Product 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selections include excerpts from his text books, an award-winning monograph on existential group therapy; previously unpublished case studies, and excerpts from Loves Executioner; When Nietzsche Wept, and Lying on the Couch.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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #147247 in Books
• Published on: 1998-02-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 528 pages

About the Author

Customer Reviews

An excellent overview of Yalom's prior work
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.

Humanistic - Existential Psychotherapy
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 interesting page turner...
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!