Existential Psychotherapy

Book Description

The noted Stanford University psychiatrist distills the essence of a wide range of therapies into a masterful, creative synthesis, opening up a new way of understanding each person's confrontation with four ultimate concerns: isolation, meaninglessness, death, and freedom.

Customer Reviews:

Essential Reading for Philosophers, Parents and Psychology Students.......2007-08-10

I first picked up this book for a university assignment on Irvin Yalom and was amazed that I had got through an undergrad degree in psychology without hearing about him. This book is so interesting and accessible and I immediately clicked with his ideas and approach. Yalom comes across as very knowledgeable, explaining and challenging theories of psychology and how they support or contrast to the existential approach. He offers much practical advice and food for thought. The book is very enlighting for parents in regards to how children perceive and deal with death. There has not been enough written on that subject. I have almost finished reading the book and when I do I plan to start reading it all over again.

A psychotherapy practice could be built on this book!.......2006-10-05

I have recommended this book to one client who found it extremely useful as a means of managing his fear of death. Yalom's idea that the fears associated with the existential concerns of isolation, freedom, death, and sense of purpose form part of our subconscious-conscious dynamics is brilliant and original. He makes the argument that the anxieties associated with these concerns form a very early part of our experience and that they're repressed when the newborn is taught that it is not OK to experience these fears because he/she is either "special" or protected by a higher power, such as God. He states that the existential crises challenge these defenses creating depression, panic attacks, and other disorders. He develops these and many other useful notions all throughout the book. It is a long but fairly easy and clear read. If you're stymied by the length of the book you could start with his "The Gift of Therapy". Enjoy!

Not morbid in the least.......2006-09-27

Yalom points out that people often use one of two opposite methods for quelling death-anxiety: the "myth of specialness" in which a person places themselves outside of humanity so as not to die, and the myth of an ultimate rescuer, where a person clings to the idea of a savior to whom they can be subjugated. Both are dysfunctional. Other than saying that love ameliorates but does not eliminate death-anxiety, Yalom fails to offer a construct for balancing inward and outward-directed methods of dealing with that most terrible of all prospects, one's personal annihilation.

Although Dr. Yalom addresses existential guilt, defined as the guilt from failing to lead a self-actualized life, he does not address the emotional fallout that may stem from the human situation of needing to "kill to live", the fact that on some level the natural state of man's existence incorporates murdering other creatures. I would also have enjoyed learning more about how, on a personal level, one can overcome the isolating forces inherent in a competitive society, and why no less the direct experience of another's death is, in many cases, insufficient to motivate movement towards a more integrated way of functioning in the world.

The fact that Dr. Yalom has stimulated these critical thoughts is a tribute to the rich quality of insights his book offers. Throughout the book he intersperses valuable bits of wisdom. I paraphrase: "exhortation rarely works with a patient", "typical of a person who claims to feel unloved is an unwillingness to love", "when a patient begins to make an important revelation, the best way to encourage it is to make a meta-comment on the circumstances that surround the revelation, for example how it makes the patient feel, rather than on the subject matter itself."

"Existential Psychotherapy" does what all great books do, it intimately brings the reader into an environment they might not otherwise be able to visit, in this case his conversations and therapy sessions with dying patients. Despite the "morbid" nature of the topic, I closed the final page enriched.

From Literature to Science.......2006-07-19

My approach to Yalom came from literature. This is an interesting point of view of what our lives are supposed to be.

