From Publishers Weekly
British psychiatrist Wood presents his principles of Moral Therapy, arguing that Freud's theories of id, ego and superego are incorrect and unscientific speculation; that neurosis is a convenient excuse for a lack of will, effort and maturity in otherwise well people; that psychoanalysis is an unnecessary discipline, which encourages and perpetuates the "myth of neurosis." The author maintains that an individual's failure to carry out his or her own "common sense" moral imperatives, not neurosis, causes guilt, anxiety, etc. Under his precepts of Moral Therapy, the author stresses hard work, determination and the help of friends and clergy as a logical replacement for psychoanalysis. In an otherwise credible work, one questions Wood's guidelines for casual diagnosis and treatment by interested laypersons. January 8
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Wood forcefully inveighs against psychiatry, limiting the disorders he would label as mental illnesses by excluding, among others, those standardly classified as neuroses. He maintains that all these so-called disorders indicate a person's failure to live correctly, caused by mistakenly expecting life to be easy and by confusing unhappiness with mental illness. Psychotherapists encourage the individual's dependency, thereby lowering his or her self-esteem. Wood therefore advocates "Moral Therapy," which can be effectively practiced by loved ones, friends, or clergy. Its aim is to build self-respect, encouraging the person to avoid guilt-producing actions by following his or her conscience. In the appendixes, Wood dicusses the evidence against psychotherapeutic practice. Dedicated practitioners need to address the issues raised in this book, which should be of interest to laypersons as well. Bonnie Hoffman, A.C.S.W., North Fork Counseling Service, Mattituck, N.Y.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
