Coming Through the Whirlwind

Rating:
Summary: Poignant, personal, tale of two psychotherapy journeys
Review: Michael Eigen has a unique voice among contemporary psychoanalysts that sparks in this reader a direct relation with the text. Utilizing a subjectivist perspective, Eigen narrates two treatments with richness and clarity. In so doing, he charts the dynamic interplay between the oscillating spiritual and psychological dimensions of being. Without priveledging either essential aspect of human experiencing, he demonstrates vividly how each can contribute or occlude awareness of living truth as he participates directly in his patients' struggles with pushing their edges and limitations for creative living. The issue of suffering through life's pleasures, pains, growth spurts and setbacks remains central to Eigen's vision and informs his approach. He maintains a steady eye on the many ways psychoanalytic therapy can ignite both participant's creative spirit, a process that he describes in these two detailed case studies in a way that is neither dogmatic nor prescriptive. Both the experienced clinician and the lay reader interested in the spiritual aspects of life can benefit from this lucid work.

Rating:
Summary: Poignant, personal, tale of two psychotherapy journeys
Review: Michael Eigen has a unique voice among contemporary psychoanalysts that sparks in this reader a direct relation with the text. Utilizing a subjectivist perspective, Eigen narrates two treatments with richness and clarity. In so doing, he charts the dynamic interplay between the oscillating spiritual and psychological dimensions of being. Without priveledging either essential aspect of human experiencing, he demonstrates vividly how each can contribute or occlude awareness of living truth as he participates directly in his patients' struggles with pushing their edges and limitations for creative living. The issue of suffering through life's pleasures, pains, growth spurts and setbacks remains central to Eigen's vision and informs his approach. He maintains a steady eye on the many ways psychoanalytic therapy can ignite both participant's creative spirit, a process that he describes in these two detailed case studies in a way that is neither dogmatic nor prescriptive. Both the experienced clinician and the lay reader interested in the spiritual aspects of life can benefit from this lucid work.