Customer Reviews

Psychotherapy

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This is an important book for those interested in Jungian Psychology. It helps give one a practical understanding of some of the more important themes that come up in therapy. Having read several of von Franz's analyses of fairy tales, and been quite impressed with her sensitivity and depth of understanding, I was looking forward to seeing her principles at work in a practical setting. I was not disappointed. Von Franz was a "thinking" type (unfortunately she died in 1998), and it shows in the quality and clarity of her writing. Many specific examples are included that help keep the theory grounded in the reality of everyday life.

This book is a collection of essays that were published at different times in different journals. The first essay (which takes up about 40% of the book), covers the inferior function. It is a great help to those who are trying to determine their own type and perhaps the types of loved ones. This is important, because understanding types can help you become aware of and anticipate your own and others weaknesses, and deal with them in a constructive manner. Other essays cover active imagination, the nature of transference, projection, group psychology and analysis as a profession. Each essay contains rare insights, refreshing points of view, analyzed dreams and a healthy dose of von Franz's distinctive personality. This book helped me pull together a lot of ideas that were expounded in other books with a narrower focus. Like her other books, it is most rewarding to those who take the time to reflect on what is being said. Together with Edward F. Edinger, von Franz will continue to allow a broader audience to appreciate Jung's genius. Recommended.

As always with Von Franz her writing is clear, concise and direct. No room for confusion here. With the book presented as a series of lectures it allows for ease of reading if one has limited time. One for the permanent collection.

Anyone who has read anything else by Marie-Louise von Franz knows what to expect from one of her books - erudition, encyclopedic knowledge and plenty of down to earth clinical advice. The spirit of Jung breathes out of every single page and can't help but capture and hold your attention.