The Betrayal of the Body [Paperback]

Alexander Lowen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1969

In The Betrayal of the Body, the book that established the mind-body therapy of Bioenergetic Analysis, Dr. Alexander Lowen teaches how the conflict between the ego and the body produces splits in the personality that affects all aspects of an individual's existence. The Betrayal of the Body teaches about the neurotic and schizoid personalities. Chapters include: The Schizoid Disturbance; The Problem of Identity; The Forsaken Body; The Psychology of Desperation; Illusion and Reality; Demons and Monsters. Understanding the importance of healing the mind-body split through the recovery of an emotionally fulfilling mind-body relationship is demonstrated with case studies.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Pub Co (April 1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0020773005
• ISBN-13: 978-0020773009
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,559,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Goes to the Core of Human Suffering, With Actual if not Easy Solutions, January 15, 2011

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Passionate Therapist (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Betrayal of the Body (Paperback)

This is Lowen's third and 'break out' book, and it is unlike any other book that exists. It goes right to the core of our suffering as individuals and as a society. It takes courage to read this book. Lowen describes 'the schizoid condition' This has only a little to do with the emergence of schizophrenia in some extreme cases. Rather the schizoid condition is simply the dissociation in our lives between the image and the reality. Reality is perceived, but not really preferred.

Life with schizoid traits (and there are many of us that have some) is characterized by the dissociation of the ego from feeling and from the body. Feelings may be expressed according to what one "should feel" in a given situation, but there is no real spontaneity. What the person thinks seems to have little connection to how the person feels or behaves. The link between desire and impulse is completely broken. This leaves a person both short on impulses, but also at a loss to understand his or her own desires. The will is used to motivate action, which gives the behavior an "as if" quality. The eventual outcome is depression and despair.

Lowen's solution is for the person (that is the ego) to become more associated with the natural life of the body, which is always in the present, and in reality. In this way it is possible to become related to the world and other people. The origin of the problem is usually in early life, but an important topic is how many modern social trends push the individual into this split

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, but..., January 11, 2012

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chrissy - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Betrayal of the Body (Paperback)

questionable validty. Alexander Lowen swore by the process of bioenergetic analysis/exercises. But I seriously doubt the validity of such claims. However, Ive never gone through the process, so I cannot speak for it. I do love Alexander Lowen though... seemed like a decent guy. I think if you are interested in reading the book, then go ahead. If not convinced by the tenants of bioenergetic analysis, you will atleast find some gems of wisdom in this book...

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Betrayal of the Body review, May 10, 2009

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Star watcher (D.C.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Betrayal of the Body (Paperback)

I read Betrayal of the Body in the early seventies & loved it. When I ran across it again on the Internet I just had to get it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to unite spirit & body.