The Symptom Is Not the Whole Story

APA South Carolina Divistion Newsletter
Psychologists and other mental health professionals should not be put off by the subtitle of this interesting and informative work. It is not a condescending treatise from an anointed one. Rather, it is an enlightening blending of psychoanalytic theory and contemporary behavioral approaches to dealing with emotional disorders using group, family, hypnosis and cognitive behavioral techniques to facilitate change. It is also an attempt to counter the criticism of psychoanalysis that as an approach it is too much concerned with the "why" of emotional disorders, and less with reducing or removing the symptoms. Cognitive behavioral approaches have received the opposite complaint, symptom removal with too little understanding of the whole person.

Dr. Araoz’ work is very readable, rich in case examples and broad in topics covered. It should provide many insights for present and recent graduates of psychology programs who report little or no exposure to psychoanalytic theory and thought. Especially valuable are his personal reflections regarding his responses to patients during the process of therapy, and his willingness to self disclose under certain circumstances that served to enhance the therapeutic process.

Many of his techniques are counter to the traditional psychoanalytic approaches but enliven the process of therapy. It also permits a blending of the psychoanalytic and the behavioral and cognitive behavioral approaches that should, if followed, benefit both approaches. I highly recommend this as a useful and inexpensive addition to your library.