THE METHODS AND EXPERIENCE OF PSYCHOANALYSIS

The recurring disagreements of some men of religion with the values to be derived from the psychoanalytic method of therapy make this volume certainly one which will help to clear the air. Dr. Gorres is qualified to bring out the two extremes -- one seeing no value in the couch and the practitioner who considers no treatment complete until all vestiges of religious belief are eradicated from the patient. The full story of Freud's contribution and the developments which have followed will be seen here in Christian perspective. Dr. Gorres sees Freud's work as ""classical beginning"" not necessarily the ""answer"". He shows what psychoanalysis is. Case histories would have helped to clarify some of the points made, but perhaps the author was conscious that resulting language other than that considered ""professional"" or safe might create unnecessary criticism and limit, distribution in the circles which need the book most. Even so, this Catholic doctor's sympathetic evaluation of Freud's contribution to medicine will prove enlightening to all who will bother to read it. A good introduction to a complex and still developing field.