Most Illuminating Psych Book I've Read.......2006-04-04

As a psychiatrist, I have yet to read a more illuminating book on how mental illnesses can develop, and how to help patients' to become free of them.
Existential Psychotherapy presents a theory of the existential forces that drive all human beings--knowledge of death, of our aloneness in the world, and of "meaninglessness" (the utter inconsequence of our one life in the entirety of the universe). It shows how these forces are powerful influences in shaping human mental health and illness.
Other reviewers here point out that the basic existential issues Yalom presents are well-known to academics and to many literate people who are exposed to them in that good, broad, liberal arts education we (still?) get in college. But what Yalom achieves in this book, has not to my knowledge been accomplished before (nor since): a presentation of these ideas to an audience of clinicians in a lucid, beautifully written, way that is salient to the daily practice of psychotherapy.
Yalom is a rare psychiatrist who is not only a master of the art of teaching and practicing psychiatry, but for this book, ventured into philosophy, literature, history, and sociology, and then integrated the wisdom each brings to the study of human nature, into a clear and cohesive whole, a beautifully written theory of the existential dimension of men's fears, drives, and actions, and how this dimension creates mental illness or health, depending on how each person handles it.
What is amazing is how such a book is now buried in the archives of (relative) obscurity, while others, recycling the same old tired ideas, reign on.
So what do these lofty insights in Yalom's book contribute that is unique and powerful to us lowly practitioners toiling daily in our offices in the (seemingly more banal) task of helping patients with daily crises, complaints, resistance to change, and painful repetitions of self-destructive life choices?
One very important tool: a true understanding of the power of existential concerns, not only in creating mental illness and self-destructive life paths, but, by shining a light on them-- capturing that elusive force of change: MOTIVATION. This force, and how to harness it to help patients overcome their suffering, has for me been one of my greatest challenges as a doctor. And one for which most books on psychotherapy have fallen short in helping me tackle.
In the sections "death" and "will", (two of the four main sections in the book), Yalom forges a path that I could follow, to help my patients free themselves of the fears that block motivation for change. In short, Yalom shows how the anxiety about, (and thus avoidance of) awareness of our death and aloneness, can cripple us into denial, and resistance to changing those of our behaviors that shield us from these truths. But, these very fears, when faced and reframed--as the awareness of one's finite limits, and of the freedom that comes along with one's aloneness, become extremely potent engines for change. Other peoples' judgements, and fear of failure, lead us to believe that the human "judges" are the most important threat in our lives. But in Yalom's world, these feared judgements pale in comparison to the the consequences of inaction. When we live with acute awareness that we waste our only life when we are beholden to judges who are after all, mortal and alone just like us, this can shake us up to MOVE and LIVE, in this finite life, in a way other insights cannot.
This example of how avoidance of existential fears leads to anxiety, low self-worth, and depression, is but one vignette in this book. Yalom applies his theory to the gamut of mental illness, and includes discussion of how narcissism, perversions, obssessions, masochism, sadism, ...the list goes on, are fueled by existential concerns. Yalom argues that they all boil down to one of two main strategies we humans employ to "forget" Death, Aloneness, and Meaninglessness: Either we escape too much into the protective cover of the GROUP, and become mindless group robots who drone through life until illness, or loss forces us to suddenly face our mortality, at which point many of us panic, or become depressed, OR, we get sucked into this defiant delusion : "I am SPECIAL"...smarter, more rebellious, unfettered by the social conventions of meek men, thus free of death's jaws". This reaction then can lead to reckless, impulsive, pseudo "powerful" behaviors that are often the fuel of many "acting out" mental problems: addiction, sociopathy, sadism, and narcissism.
Enough of my words-read and feel the power of Yalom's words in this great book.

Love's Executioner: & Other Tales of Psychotherapy (Perennial Classics)

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A Masterfully told account of the tension between therapist and patient
Yalom tackles the inescapable issues of being human
fascinating
Tales of a Psychologist
Thank You Dr. Yalom

Love's Executioner: & Other Tales of Psychotherapy (Perennial Classics)
Irvin D. Yalom
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial Modern Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060958340
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Book Description

The collection of ten absorbing tales by master psychotherapist Irvin D. Yalom uncovers the mysteries, frustrations, pathos, and humor at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. In recounting his patients' dilemmas, Yalom not only gives us a rare and enthralling glimpse into their personal desires and motivations but also tells us his own story as he struggles to reconcile his all-too human responses with his sensibility as a psychiatrist. Not since Freud has an author done so much to clarify what goes on between a psychotherapist and a patient.

Customer Reviews:

A Masterfully told account of the tension between therapist and patient.......2007-08-31

In the tales that Dr. Yalom relates in this book, he shares the accounts of his patients' problems, however, and more profoundly he shares a great deal of himself and how he responds to these problems. The image that emerges is that of a therapist who is not always right, nor always agreeable, but always human. His defects are made endearing by the fact that he is aware of them and struggles with them. He is a first rate storyteller and the glimpse he allows us into the therapeutic relation is quite worthwhile.

