Book review iii. General Psychotherapy: Principles and Common Theoretical Aspects - Rediscovering Humanity

   General Psychotherapy

In chapter 3 neurophysiological development is explored and epigenetic influences (3.2). For a decade or so I've highlighted to students the need for them to be aware of 'omics' which will clearly impact their future careers and subsequent learning. This is detailed also outlining limbic development, through to cognitive-linguistic functioning; and not just learning but forgetting. It is easy to take the self for granted, but here is a description of a self in formation, the neocortex, imagination and role of the pineal gland. Biological radiation of living beings (there is a error in the heading I believe*) is fascinating for reasons already acknowledged. Then it is as if time begins and psychological development can begin (life chances permitting). From the author's practice two cycles are illustrated - growth and transformation drawing on Gestalt thought and all referenced. 

Ever since reading on Goethe's part-whole thought I've been aware of mereology. Chapter 3 also examines intrapsychic and social space in respect of part-whole relationships. I'm continuing this journey so it helpful to find the distinction here also.

"According to the resonance principle, identification with key partial aspects can very quickly lead to an unresolved, formative core conflict. In an individual setting, empty chairs or symbolic locations may serve as backdrops for projection. Distance, posture and line of vision are highly relevant in this regard. In a group setting, forms of constellation work with representatives may be more helpful." p.155.

The book's philosophical content is well realised, fused with history and the development of psychology and neurosciences. Plato's cave is explained and related to tabula rasa: the blank slate (3.6.3). I feel I'm in Plato's cave in trying to look at Hodges' model as a mathematical object. There is encouragement too in Hartmann-Kottek identifying the role of blank slate. Hodges' model is also about forgetting, unconditional positive regard hence a blank slate. Chapter 3 concentrates on approaches to explain our development and personality, quantum-theoretic, Far-Eastern traditions, and Western working towards how we achieve coherence as an integral individual, building and relying on inner and external social and interpersonal resources (Fig. 3.4: Tower of consciousness. p.212.). Energy a key in this part of the book, is summarised in a further figure on background dimensions - combining two-axes of Whole-Parts and Space-time - Spaces of possibilities (p.222).

Chapter 4 is a welcome discussion of systems, interspaces, self, communication again through a cultural lens. Chapter 5 would benefit all healthcare students - an understanding of health and illness. While not tackled here - how we integrate and simultaneously address both requirements in service delivery is the challenge of 21st Century health provision? This is higher level from the outset: Attempts at Classification (5.1). While a  traditional book, reading had an immersive feel for me (with many posts on W2tQ): Diagnostic tools, 2-sided understanding of health and illness, the diagnostic, therapeutic (always kept in sight) reversal of symptoms, fields of tension and resources at various stages of development.

For readers looking for actual therapies, chapter 6 is the practical center of the text. The current state of psychotherapy is likened to the blind people trying to find an elephant in the dark. 'Many paths' in a subtitle is welcome, almost suggesting there is scope for all approaches and perhaps they can meet 'somewhere'? Motivations and politicisation aside, the variety of psychotherapeutic are indeed a treasure. They are listed, comprehensively as far as I can see, including many new to me. They are further sub-divided and considered: clusters through time, behavioural, then considered as per depth and effect levels, verbal - non-verbal, emotions, breathing and meditation, variations in consciousness. 

I've considered blind-spots before and highlight Hodges' model as having a role in situational awareness - hence safety and care assurance. Hartmann-Kottek remains grounded in how blind-spots can affect therapists and patients - individually and in alliances. The therapeutic relationship, transference and countertransference are emphasised once again. Compassion too - as part of a credible relationship - with selective authenticity. Technical points are raised too, the use of counterpart in Gestalt therapy. Some 40 pages of chapter 6 are very practical, with exercises and examples of conversations between patient and therapist to illustrate specific approaches and situations. This is far from a specific therapy manual but there is this quality to the content.

 

 'I' - 'Individual' 'SELF' 'Patient' 'Client'

  |

    INTERPERSONAL    :     SCIENCES               

HUMANISTIC --------------------------------------  MECHANISTIC      

SOCIOLOGY  :   POLITICAL 

|

dyad / couple  family  GROUP community population

psycho- symbolic personal meaning emotion lived experience emotional distance	-somatic

*Living near Manchester in NW England, the city's symbol is a bee (industry..). It appears in the text that 'Being' has become 'Beeing' in some instances - so an extra homely feel here.

Many thanks to Prof. Hartmann-Kottek and Springer for the review copy.

One more post to follow.

Hartmann-Kottek, L. (2022). General Psychotherapy, Principles and Common Theoretical Aspects - Rediscovering Humanity. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87466-7

Empty chair image:
https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/gestalt-therapy-the-empty-chair-technique/