Psychotherapy and Phenomenology

About the Book

This book is a scholarly monograph on Sigmund Freud's understanding of the basics of psychotherapy theory and practice from the perspective of phenomenology. Two leading phenomenologists, Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger, are chosen to make an appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of Freud's interpretation of talking and relating with others. Heidegger is then compared to Husserl to produce a position that keeps a focus on intentionality yet accepts the understanding offered by hermeneutics. This work is relevant to psychotherapists, philosophers and philosophically-interested human scientists who value qualitative approaches to meaning.

About the Author

Ian Rory Owen, PhD is a principal psychotherapist at Leeds Mental Health Trust, Leeds, UK. He holds a masters degree and doctorate in counselling and psychotherapy and has been practising since 1987. He was previously the leader of a masters degree in counselling and taught on a British Psychological Society approved doctorate in counselling psychology at Wolverhampton University, UK.