Yalom tackles the inescapable issues of being human.......2007-08-10

A friend gave me this book a few days ago. My friend is very well-educated, has lived all over the world, and has experienced more than most people. When he gave me the book, he said to me, "This book reflects my vision of the world". How could I help but be intrigued? Opening the book, he then read the following passage from the Preface: "Four givens are particularly relevant for psycho-therapy: the inevitability of death for each of us and for those we love; the freedom to make our lives as we will; our ultimate aloneness; and, finally, the absence of any obvious meaning or sense to life." When I recently read the novel LIFE AND FATE, which takes its characters through the massive Battle of Stalingrad and Stalin's Great Terror, I couldn't help thinking how poor in material for great novels is the typical life of a prosperous, well-educated professional living today in the OECD. Compared to the intensity of the experiences described in LIFE AND FATE, even wonderful writers like Ian McEwan are boring. But, as the Preface accurately foreshadows, there is nothing boring about LOVE'S EXECUTIONER, because my friend is right-- the four issues described in the Preface do indeed define the human condition. In a sense, LOVE'S EXECUTIONER offers, in the broadest possible sense, the ancient wisdom found in Psalms 90: "Teach us to number our days: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Dr. Yalom is quite frank about what he considers the "magical" thinking and "delusion" involved in religious belief, however. Aside from his commitment to unflinchingly acknowledge the truths he describes in his Preface (and therefore, "Teach us to number our days"), Dr. Yalom's faith resides in the healing potential of the relationship between the therapist and the patient. This could be generalised to incorporate the Second Commandment to "Love thy neighbour as thyself" with its emphasis on human relationships and mutual openness, but one senses that Dr. Yalom would acknowledge this point, at best, with a sardonic shrug--"Whatever gets you through the night." Yalom is his own main character, and LOVE'S EXECUTIONER is a dramatic account of how the "character" Dr. Yalom undergoes dramatic encounters with deeply troubled characters not unlike the way the "character" Dante encounters vividly depicted souls in Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Like Dante's DIVINE COMEDY, LOVE'S EXECUTIONER is episodic. The ten tales all vary and will affect individual reader's differently. For some reason, I found the case of the morbidly obsese woman deeply moving, while being most unsettled by the cases of the elderly neurobiologist and the elderly accountant--perhaps because they were the patients most similar to me. thers will relate to other patients, but what Yalom consistently does in each of these stories is to bring out the fascinating richness and complexity of human beings, the many layers and conflicting motivations and emotions, and by doing so he fully justifies the intense struggles and engagement of "Dr. Yalom", the character, in his efforts to diagnose and heal his patients, all of whom, whether likable or not, seem intensely alive in the pages of LOVE'S EXECUTIONER. This not to say that Yalom is a genius of the order of Dante, of course, but these tales have an intensity that can be compared to the effect of great literature. Dr. Yalom derives his authority, not from artistic genius (although he is a skillful and sophisticated writer) but from the fact that he is intimately familiar with terrain that frightens and intimidates most of us: severe psychological distress, grief, suicidal feelings, depression, unresolvable anxiety. Like Dr. Szczeklik, the author of CATHARSIS, Dr. Yalom maintains his poise under circumstances in which most of us would be acutely uncomfortable, and probably ineffectual. The fact that these two doctors can calmly navigate the ground of life and death, of insanity and inner darkness, sets them apart and makes their books compelling.

fascinating.......2007-05-22

I am generally not a fan of modern psychological methods and their inability to face the spectre of death and the fundamental decay of our 'modern' civilisation (primitive cultures were much more sensible in their organization in comparison with the capitalist terror we have created).. This is precisely why dr. yalom's book appeals to me.. It is a certain breed of existensial psychology that looks at death head on.. but credit must also be given to yalom's obvious personal report with his patients and his understanding of humanity (something experience seems to play a key role in)..
I have never been so struck by the personal accounts of the theraputic process in the very moving stories yalom has compiled here.. I found myself completely absorbed from the first pages on.. I feel that i have greatly benefited from reading this book.

Tales of a Psychologist.......2007-05-07

Irving Yalom is very frank and very blunt about countertrasference situations with his patients. Very interesting vignettes that I highly recommend for students, professionals, and faculty alike.

Thank You Dr. Yalom.......2007-04-29

An incredible book. Dr. Yalom restored my faith in therapists and human beings. I have read the book twice and given to many friends as gift. The most healing aspect of the book is one's realization that EVERY individual is flawed, conflicted, volunerable ... and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance is the only path to reaching inner-peace and content.

