books
Happy as Larry
A Psychiatrist's Quest for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
From the Press release:
Filled with engaging tales of a troubled childhood, a challenging career, adult heartbreak, global adventures, cosmic coincidences and many other extraordinary events, Happy as Larry skilfully blends narrative and reflection into a remarkable tapestry, the journey towards wisdom and spiritual maturity of a man determined – through his persistent search for mental health, wellbeing and wholeness – not only to cure his own ills, but also to unravel the mysteries of emotional healing that lead others dependably to personal growth, joy, contentment and love.
‘This is a wonderful book’.
Kenneth Wilson
If you are unhappy with today’s secular society, concerned about where we all seem to be heading, disenchanted with traditional religious teachings and practices, feeling a need to go beyond the superficiality of everyday life, eager to discover meaning and a renewed sense of purpose, this enjoyably thought-provoking memoir is tailor-made for readers like you.
Published by New Generation Publishing - ISBN: 978-1835638934, 517 pages. Paperback (RRP: £16.99/$22.64) and E-book (£4.99/$6.74) formats. Audio-book to follow.
Praise for Happy as Larry
There are few wiser or more compassionate thinkers than this author, who writes engagingly with great clarity. His remarkably revealing book represents a milestone in human self-understanding. Highly recommended. Sir Anthony Seldon. Education specialist and historian.
This is a wonderful book. Dr. Culliford's long pilgrimage to happiness and mental wellbeing is compelling. That the author is a senior psychiatrist makes it even more important, highly valuable to everyone interested in their own best mental and emotional self. Kenneth Wilson. Founding Director of 'Soul of India Tours'; author of 'Highway Cello'.
What is mental health? Larry Culliford understood early on that it is far more than the absence of mental disorder. He weaves from his life and clinical work a fascinating tapestry which lays out for the reader his heartfelt and deeply spiritual response to that vital question. Dr Rob Ferris. Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist.
The beautifully flowing prose takes readers on a journey through the joys and challenges of a psychiatrist's career, allowing us to learn from the candid reflections the author has on his life. Psychiatrists like me will note in the background the changes to our profession, and will grieve the loss of a bygone era, one in which we could spend much more frequent and better quality therapeutic time with our patients. I recommend the book highly to both psychiatrist and non-psychiatrist readers; a veritable gold mine of wisdom, it is certain to bring personal and professional growth to all who read it with care. Omur Miles. Psychiatrist.
This cheerful autobiography highlights the wisdom of kind silence for healing. It covers Larry’s work and life experiences in New Zealand, Australia, USA, India, the Middle East and elsewhere, and sensitively mentions his long-distance love stories. It also reveals his contribution towards founding and developing the 'Psychiatry and Spirituality' special interest group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He comes across as a true pioneer and this is his wonderful story. Natalie Tobert. Medical Anthropologist, London.
A story of courage and integrity, Larry's fight for personal sanity became a genuine commitment to seek the well-being of others. This heart-warming narrative offers a thoughtful and generous account of the real people who have shared and contributed to his adventurous journey. Rev. Geoffrey Johnson. Former NHS Senior Chaplain
This fascinating memoir is a testament to the human search for meaning and authenticity. Following Larry’s developing personal and professional understanding of mental health, spiritual wisdom, friendships and loving relationships, the reader is invited in turn fruitfully to reflect with honesty on their own life journey. Fiona Gardner. Psychotherapist and spiritual director, author of 'Night Sea Journeying'.
Having known him for over fifty years, I was continually amazed by his recall of the details, and I so enjoyed reading this book of Larry's exceptional life. Peter C. Stephenson. Family Doctor, Brisbane, Australia.
Larry Culliford is a man of uncommon integrity. This marvellous book lights a beacon of hope for humanity in remarkably troubled times. Philip Sykes. Retired pilot.
More Books by Dr Culliford
"Drawing on decades of clinical experience and personal introspection, Dr Larry Culliford explores a deceptively simple yet profoundly important question: What truly constitutes mental health?
This is not a conventional self-help book, nor a purely academic text. Instead, Culliford offers readers a lived inquiry, one rooted in real encounters with patients, families, mentors, suffering, burnout, and healing. From the opening chapters, it becomes clear that the author’s understanding of mental health goes far beyond the absence of illness. For Culliford, wellbeing is an ongoing process of growth, self-awareness, compassion, connection, and spiritual maturity.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its storytelling. Clinical encounters are rendered with sensitivity and humanity, never reducing patients to diagnoses. Whether describing a young woman grieving an unacknowledged loss, a traumatised adolescent engaging in self-harm, or families trapped in destructive emotional patterns, Culliford consistently centres the reader’s attention on the person rather than the pathology. These stories are not used for dramatic effect; they are offered as learning moments, illustrating how healing often arises from presence, listening, and kindness rather than technical intervention alone. The memoir aspect of the book is equally compelling.
At its heart, Happy as Larry is a hopeful book. It suggests that even after trauma, emotional neglect, or professional burnout, growth remains possible."
