The Depth of Her Touch: A Biography of Svetlana Masgutova, PhD, Creator of the MNRI® Reflex Integration Program

Fascinating read at the author writes in this gentle rhythm of gliding the pages between Dr. Masgutova’s upbringing, professional experiences, and providing information and hope to readers. As a mom of special needs children and children who have been through trauma it leaves me wondering… what if we try it? As a lover of historical nonfiction and self-help genres The Depth of Her Touch was a beautiful marriage of the two. I will continue to recommend this book to friends and professionals.

I loved the multiple stories combined in the past and present with the author and the subject of her story, while poignantly touched by tragedy, is one of an almost divine and mythical heroism. I have researched the MRNI process and am compelled to use it for myself as a neurotypical, but even more so for my three children on the autism spectrum, and possibly my husband also. This book is for anyone who wants to get a behind the scenes look at how a woman, such as Svetlana Masgutova, made her way into this specialized profession and her huge heart of compassion for the deep pain of humanity. I was moved and inspired to be the best person I can be and filled with hope for the future of medicine if we can just embrace the truth of how we actually heal. Bravo!

I just finished reading this and all I can say is...wow! This true story follows the personal journey of Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, from childhood to present day, as she develops and brings her unique method of reflex integration to the world. At times touching, heartbreaking, and inspiring, the story is told against the backdrop of a time of upheaval Russian history. Dr. Masgutova's personal story follows a similarly unpredictable path as she experiences personal triumphs and unthinkable traumas that all lead her to where she is today... changing the lives of thousands with her important work.This story is thoughtfully told by author Kathryn Carr. Kathryn draws the reader in with masterful writing that grips and pulls on the heartstrings throughout the entire book, from beginning to end, never letting go until the last page. She beautifully weaves the account of Dr. Masgutova's life journey with stories from the families and health care professionals whose lives Dr. Masgutova has impacted to create a lovely piece of art. What really made this book unique to me was the way Kathryn incorporated an explanation of the science of Dr. Masgutova's method of reflex integration in a way that did not alienate the reader. I am not a health care professional, and I was able to enjoy and understand the explanations as she used them to enrich the story. I can't wait to read what she writes next!

Full disclosure: My child with challenges has been significantly helped by the work of Dr. Masgutova when nothing else was working AT ALL. I knew this book was coming, and was looking forward to it. And I will tell you, it is so good on so many levels, and totally worth the sleep I had to give up to read it.This is so much more than a very interesting biography of an amazing woman whose work gives hope and real results to people who need it most. The author also shares her own heart and journey while writing this book, and also (and very significantly) details the MNRI/Masgutova Method of reflex integration in an understandable way.A must read for anyone who uses the word “therapy” on a weekly basis – parents/caregivers, providers, teachers, administrators -- and their friends and family.Also a must read for anyone wanting to be inspired.Edit: My mother-in-law also read this book, and said she really liked it because it helped her understand a lot about us, our situation, and how and why this therapy was helping her grandchild.

This is an inspirational story of the Masgutova Method used to change lives of individuals with physical and neurological developmental disorders, and trauma survivors. Despite personal trauma and much loss, Dr. Masgutova works with her patients to redefine their potential by using unconventional touch/reflex therapy. The author lovingly brings awareness and gratitude to Dr. Masgutova's life mission. Kathryn Carr has a gift of weaving the ugly with the beautiful to create an engaging story that kept me glued to the end.

This book is captivating as you are drawn into the story line. Dr. Masgutova's discoveries and wisdom that was shaped from such heart wrenching events will leave you awe-inspired! Her life of service to mankind is apparent with the countless lives she has touched. She is a gift to this world!

I found this book so inspiring for parents who are looking for hope for their children with challenges.

What a phenomenal story, written beautifully! A must-read...10 stars +!

An excellent book, I read it over a weekend. A very moving and compassionate account of Dr Musgutova's drive, resilience & determination to evolve her technique and make it available to all. From the impact of her great grand father's healing touch through to tough lessons learnt in supporting victims of the Chernobyl disaster, train accidents and survivors of the Sandy Hook school attacks etc. The author captures the seismic historical life changes in Russia and elsewhere. I really appreciated the use of real life stories of people who have been helped by MNRI and alongside complex underlying scientific and academic evidence. Can you imagine what a better world we could experience if we all knew and could apply this work at any time we needed it and in particular made it easily available to all children, especially new-borns. There is hope here for anyone who is seeking answers and support for themselves or their children. I hope the author will turn her creativity and skills to enlivening the Institutes training materials to make them much more accessible and understandable. I have done one MNRI course this year and had so many questions that this book has now helped to provide answers and perspective " - i.e. the 'cha cha' tapping tempo evolved from Dr Musgutova observing her mother dancing and linking that to specific stimulation points on the human body.