The Yalom Reader: Selections from the Work of a Master Therapist and Storyteller

Average customer rating:

An interesting page turner...
Humanistic - Existential Psychotherapy
An excellent overview of Yalom's prior work

The Yalom Reader: Selections from the Work of a Master Therapist and Storyteller
Irvin D. Yalom , and Ben Yalom
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0465036104

Book Description

In this anthology of Irvin Yalom's most influential work to date, readers will experience the diversity of his writings, with pieces that range from the highly concrete and clinical to the abstract and theoretical and, of course, even to the literary. Yalom opens the reader with frank and enlightening autobiographical introduction and then proceeds through four distinctive parts,"Group Psychotherapy," "Existential Psychotherapy," "Merging Group and Existensial Psychotherapy," and "On Writing." The structure of the book follows in many ways the trajectory of Yalom's career, and the selections include excerpts from his text books, an award-winning monograph on existential group therapy; previously unpublished case studies, and excerpts from Loves Executioner; When Nietzsche Wept, and Lying on the Couch. In addition, Dr. Yalom has written a new introductory essay for each of his trade books, which focus on the evolution of his career and thinking since the books were originally published.

In both his nonfiction and fiction, Yalom uses the lens of psychotherapy to explore human nature, and shows us that the line between the true and the imagined is not always easily distinguished. This fascinating volume will appeal to both a professional and general audience.

Customer Reviews:

An interesting page turner..........2006-11-11

I have read several of Yalom's books, and each of them have been wonderfully written and engaging. This book was a great overview of his previous books, and it makes me want to purchase all of his books. He is a great writer, understandable, and inspiring. A must read for anyone in the counseling field!

Humanistic - Existential Psychotherapy.......2004-01-06

An Excellent synthesis of Yalom's former publications. Yalom is very easy to read, yet informative. He does not write in the troublesome professional jargon of other psychiatrists. Anyone going into the field of psychotherapy, counseling, social work, etc. should read this book. A great book is one that is informative yet enjoyable at the same time. This work leaves a desire to read all of Yalom's books. I just purchased Existential Psychotherapy and I have already read When Nietzsche Wept and Love's Executioner. From a student in Philosophy looking to go into clinical psychology.

An excellent overview of Yalom's prior work.......2003-11-06

As a psychologist working in a college counseling center, I found this book to be a useful review of Yalom's prior publications. The first part of the book draws from Yalom's definitive text on group therapy, THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY. In this section, he addresses some of the most salient therapeutic factors to group treatment as well provides vital guidelines for therapists serving as group facilitators. He also describes group therapy with several different types of specialized groups: hospitalized patients, patients addicted to alcohol, the terminally ill, and the bereaved (although this last group was aimed at widows/widowers, I have been able to adapt some of the concepts to my work wtih college students). Part two centers on existential therapy, as Yalom provides excerpts from his previous text by that same name. He spends time examining each of the four ultimate concerns--death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness--and he focuses particularly on death and anxiety in psychotherapy. In the final section of the book, Yalom espouses on psychology and writing, and he reviews his journey from therapist to fiction writer. Yalom is a thoughtful and engaging writer who provides intelligent insights into some of the most critical areas of psychotherapy in this enjoyable and important book.

Momma and the Meaning of Life: Tales of Psychotherapy

Average customer rating:

fantastic read
Great Read
A gem from a master psychotherapist
Yalom speaks to and for all of us
Greatly flawed but decent read.

Momma and the Meaning of Life: Tales of Psychotherapy
Irvin D. Yalom
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060958383

Amazon.com

Tales of therapy are also tales of therapists, and Irvin D. Yalom--author of much bestselling psychiatric fiction and nonfiction--is a seasoned storyteller. This new collection of "tales from the couch," part memoir and part fiction, is the work of a therapist unafraid to become deeply engaged with his patients; people, not pathology, are the stuff of Yalom's psychotherapy. Ego, doubt, and fantasy are rarely confined to the couch, and the doctor learns as much from his patients as they from him.

Here Yalom introduces us to Paula, whose losing fight against cancer teaches us that fear is only one of the many colors that brighten our dying; to Irene, a skilled surgeon whose dreams provide tantalizing clues for the psychological gumshoe intent on discovering the irrational terror behind her impressive intellect; to Magnolia, the earth mother whose inexplicable paralysis and imaginary infestations seemed her body's way of punishing her for aspirations aimed too high; and to Momma herself, half protector, half mythological monster, guardian at the gates of the psychotherapist's own unconscious. And, opening up the case files of the fictional Ernest Lash, Yalom reminds us that psychiatrists, too, are human. Like Oliver Sacks, Yalom spins the labyrinth threads of consciousness into the rich tapestry of something much grander. Therapy is not for the weak of heart, doctor or patient; in these pages, the journey toward healing and self-awareness reveals itself to be not about passivity, but courage. --Patrizia DiLucchio

