Paths of Freedom: A New Vision of Psychotherapy and the Cultivation of the Human Spirit

McMann, Neal; Oliver, Ronald

ISBN 10: 189048279X / ISBN 13: 9781890482794

Published by Phanes Press, 2002

Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G189048279XI3N00

Synopsis:

A clear and enlightened analysis of the underlying conceptual and practical applications of modern psychotherapy, this book questions many of the assumptions and limitations of psychotherapy as it is practiced today. These include the overwhelming need to identify a "problem," the consequent rush to a "quick fix," and psychologically narrow, reductionistic views of human possibility, experience, and ways of being in the world.

In the understanding of the psychotherapist authors (with a combined four decades of practice between them), life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced and understood. They draw on Native American beliefs and the teachings of Eastern philosophy in their argument that psychotherapy does not exist to alleviate troubles, but to assist the individual in the discovery of the meaning and truth that exist within the pain, suffering, excitement, despair, and all other human emotions and experiences. The central emphasis of psychotherapy should be on how we can accept life in its totalityin a way that allows selfknowledge to surface.

Paths of Freedom seeks to unburden the provider as well as the seeker of psychotherapy and explores personal liberation from a society that would have its members exist in prescribed ways. Rather than abdicating freedom and authenticity through seeking a truth external to ourselves, we should engage with the whole of experience, fully awake and sensitive to all of life.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Paths of Freedom: A New Vision of ...
Publisher: Phanes Press
Publication Date: 2002
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket