Customer Reviews

Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy: Method of Choice in Ecumenical Pastoral Psychology

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Dr. Graber has made logotherapy a useful tool for those of us who minister everyday to people unprepared to deal with life's crises. In a world where most people can no longer call on a life time of church attendance for religious support, ministers are required to find new ways of supporting them. Dr. Graber has managed to clarify Dr. Frankl's sometimes esoteric principles and to turn them into practical ways of solving problems. To do this she has first gathered the literature on logotherapy, organized it and made it available to those of us who need a place to start. She then follows up with her own contributions to logotherapy. Concepts such as her "logoanchoring technique" are valuable in their clarity and simplicity. Finally, her examples and case studies make it easy to see how we might apply these ideas in our own work. As a health care worker and minister for the last thirty years I would highly recommend this book. It is a practical answer from someone who has shared life in the trenches of pastoral care.

I have been reading Dr. Viktor Frankl's books and papers since I was a graduate student, over 15-years ago. I was very pleased when I came across Dr. Graber's book, which is indeed a tribute to the legacy of Franklian Psychology. Dr. Graber writes beautifully and explains even the most complex concepts with such elegance that it is truly hard to put this book down once you start reading it. I highly recommend purchasing the second edition of the book, which contains additional information. This is a brilliant elucidation on the key concepts of Dr. Frankl's perennial work. Dr. Graber should be applauded for writing such a tremendous book.
Prof. Dr. Micah Sadigh

As a retired Uniform Psychologist, NYPD a Licensed Psychologist in private practice, and Adj. Associate Professor NYU: I strongly recommend Dr. Graber's book on Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy as one of the best books in the field of pastoral psychology. Dr. Graber moves the experienced clinician through a rich mine of clinical gems offered in her evocative clinical case examples. Gripping questions that clinicians have struggled with, but may have been afraid to ask are now answered with a frankness and original perspective hard to find in the real field of therapy. Difficult and pressing existential problems are brought into the light of meaning without apology. Bravo to Dr. Graber. Join me as a privileged reader of this wonderful and giving master therapist in action. It is a book I suggest any effective therapist regardless of training and traditional therapy can benefit by purchasing. I know I will recommend Dr. Graber's book to my students at NYU, and my police and public safety patients. It is one text you ought to have. It will become a classic in its field.

Dr. Graber not only presents a history of the birth of logotherapy, but demonstrates its symbiotic relationship with pastoral psychology and other interventions that acknowledge the role of the human spirit in healing. Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy gives a thorough overview of Franklian concepts and demonstrates their application in case scenarios. This enables the reader to realize the potential use of logtherapy in practice. In this time of global distress, the book serves as a wonderful introductory text of Frankl's meaning-centered approach to psychotherapy which is inclusive of the spiritual dimension - a balm for our troubled world.

As a clinical counselor, born in Brazil (where religious issues and spirituality is part of one's daily conversation), I found Dr. Graber's book a valuable tool for those therapists facing the dilemma to reconcile psychology and spirituality in this country. Frankl's noetic (spiritual) dimension is well integrated and naturally applied throughout the book and the cases she presented. In her book, I experienced many insights and derived appropriate language and techniques to apply to my own career.

Dr. Ann Graber has done an excellent job in describing not only the nuts and bolts of Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy, but of putting it into the context and history of psychology, philosophy and religion. This book is appropriate for anyone interested in human meaning and purpose in today's spiritual and psychological environments. Dr. Graber's wealth of experience and inspiring grasp of existential analysis comes through in her wonderfully rich and moving case studies. This book is scientific and methodologically grounded but is also inspiring and human. Concise, clear, and applicable; it can change your approach to life!

The evolution of Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy has been reflected in many texts. Dr. Graber, however, presents Frankl's work in a manner which is meaningful to the practitioner and lay person. This book is a definitive work outlining the techniques of Logotherapy offering case study applications to illustrate its potential. Dr. Graber guides the learner through the gold mines of potential inherent in Logotherapy with attention to avoiding the iatrogenic mine fields. This book is written with intelligence, wisdom, and sensitivity. It is a 'must read' for anyone interested in existential teachings, and a rich resource worthy of permancy in a personal reference library. Dr. Graber is a zen master in the art of Logotherapy offering the tools, insights, and hope that lead to healing and spiritual insight. This book truly illustrates the brilliance of Logotherapy depicting Frankl as a contemporary master of wisdom. He developed a vehicle to enter the dimension of spirit essential to holistic healing. His work challenges, cajoles, guides, and teaches the individual to find inspiration in each moment and the motivation to face each day with renewed hope. This is a world-class theory presented by a brilliant modern day master.

This book I am sure is invaluable for those in the fields of pastoral care, therapy and social work. However, coming to this as a lay person I believe it to be a valuable personal resource for those outside the counseling circle. I found this book to be inspiring, empowering as well as expanding my understanding of logotherapy.

As a passionate counselor educator, I am fully aware of the gap between simple "knowledge" of a subject and "mastery" of a subject. Dr. Graber has dedicated her professional life to the study and teachings of Logotherapy. Her depth of knowledge and "living" Logotherapy truly qualifies her as a "Master" of the subject. Interested readers can review other comments regarding the "facts" of the contents of the book, however, "facts" can be presented with clarity by many writers. What is needed is a "truth" that the information presented can serve as a catalyst for the reader to actually transcend any situation and discover unique meaning in spite of the situation. The "truth" is, for this reviewer, that Dr. Graber's teachings are life transforming and provide a new perspective--a new perspective from which the reader can act as co-creator of his or her life and discover meaning-in-the-moment and Ultimate Meaning along the way.

I found Ann's book very informative, and consider it an excellent resource for teaching, especialliy in the domain of pastoral counseling and spiritual direction. Thanks Ann for such a succinct yet comprehensive work.
Gerry Grace M.DIV, MA.