Book Description

Psychotherapist Irvin D. Yalom probes further into the mysteries of the therapeutic encounter in this entertaining and thoughtful follow-up to his bestselling Love's Executioner

In six enthralling stories drawn from his own clinical experience, Irvin D. Yalom once again proves himself an intrepid explorer of the human psyche as he guides his patients--and himself--toward transformation. With eloquent detail and sharp-eyed observation Yalom introduces us to a memorable cast of characters. Drifting through his dreams and trampling through his thoughts are Paula, Yalom's "courtesan of death"; Myrna, whose eavesdropping gives new meaning to patient confidentiality; Magnolia, into whose ample lap Yalom longs to pour his own sorrows, even as he strives to ease hers; and Momma--ill-tempered, overpowering, and suffocating her son with both love and disapproval. A richly rewarding, almost illicit glimpse into the therapist's heart and mind, Momma and the Meaning of Life illuminates the unique potential of every human relationship.

Customer Reviews:

fantastic read.......2007-06-09

so simple to put into words....this book is fantastic! read and enjoy

Great Read.......2007-05-07

Great read for those interested in the counseling/psychology field. I would not recommend to be used as 'educational' but covers a lot of information on grief. The last two chapters are fictional but the rest are based on real clients.

A gem from a master psychotherapist.......2007-01-10

Dr Yalom shares in "Momma and the Meaning of Life: Tales of Psychotherapy" a unique window into the workings of a master psychotherapist. Dr Yalom elegantly describes what and how he learns from patients struggling through complex therapeutic journeys, modestly giving them credit for helping him become a more sensitive therapist.
A real gem that I have shared with colleagues and friends which I recommend for anyone wanting to be a psychotherapist

Yalom speaks to and for all of us.......2005-05-07

This book is simply wonderful. The first chapter about Momma is worth the price of the book all by itself. Whether one is a therapist, is in therapy, is curious about therapy, or just wants to understand life, read this book, in fact, read all of Yalom's books, (well, maybe not "The Practice of Group Therapy") That one is a textbook for practicing group therapists.

Greatly flawed but decent read........2001-08-22

The problem with this book is that it leads you to think this a work of complete nonfiction, each chapter being a seperate tale of psychotherapy with patients, and the first 4 chapters were great - but the last two, the last one especially, really annoyed me because I kept thinking 'how could this possibly happen? this is ridiculous. Has this author completely lost his mind?? and when I finished reading the last chapter, I thought to myself, okay, this last chapter completely destroys all credibility this book ever had. Then I went to the copyright page, curious to see if it was listed as fiction or nonfiction, and what do i find? 'nonfiction except for chapters 5 and 6, which are works of fiction' well gee thanks for telling us ahead of time, would have made the reading a lot more enjoyable if i had known that!!

As I said, despite disagreeing with some fundamental aspects of Dr. Yalom's therapy, I did enjoy and gain insight from the first three chapters. But the last two really destroyed it for me. I'd give it a 4, but if you read it knowing the last two chapters are fiction, it would probably be upgraded to a 7.

Average customer rating:

Discovery of Being Review

Understanding the foundations of existentialism

Golden Ideas, Poor writing

Mediocre at best

the Realm of Existentialism

The Discovery of Being: Writings in Existential Psychology
Rollo May
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Existential Psychotherapy

The Meaning of Anxiety

The Courage to Create

Freedom and Destiny

Love and Will

ASIN: 0393312402

Customer Reviews:

Discovery of Being Review.......2007-09-06

The book was delivered to me complete and in the condition that it was sold to me in. I would recommend and use this seller for future transactions.

Understanding the foundations of existentialism.......2007-01-09

I've found Rollo May's treatment of the precursors and pivotal events which led to a recognizable school of philosophy and psychotherapy to be very understandable, readable and engaging. He writes in a style that pulls you into the philosophical debate and is adept at explaining the various contentions so that a casual reader of these texts can easily understand and follow the debate. It's a great primer that should lead to further readings in existentialism inspired by the bibliographical references!

Golden Ideas, Poor writing.......2006-12-13

This book definitely had interesting, controversial and new ideas that helped me fine-tune my own thoughts about humanitiy and psychology. There are paragraphs within that are of great value . Nevertheless, this book is poorly written. It lacks idea and paragraph cohesion and often explains new terms and topics loosely and incompletely (which Rollo justifies through the inherent vagueness of the existensial approach). Bottom line: I really didn't mind investing $12, the book's general impact was worth it.

