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Pathways into the Jungian World: Phenomenology and Analytical Psychology

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Roger Brooke has gathered together a fine collection of essays for the edited volume, Pathways into the Jungian World. The volume is a rare treat for those with a mutual interest in Jung and phenomenological psychology, but also proves to be an entry point for analytical psychologists into phenomenological perspectives of Jung's legacy. For Brooke, Pathways into the Jungian World is a natural progression from his 1991 work, Jung and Phenomenology, which developed from his doctoral dissertation at Rhodes University, South Africa. Brooke is Professor of Psychology and Director of Training in Clinical Psychology at Duquesne University, as well as an Adjunct Faculty at The C.G. Jung Institute Analyst Training Program in Pittsburgh. It is clear, from the beginning, that Brooke has taken pains to make the volume "user-friendly." His introduction provides newcomers to phenomenology and analytical psychology a hospitable "pathway" into the intersection of these two worlds. While the introduction is rather brief at seven pages, it gives the reader just enough background information to confidently situate the essays in the volume. Brooke makes a point of showing how analytic psychology and phenomenology have had "an uneasy relationship" (p. 1). On the one hand, Jung himself considered his work phenomenological in nature, part of the Geisteswissenschaften(human sciences) as opposed to the Natuurwissenschaften (natural sciences), though at times he attempted to straddle this rather ambiguous line. On the other hand, Jung has been relatively ignored by phenomenologists until fairly recently. Brooke locates part of the tension in the conflicts between Jung and Medard Boss, who developed a psychotherapy based on Martin Heidegger's Being and Time. The good news is that both analytic psychology and phenomenology share a desire to "describe the phenomena of psychological life without violating the integrity of experience" (p. 1). As Brooke tells the story, analytic psychology and phenomenology are no longer merely rigid systems of thought, but rather movements that can be mutually enriched through dialogue with one another. Clearly, Pathways is a huge leap forward in fostering such a promising collaboration between these two traditions. While there has certainly been a tension between analytic psychology and phenomenology, it is hoped that this volume will stimulate more scholars to take up the challenge of charting the deep waters where these two traditions intersect. With papers from brilliant writers in the field, including Robert Romanyshyn, Michael P. Sipiora, Eva Simms, Mary Watkins and many others, this volume will not disappoint. (Note: To read the whole review see: http://www.janushead.org/3-2/brooke.cfm).

I have been waiting eagerly for this book since reading Dr. Brooke's previous book (Jung and Phenomenology) several years ago. And I am absolutely thrilled with the results! The introduction and the first two essays alone are worth the price of the book. I am a very avid reader, and have been reading a number of Jungian books recently. Outside of the classics, Dr. Brooke's current work is the best piece of Jungian literature that I have read recently. I am also a practicing clinician, and this book has helped me to deepen my clinical practice and understanding of the issues I face on a daily basis. The phenomenological analytical psychology that Brooke is discussing in his books is, in my opinion, groundbreaking work that accurately identifies some of Jung's theoretical shortcomings, as well dreaming Jung's dream onward. One area of clinical specialization that I practice is integrating the body and somatic experiences in psychotherapy. Dr. Brooke's current book lends itself extremely well to the support of (dare I say it) holistic work such as this. In closing, anyone interested in Jungian psychotherapy and/or theory would do well to read this book. (And for any Gestalt oriented therapists - you will also find that this book has a great deal in common with a Gestalt phenomenological approach)

You couldn't find a smarter collection of short developments in the Jungian world. Romanyshyn, Goodchild, Corbett....any one of their pieces would make this a book worth having. There is a freshness about the pieces herein that's missing from so much other Jungian writing.

This is an extraordinarily rich collection of Jungian essays with the best introduction to phenomenology you are ever likely to find, anywhere! Exceptionally wide ranging, the chapters look at a spectrum of issues of concern far beyond the Jungian world from postmodernism to television, spirituality to modern philosophy,selfhood, death and eros. From within the Jungian-phenomological frame, essays offer new insights into the work of such thinkers as James Hillman, Heidegger and Erich Neumann. Particularly evocative is the teatment of alchemy and psychology. This is a book for any serious reader looking for healing possibilities in the modern world.

Creative and inspiring,Roger Brooke's collection is a walk into the depths of experience!