, MFT

"Loved it! In this book, Gavin shares the wisdom that he has learned from years of education, training, teaching and counseling other people. Gavin encourages us to live our life according to our authentic self and he masterfully demonstrates HOW to do that by vulnerably sharing powerful stories from his own life. I could read a million more of his life stories. You won’t regret reading this book. I hope Gavin writes more!!"

~ Kelly McNelis

"I would strongly encourage anyone interested in self-development, spirituality and psychology to grab a copy of “The Real You” by Gavin, former faculty member of the University of Santa Monica. “The Real You” is breathtaking in its scope and wisdom, combining the author’s personal stories with profound insights, and capped by useful suggestions on how to deal with a myriad of life issues.

Gavin shares his journey with the reader in an honest and heartfelt way: a brother imprisoned for murder who undergoes a spiritual transformation, a heroin-addicted sister who experiences a metamorphosis, a cancer-stricken father who graces Gavin with his unconditional love and caring. Gavin writes openly about divorce, psychological darkness and more—with such grace and self-revelation.

But “The Real You” is more than personal memoir—it is a book filled with valuable and important teachings for the reader. Here are a few memorable sentences that leapt out at me:
• “By honoring ourselves, by becoming our own most avid advocate and best friend, we anchor the quality of inner nobility.”
• “Life’s painful experiences are not designed to make us suffer, but to crack us open.”
• “Courageous conversations are vulnerable because they always involve entering the unknown.”

Here's a few of the many topics that touched me deeply: “The Power of Change,” “The Power of Apology,” and “The Nature of Emerging Truth.” I imagine you will find certain phrases and chapters that touch you deeply, too.

I highly recommend “The Real You” to the real you. I'm certain you'll be grateful and moved by the hard-fought knowledge he has gained through life experience and his decades of work as a therapist counseling hundreds of grateful clients."

~ Seth C. Kadish, PhD