Mediocre at best.......2006-07-28

Although Rollo May is a celebrated existential author, I found this book to be tedious. Since I was hoping that there would be a good section on the clinical application of existentialism, I was sorely disappointed to find out that there was only 20 pages dedicated to the issue. Not only that, the section did not include any examples of commonly used existential techniques. The section on the history of existential psychology was somewhat interesting. Overall, however, I rate this book mediocre at best.

the Realm of Existentialism.......2005-04-09

Think: Loneliness and Isolation

"...the whole existential approach is rooted in the always curious phenomenon that we have in man a being who not only can but must, if he is to realize himself, question his own being."

The Discovery of Being -- Writings in Existential Psychology -- by Rollo May is a superior introduction to Existential Psychology. If one is concerned with the causes of loneliness and isolation, in the human being -- which is also a major theme of the Existentialist school of thought -- this book is an excellent place to start. The Discovery of Being is a brisk, unclouded read. Stimulating would be an understatement, to say the least.

For those interested in how Existential Psychology applies to Existentialism and Phenomenology, there is a section dealing with Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Freud...as background material. Other interest peaking sections that I enjoyed: How Existentialism and Psychoanalysis Arose out of the Same Cultural Situation, To Be and Not to Be, Anxiety and Guilt as Ontological, Being in the World, and The Three Modes of World. That should be enough to whet one's appetite. --Katharena Eiermann, 2005, the Realm of Existentialism -- Presidential Hopeful

Existential Art Therapy: The Canvas Mirror

Average customer rating:

Compassion and Sensibility

Existential Art Therapy: The Canvas Mirror
Bruce L. Moon
Manufacturer: C.C. Thomas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0398065144

Customer Reviews:

Compassion and Sensibility.......2000-03-26

I was asked to read this book as part of my training program as an art therapist a few years ago and I fell in love with it. It's as relevant to me today, as I am making my first steps in the field. It focusses on the existential angle of art therapy and is full of dialogues with patients and study cases , brought in an informal way. Mr. Moon is first and foremost an equal human being and only then an art therapist. He includes reference to his own journey as reflected through his own creative process. I will end with a quote: "Creation does not ease but rather ennobles the pain."

Average customer rating:

Priceless
Introducing a New School of Psychoanalysis
Existence
existential babble at its almost-worst...

Existence (The Master Work Series)
May Rollo
Manufacturer: Jason Aronson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1568212712

Book Description

Since its publication, Existence has been regarded as the most important, complete, and lucid account of the existentialist approach to psychology. From the works of the leading spokesmen of the existential analytic movement, the editors have selected classic case histories and other writings to define the approach that seeks to understand mental illness, in the words of Rollo May, ...not as deviations from the conceptual yardstick of this or that psychiatrist...but as deviations in the structure of the particular patient's existence, the disruptions of his condition humane.

Customer Reviews:

Priceless.......2007-08-31

This book changed my life, back in my college days. The introductory essay by Rollo May is a revelation, accessible and profound at the same time. The rest of the book is unimportant. Of all the books I read in college and since, this one - that essay - has stayed with me. I highly recommend it.

Introducing a New School of Psychoanalysis.......2003-06-28

While American psychoanalysis during the 40s and 50s was under the influence of Freud, Europeans were beginnig to branch out in new directions, especially influenced by the existentialism of Martin Heidegger, Edmund Husserl, Jean-Paul Sartre and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. "Existence," edited by Rollo May, was the first book to introduce Americans to the writings of those who worked under the mantle of existential psychology. Contained within are essays by Erwin Straus and Ludwig Binswanger, among others. The second half of the book contains three essays by Binswanger not previously available in America.

Although the book is a good introduction to existential psychoanalysis, it contians a glaring omission by the absence of writings from Medard Boss, a Swiss Dasienanalysist who became the leading light of this type of therapy in Europe. Despite this omission, however, the book remains an eye-opener for anyone unfamiliar with existential psychoanalysis and is recommended for psychology student and philosophy student alike.

Existence.......2000-10-19

Existence was the earliest introduction to the US of existencialism and existential psychology and we owe much of the development and growth of humanistic and existential psychology to Rollo May. The book is well written,and is of great historical and philosoical importance. This book is often mentioned as influential upon the work of Carl Rogers, Irving Yalom and others.

existential babble at its almost-worst..........2000-06-01

....the only piece worth having the book for is Rollo May's intro. The rest is badly written and highly jargonized psychology that pretends to be focused on the conditions of human existence but in fact goes all over the philosophical map, continually falling into valleys of unbelievable obscurity.

