Customer Reviews

Psychotherapy and Spirit: Theory and Practice in Transpersonal Psychotherapy (Suny Series in the Philosophy of Psychology) (Suny Series, Philosophy of Psychology)

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This book, Psychotherapy and Spirit, by Brant Cortright, is among the finest surveys of the field of transpersonal psychology. Any college professor seeking to teach this discipline would do well to examine this as a possible textbook. It treats the topic in clear articulate language, presenting in a balanced manner the sometimes opposing positions of Wilber and Washburn. The author presents the theory of transpersonal psychology as it evolved in the recent past, giving excellent synopsis of the contributions of Wilber, Washburn, Groff, Assignioli, Walsh and Vaughn, among others. The section on clinical issues is a significant contribution to the clarification of paths of spiritual growth and their therapeutic significance. The chapter on Spiritual Emergency builds on the work of Nelson (Healing the Split, 1990) and develops it with a view to psychoanalytic praxis. Anyone treating clients in a spiritual-psychological crisis will be grateful for the clear guidelines presented here. Having read many of the current books in the area, I feel that this is among the best

Brant Cortright does a good job of surveying 3 decades of transpersonal psychology. He felt that it was high time to bring a critical perspective to this field and he has decided to spearhead it. There quite a bit of the textbook quality about it which one would expect from the Director of the California Institue of Integrative Studies. He does a great job of incisive writing without engaging too much in reductionism. I like his writing best when it was anectdotal.Stories about Maslow and Rinpoche really showed the difference between text and person and the imporatance of keeping them separate.The overall thrust of the book attempts to show how consciousness and spirituality are the keynotes in transpersonal psychology and practice. In the final analysis though Cortright sticks to the time honored schism of church and state when comparing therapist and priest. The only problem with this distancing of the therapist's spirituality is that Cortright does not define what a priest or minister actually does(besides the dognmatizing) compared to a transpersonal therapist. After criticizing psychiatry and its' pathological model, he ultimately hides behind a barrier of professionalism thus distancing himself from a deeper discussion of ethical and moral issues. He does this by becoming old fashioned and sensible around the values of tradition in psychiatry. "Most transpersonal therapists would not teach a client any spiritual philosophy much in keeping with standard therapeutic tradition." (p.221) He also singles out Psychosynthesis for some pretty dismissive commentary while holding up others like Hameed Ali. This is quite a serious contradiction but I'm sure that it reflects a bias deeper than he wants to share with us.So, after spending the whole book talking about spirituality as the cornerstone in the Fourth Force of Psychology, he warns that it is not possible really to integrate this in the real world. Workshps or retreats possibly but not your everyday third part covered therapy. That is where the spirit in "Psychotherapy and Spirit" fizzles. Too bad becasue for the most part it was a damned good read.

Cortright has taken a psychotherapeutic perspective on transpersonal psychology and has done a great job. Perhaps some of the negative reviews of this book are grounded in him not idolizing Ken Wilber. Wilber is a theorist and not a therapist so what Cortright presents is grounded in truth. He does not attempt to dethrone Wilber however. The book is grounded in solid evidence and will be a contribution to anyone interested in the solid core of transpersonal psychotherapy. He also does a great job in reviewing some of the past transpersonal founders such as Roberto Assagioli.

Wow! What a masterful work. This book, while not a fast read, captivated me...line by line...start to finish (and I have bookcases full of unfinished or "skipped-through" books!). It was exciting to confirm what I knew, and then to be led to the cutting edge of this evolving field. I enjoyed the questions posed yet to be explored. I really appreciated his critique of the major theoretical pillars in transpersonal psychology. I was left with greater clarity, especially in his skilfull integration of modern psychology's knowledge with the distilled Ancient wisdom teachings. The read was truly transformational. This book counts among my very few favorites, therefore 5 stars does not give it due status.

Helpful book. Gives a concrete definition of transpersonal psychology. Reviews every many theories in transpersonal psychology giving the limitations and positives of each theory. Goes into detail on many ideas such as altered states of consciousness and spiritual emergency. Written clearly and broken down simply, but uses a transpersonal psychology vernacular.

This is a very well written and informative book. It focuses more on psychotherapy than on theory. A must read.