Grace Unfolding: Psychotherapy in the Spirit of Tao-te ching (Paperback)

by Greg Johanson (Author), Ronald S. Kurtz (Author) "From the outset the Tao-te ching points to both the inevitability and the inadequacy of words..." (more)
Key Phrases: Lao Tzu, Little Melinda

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A sensible and compassionate book that will help those involved in any form of therapy make the best possible use of their time, effort, and money. "A fascinating blend of Eastern spirituality, Western psychotherapy, feminist consciousness, and real caring."--Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and the Blade 35 black-and-white photographs.

From the Inside Flap
A sensible and compassionate book that will help those involved in any form of therapy make the best possible use of their time, effort, and money. "A fascinating blend of Eastern spirituality, Western psychotherapy, feminist consciousness, and real caring."--Riane Eisler, author of The Chalice and the Blade 35 black-and-white photographs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harmony/Bell Tower (February 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517881306
• ISBN-13: 978-0517881309
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #113,966 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #35 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Tao Te Ching
  #86 in	Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern > Taoism
  #90 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Taoism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for all counselors in training, January 7, 2000

By	Professor Claire (St. Petersburg, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

In using this book as an extra reading for a Counseling Strategies class, I found that the authors brought to life client-centered and gestalt philosophy and techniques. In addition, a number of students decided to seek counseling themselves to experience the process of unfolding and self-discovery. The best part of this book is the emphasis on the power and courage of the individual client and on the catalyzing and compassionate role of the therapist who guides the individual toward trusting his or her own process as he or she moves toward greater wholeness and healing.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing Book, November 1, 2000

By	D.D. - See all my reviews

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in compassionate, client-centered approaches to psychotherapy, whether as a client or practitioner. A remarkable contribution to the art of psychotherapy as well as a soothing and uplifting read. An interest in eastern spirituality is not necessary to enjoy and appreciate this work.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A misleading title, January 23, 2008

By	M. Nikic (South Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a big fan of Tao Te Ching, and also an admirer of Ron Kurtz, the co-author of this book, who is also the father of modern-day body-centred therapy, Hakomi. In combining the two I thought "how could they go wrong?!" Unfortunately I could not enjoy this book because, apart from one or two inspiring passages, it mostly discusses buddhist mindfulness and Hakomi methods, accompanied by (usually) irrelevant passages from Tao Te Ching.

Another criticism is that the majority of their quotes are taken from Stephen Mitchell's Tao Te Ching. Mitchell is criticised widely by scholars and fans of Tao Te Ching because he does not know Chinese but instead paraphrases ligitimate translations of the text, adding into the verses his own interpretations of what he thought Lao Tzu was trying to say, and omitting other passages as he pleases.

The authors are to be praised for advocating a peaceful, non-directive approach to therapy, but I can't help but feel disappointed and ripped-off by a title that promises to be about Taoism, but is primarily about buddhism and Hakomi.