Lack and Transcendence: The Problem of Death and Life in Psychotherapy, Existentialism, and Buddhism

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Zen, Psychology, Phenomenology.
Superb
Phenomenal
Book now available in paperback

Lack and Transcendence: The Problem of Death and Life in Psychotherapy, Existentialism, and Buddhism
David Loy
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1573927201

Customer Reviews:

Zen, Psychology, Phenomenology........2007-10-07

I am a psychotherapist with a long history of involvement in phenomenology (mostly interested in the worksk of Heidegger). I was attracted to Buddhism though a couple of years ago and stumbled onto David Loy's work. David has a number of books out, one on non-duality, a couple extending his notions of "Lack" to the socio-political arena. All are innovative, interesting, accessible and for my money, extreemly important. I highly recommend this book, though people intersted in philosophy and/or psychology are probably going to warm to it the most quickly. Or... if you are interested in Buddhist thinking (especially those interested in Zen), this is an invaluable book. I have found that I have to read maybe 6 or 8 books about Zen to find one that really stands out. Over the past couple of years, my bookshevles have bowed under the wieght of new Zen books. But Loy's works stand out like few others. I hope this book provides you with the same kind of psychological "glue" it did me. Buy it, and happy reading.

Superb.......2002-11-20

Although David Loy's touchstones in Western thought are Nietzche, Freud, and Heidegger, this book does not require any extensive familiarity with these figures (as a person trained in Anglo-American analytic philosophy, I wouldn't know a Heidegger if fell over one!). In any case, Loy investigates the idea that the basis for much of our unease and dysfunctional behavior is not so much fear of future death, as Freud thought, but rather a sneaking suspicion that we have no substantial self, that we are not really real, but rather, as the Buddhists teach, a kind of convenient fiction. It is a treat to follow Loy as he follows up on the implications of this possibility, and I think that even those without an interest in Buddhism will find themselves reflecting deeply on their own lives and on some of the institutionalized forms of craziness that affect modern society. This book has stimulated my thinking like very few others, and I strongly recommend it.

Phenomenal.......2001-05-24

I encountered this book in the University of Massachusetts library. I usually don't go in for books that deal with "Western" philosophy in-depth, but something about it made me check it out. I'm so glad I did.

It's a fantastic book. Loy contrasts the Buddhist outlook to the outlooks of some Western thinkers (Freud, Nietzsche, Heidegger, etc) . It was a good feeling to see sketched out the relationship between my religion and modern philosophy, that they were motivated by the same questions but have come to different responses. This was one of the few books that have given me an "aha!" experience, where lots of disparate things fall into place and start to make sense.

You don't need to have a lot of background in philosophy, either Western or Buddhist, to appreciate this book; the author goes into enough detail about each field to bring a novice up to speed. If you're an American or European Buddhist and/or you have ever wondered how Buddhism relates to mainstream Western thought, you should definitely read this book.

Book now available in paperback.......2001-01-17

Contrary to the 'out of print' notice, this book is now available in paperback (since December 2000) from Humanity Books, an imprint of Prometheus Books.

Book Description

Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy an existential approach to therapy and counselling Emmy van Deurzen Schiller International University, London, UK This book confronts the taboo of the psychotherapist's personal history and emotions being involved in the therapeutic process. Emmy van Deurzen shows that therapists can draw on the full richness of their own experience in order to be truly credible and inspiring mentors to their clients. Paradox and dilemmas in human life-such as loneliness versus social integration, safety versus adventure, and confidence versus humility-are discussed clearly and directly, and related to a broad spectrum of questions that psychotherapists and their clients would do well to ask themselves. Throughout the book the author reveals her personal struggles with the same predicaments that her clients seek to understand and resolve. This process of disclosure, and the weaving of vivid client cases and issues together with more general philosophical issues, make this a practical and inspiring book that demonstrates the reality and passion of psychotherapy. "Passion and Paradox will become a classic celebration of the sheer power of existential thinking, living, being, and doing. Existentialism comes to bristling life as you walk with Professor van Deurzen through the world of psychotherapy, the world of psychotherapy professionalism, and the deeply personal world of the person who is a psychotherapist." Alvin R. Mahrer, PhD, author of The Complete Guide to Experiential Psychotherapy "Of the vast number of books written on psychotherapy this is one of the very few that are really worth reading. Emmy van Deurzen has the essential attributes of the truly gifted psychotherapist: experience, intelligence, cultural breadth and-above all-the courage to strive after truth. There is much to be learned about psychotherapy and psychotherapists from what she has to say." David Smail, Nottingham, UK

