The Widening Scope of Psychoanalysis: Collected Essays of Bertram Karon

All that patients need, including patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, is a competent therapist. They do not need shock treatment or even medication. These papers share what I think a competent therapist can use. I hope that competent therapists can make use of this book, as well as those who are not yet competent therapists but who aspire to become one. I think that Drs. Cosgro and Widener have done an excellent job in selecting the papers for this compilation. I have spent more than half a century as a professional psychoanalytic psychologist. This book is a compilation of what I have learned in a lifetime.All that patients need, including patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, is a competent therapist. They do not need shock treatment or even medication. These papers share what I think a competent therapist can use. I hope that competent therapists can make use of this book, as well as those who are not yet competent therapists but who aspire to become one. I think that Drs. Cosgro and Widener have done an excellent job in selecting the papers for this compilation. I have spent more than half a century as a professional psychoanalytic psychologist. This book is a compilation of what I have learned in a lifetime.

Bert Karon is the living embodiment of what a therapist should be: an empathic human being who draws upon his own caring human wellsprings as well as the psychosocial sciences. He tempers his profoundly optimistic nature with a realistic appraisal of the complexities of human nature. More than a therapist, he is an award-winning psychologist, educator, and leader in mental health reform. Bert and his work have touched legions of professionals who are better off from his existence. In this broad presentation of his publications, we have a treasure trove of wisdom and insight that will benefit anyone who wants to better understand what we human beings are all about.

Peter R. Breggin, MD

There is nothing more practical than a good theory -- and Bert Karon can translate theory into concrete practical words and actions when doing psychotherapy with a psychotic patient. His statement that "the simplest model of schizophrenia is one of coping in a chronic state of terror" has immediate implications for the verbal action of the therapist -- to reassure the patient that they are safe with you and you will not let anyone hurt or kill them. And, you do that by clearly saying that to the patient -- and saying it as often as the patient needs to hear it. Listen, and listen carefully, to your patient -- they are telling your their immediate problem, it is just that you often need to decode it. Theory is helpful for understanding the patient's words, and theory is helpful in determining what (and how) to speak to the patient. Bert is a true master clinician, and the range of his writing over the course of his career is impressive. Read -- and enjoy!

- Gary VandenBos, Ph.D. - past Publisher, American Psychological Association