Customer Reviews

Healing the Soul in the Age of the Brain: Becoming Conscious in an Unconscious World

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There is even more to this book than meets the eye. Its focus is on the importance of the psychotherapeutic process in the treatment of mental illnesses. Dr. Frattaroli explains, with great power and passion, why we cannot afford to ignore the soul when someone is experiencing the pain of mental illness. But his philosophy of psychiatry has relevance that goes beyond the treatment of mental illness. Even for those who think they have no interest in how psychiatry is practiced today, the philosophy expressed in this book will still have relevance because, to one degree or another, we all have struggles to deal with and choices to make. Listening to Dr. Frattaroli might help all of us to find our souls again.

This a great book. I loved it ! The author, Dr. Elio Frattaroli articulates with a terrific blend of passion and reason, why modern psychiatry cannnot afford to treat the symptoms of mental illness with medication alone. If psychiatry aims to heal (and Frattaroli insists that it does) then psychiatrists must learn to listen to the soul of a patient as much as they need to understand how to address the physical symptoms of his illness with medication.

But Frattaroli's philosophical perspective and its relevance to the culture as a whole goes well beyond the scope of treating mental illness. It is a book about the science of listening. Really listening. The kind of listening that redeems our humanity and makes us whole. And he has the hard science and philosphy of his arguement to illustrate to the reader why this is so important.
So, while on the face of it, it's a book about the science of psychodynamic psychotherapy and human consciousness. It's in equal part a book about what it means to be human - what makes us human as opposed with simply highly intelligent primates. And what we must do if we are to fully realize what it means to be human.

Simply put: In his book, Frattaroli articulates a lucid and accessible explanation of the science and philosophy that informs modern psychiatry into a book that reads like an urgent wake up call to common sense.

Frattaroli has done a tremendous service to those of us who want some help with emotional problems and are faced with a bewildering array of quick cures, miracle medicines, and esoteric therapies. He presents a moving and understandable picture of what it is like to treat and be treated by the only type of therapy that aims to deeply understand the intricacies of the mind: the various psychotherapies which are based on psychoanalysis. Therapies come and therapies go. Medications are raved about and discarded. But psychoanalysis maintains its place as the star in those therapies which care about people, their minds, and their souls. Frattaroli tells why in as eminently clear and readable a book on the topic as I have ever seen.

As a therapist I am always interested in books which will challenge my thinking and practice around my work with my clients. Here is a book which has helped me understand the underlying philosophical differences which come into play when making a diagnosis. Is my diagnosis driven by a mechanistic worldview or by a relational worldview? Will I follow the medical model rooted in a scientific cosmology or will I follow the relational model rooted in a spiritual cosmology. Why will I choose one or the other? Dr. Frattaroli provides a well-articulated arguement for choosing the latter. Utilizing a wonderfully written case study, Dr. Frattarolli lays out a clear argument for choosing a therapeutic model which heals the soul - the totallity of our being - over a medical model which only sedates the symptoms and leaves the inner being untouched. I recommend this book for all therapists who seek a broader understanding for the therapy they offer their clients.

R. Friesen, MC, LPC, CT

Phoenix, AZ

I loved this book. Although it focuses on psychotherapy, it is relevant to all of the interactions of health care providers with their patients. It slickly puts science back into its true perspective when dealing with the practice of medicine. Frattaroli clearly expresses the important aspects of the philosophy of science, (such as synthesis versus analysis), humanistic relationship(for example, Martin Bubor's I versus it versus thou relationships), and theories from quantum physics (such as Bohr's ideas of complementarity). This is all interweaved with case studies and examples of the therapeutic relationship, which brings depth and meaning to the book. I could not put it down! As an oncologist and educator for mind-body-spirit medicine, I greatly appreciated this book, which is suitable for health care providers, their patients, and anyone who is concerned about the dehumanizing of our health care systems.

Stephen M. Sagar MD
Author of "Restored Harmony".

I think this will be a very important book. Dr. Frattaroli sees that we are not just machines, we have souls. There is much more to a human being than is seen on the surface - our unconscious minds seem to have been forgotten in today's culture. His philosophy cuts against the materialism that we in America encounter each time we turn on the TV.

His philosophy has something in common with M. Scott Peck, writer of "The Road Less Traveled" and many other books. I would also recommend these books to any reader who hasn't seen them.

I had been immersed in the psychoanalytic process for over three years when I came across this book. Having experienced, first hand, the soulful aspects of analysis, both pleasant and painful, I connected instantly to Dr. Frattaroli's accounts of his work with patients. I am convinced that the only sane and solid path to emotional well being is the long, introspective one described so eloquently in this book. If you have ever considered beginning psychoanalysis (or you are simply interested in learning more about what it means to be fully human) then I strongly recommend that you read this book.

THis book was obviously written by a great Freudian analyst. It is very thought-provoking, and worth the read, especially if you are in analysis or some form of talk-therapy. Frattaroli makes several important points about the importance of talk therapy, and giving up some of the medications to get the work done - no matter how difficult the journey.

This is a wonderful exploration of psychiatry and the human condition examined through humanistic and philosophic lenses. Thoroughly challenging, delightful, and poignant. Re-readable for years. Highly recommended.

This is a helpful and a hopeful book about the experience of psychotherapy under a psychiatrist. It doesn't have to be all about chemicals. Real growth can take place. However for a more in-depth explanation of the neurobiological mechanics of how to learn to manage your own brain, your own emotions, all by yourself when undergoing stress I'd recommend DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE by A. B. Curtiss.