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excellent review of existential therapies

Existential Therapies
Mick Cooper
Manufacturer: Sage Publications Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0761973214

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`One can only applaud the bravery of an author who gently send up Kierkegaard's wilful obscurantism and cleans out the acrid smoke of Gauloises from the room. With welcome clarity and sanity, Mick Cooper efficiently lays out the concepts, techniques and directions adopted by several key figures in the broad field of existentially informed psychotherapy. In an excellent first chapter, Mick Cooper pointed out my `ontic' from my `ontological'; and I could see, behind the long-words-with-dashes, the true resonance of these ideas with real human and therapeutic issues, dilemmas and goals' - Clinical Psychology

`This book proves to be a real treasure chest: what you always wanted to know about existential psychotherapy but failed to find anywhere else in such a comprehensive, clear and concise manner. In that sense, this publication provides a missing link. One merit of the book is its systematic structure. As extensive, and in part as heterogeneous as existential philosophy and therapy also maybe, Mick Cooper had nevertheless been able to build convincing clusters with, on the one hand, an enormous understanding of details and, on the other, a far-sightedness that, like a map, provides orientation in the diversity of existential therapy. I really appreciate this publication and can recommend it very strongly' - Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapies

` Existential Therapies will I suspect, suddenly make "existentialism" come alive. The author, Mick Cooper loves his subject, it fascinates and enthrals him, and we get to experience some of that, even though the book is "academic". The connections and overlaps with person-centred psychology are there for us to be, but so are the differences' - Person-Centred Practice

`As an overview of a number of different existential therapies the book is extremely welcome and manages in a relatively short space to cover a wide arena. Overall I rate the book highly. To pull together a large and somewhat disparate literature, then make sense of it and finally retains the reader's interest, is difficult' - Existential Analysis

`Mick Cooper has done an impressive job in writing a much needed, current and user friendly survey of the field of existential therapies. If I were to teach this course, I would use this book. I applaud Mick Cooper for having admirably achieved the aim he set out to achieve. All this makes Mick Cooper's book a must-read for anyone wishing to explore the topic of existential therapy' - Society for Laingian Studies Website

`What makes this book unique is that all the different strands of Existential philosophy are always clearly linked to practice' - Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal

`This is a very fresh book, not treading well-worn paths and genuinely informing us about a small but important field. This is really an indispensable book for anyone who wants to understand existentialist approaches to therapy' - Self and Society

`This publication marks a milestone providing an excellent, clear and critical overview of the contrasting forms of the approach as it is currently practised' - Emmy van Deurzen, New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Schiller University, London

`This is a book of superb thoroughness and scholarship - an unprecedented guide to existential therapy's chief positions and controversies' - Kirk J Schneider, President of the Existential-Humanistic Institute, USA

`Combines scholarship with a writing style that makes difficult concepts accessible. This book should be required reading on any course where the existential tradition plays a part, and that includes person-centred courses and all sympathetic to the idea that psychotherapy is, in essence, a human encounter where warmth, understanding and a deep respect for the individual are key values' - Tony Merry, University of East London

What does it mean to practice in an existential way? What are the different existential approaches? What are their strengths and limitations? Existential Therapies addresses these key questions, and more, by providing students and practitioners with an invaluable introduction to the diverse and multifaceted world of existential therapeutic practices.

Focusing on practical, face-to-face work with clients, the book:

· introduces readers to six key existential therapies

· discusses key figures and their contributions, including Irvin Yalom, Emmy van Deurzen, Ernesto Spinelli, Viktor Frankl and R D Laing

· compares and contrasts the various approaches,

highlighting areas of commonality and difference

· outlines key debates within the existential therapy field

· provides detailed suggestions for further reading

Existential Therapies offers students and practitioners of all orientations much that they can incorporate into their own therapeutic work, and each approach is vividly brought to life through therapist-client dialogues and case studies. Written in an accessible, warm, and engaging manner, Existential Therapies is an essential introduction to this rich, vibrant and stimulating field.

Customer Reviews:

excellent review of existential therapies.......2005-09-10

This is a very through and well thought out review of the current existential therapies. The author sought out current practitioners of each school to give not only a historical perspective, but a view of the current thinking. The book is rich with references. An excellent introduction to existential therapies as they are practices in the United Kingdom, the continent of Europe, and in the United States.

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