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Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Eastern Thought » (1st Edition)

Book cover image of Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Eastern Thought by John R. Suler

Authors: John R. Suler
ISBN-13: 9780791415788, ISBN-10: 0791415783
Format: Paperback
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Date Published: July 1993
Edition: 1st Edition

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Author Biography: John R. Suler

Book Synopsis

This book explores the convergence of psychoanalysis and Asian thought. It explores key theoretical issues. What role does paradox play in psychological transformations? How can the oriental emphasis on attaining "no-self" be reconciled with the western emphasis on achieving an integrated self? The book also inquires into pragmatic questions concerning the nature of psychological change and the practice of psychotherapy. The Taoist I Ching is explored as a framework for understanding the therapeutic process. Principles from martial arts philosophy and strategy are applied to clinical work. Combining theoretical analyses, case studies, empirical data, literary references, and anecdotes, this book is intended for researchers as well as clinicians, and beginning students as well as scholars.

Booknews

Explores the convergence of psychoanalysis and Asian thought through such issues as the role of paradox in psychological transformations and no-self versus integrated self. Combines theoretical analysis, case studies, empirical data, literary references, and anecdotes. For clinicians and researchers in psychology at any level. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Table of Contents

Preface
1Chasing Two Rabbits?1
Comparing the Disciplines1
The Starting Points5
Some Obstacles10
Integrating and Pointing13
2East Meets West17
The History of East Meeting West17
A Progression of Selfobject Relationships23
Historical Themes25
Historical Themes of the Individual Self32
3Self and No-Self35
The Self/No-Self Controversy35
Facets of Selfhood38
The No-Self as Observing Self45
No-Self as Spontaneity and Unity52
The Developmental Path to No-Self57
Oscillations Between Self and No-Self65
Interpenetration of Self and No-Self69
Interpenetration of Self and Object73
4Paradox79
The Meanings of Paradox79
Entering the Paradox81
Paradoxes Within and Between84
Beyond Within and Between88
The Paradox of the Willing Self93
5Grasping Reality: Words, Images, Things101
The Representational Systems101
The Word103
Imaging and Un-Imaging the Self107
Enacting the Inner Meaning113
Grasping the Thing116
6Meditative Consciousness119
The Intrapsychic Mechanisms and Types of Meditation119
The Liabilities of Meditation123
The Therapeutics of Meditation124
The Clinician's Contemplative Experience130
Meditation in Life Context134
Epistemological Approaches135
7Students, Teachers, and Their Relationships139
Hidden Motives of the Student139
The Student's Strengths146
The Teacher: Quirks, Pathology, and Crazy Wisdom148
The Student-Teacher Relationship156
8The Therapist as Warrior163
Psychotherapy as Martial Art163
The Warrior Philosophy165
The Pursuit of Self-Awareness167
Aggression169
Basic Martial Concepts and Psychotherapy174
The Dynamics of Soft and Hard Techniques187
Participating in Transcendent Realms206
9Tai Chi Images: The Tao of Psychotherapy209
The Tai Chi System209
The Secrets of the Swimming Fish215
The Trigram Images and Attributes220
Trigram Structures and Relationships236
The Tao of Psychological Transformations239
10Vision Quest241
The Vision Quest Concept241
Wandering: Free Association and Destructuring245
Signs and Visions249
Individuation and Union254
Vicissitudes of the Vision Quest257
Conclusion: The Future of An Allusion261
References265
Indexes281

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