Philosophy and Psychotherapy

'Stimulating, exciting - and not for the faint-hearted' - Professor Windy Dryden, Goldsmiths College, University of London

Clearly written and accessible, this pioneering book analyzes the interface between philosophy and psychotherapy. It is the first authoritative work to apply rigorous philosophical discipline to therapeutic claims and counter-claims.

Edward Erwin discusses some of the key philosophical issues that have a particular relevance to psychotherapeutic theory - autonomy and free choice, the nature of the self, epistemology, and values and morals - as well as examining specific interdisciplinary issues that cut across the boundaries between philosophy and psychotherapy. Finally, he looks at the 'crisis' in psychotherapy today, offering a valuable philosophical insight into the debate about the proliferation and efficacy of therapeutic approaches.

Challenging and incisive, Philosophy and Psychotherapy will encourage all psychotherapists, counsellors and applied psychologists to examine their practice and clarify their thinking. It is a major contribution to the critical analysis of one of the most influential systems of thought and practice of our time.