Freud's Converts

This work is an exploration of the relationship between psychotherapy and religion. Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers were chosen for this exposition because both of them were seduced by the high status given to science. Both founders of psychotherapies, they left a legacy which is not that of scientists whom they claimed they were. Both Freud and Rogers had a problematic relationship with religion, and this has had a lasting effect on the work and attitudes of their respective followers. In order to explore effectively this relationship, this work begins with a critical examination of the historical context in which both Freud and Rogers worked, and how in their determination to be scientists both missed the importance of the religious. It continues with an exploration of the effects of this legacy on the work of contemporary psychotherapists.The context in which their followers work relies on a relationship with the founder, which goes beyond that of science, and in addition, each practitioner is influenced by socio-economic circumstances that are particular to them. The resistance from psychotherapists to embrace religion has been complex, although, as it will be illustrated, today there are some who are acknowledging the importance of the spiritual.Psychotherapists have traditionally been considered the custodians of the real and that their clients are the ones suffering from delusions. With respect to their attitudes to religion - not least the spiritual - the positions seem to be reversed.

Table of Contents:
ContentsAcknowledgementsPrefacePrologue1 Science and Status2 The Construction of Freud3 (i): Freud's legacy (ii): Contemporary Psychodynamic psychotherapy4 (i): The Construction of Carl Rogers (ii): Person-Centred Theories and Practice5 Roger's Legacy6 (i): Post-Secular Psychotherapy(ii): Post-Feminist ResponsesConclusionBibliographyIndex

Review :
'Freud, as Auden pointed out, was more than a mere person, but became a "whole climate of opinion". This climate survives, as Dr Clifford shows, partly because psychoanalysis shares many of the features of religious movements and, like religion, is concerned with the healing of souls. This book is a highly readable and quite fascinating account of this issue.Written with insight and humanity, Dr Clifford's fascinating book deserves this accolade: it casts light; it illuminates.'-Alexander McCall Smith, Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh; Author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series'Vicki Clifford has written an intriguing and engaging book that invites us to re-visit the relationship that Freud, Rogers and their followers have with religion and spirituality. This remains a hot topic and it has a special importance for the best practice of psychotherapy which still needs to recognise and honour the role of spirituality in healthy human living.'- William West, Reader in Counselling Studies, University of Manchester