Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe latest thought-provoking book from the pen of Robert Langs, MD, prolific and provocative psychoanalytic author and thinker, shows us not only how Freud pushed psychoanalysis over the edge but how during a serious crisis in his life Freud stood at the edge of a precipice from which he could have easily jumped to his death. Langs gives us a brilliant analysis of how Freud’s life shaped his revolutionary theories about trauma, seduction, and the Oedipus complex. -- Zvi Lothane M.D., Author of In Defense of Schreber: Soul Murder and Psychiatry
Robert Langs honors the father of psychoanalysis, by applying Freud's original, trauma and reality based theory, to Freud's life and writings. He uncovers the unconscious forces which drove Freud's decision to abandon this first theory in favor of one based on inner needs and fantasies?a tragic but survival based decision. He points out the effects as well, which have been passed down through generations of analysts. Analysts today can make a different decision. Langs adds the Adaptive Approach, based onand extending Freud's original theory to our range of choices. This book is a departure for Langs in tone and style. The voice is graceful and the tone is sombre. It has the pace of an intriguing and meticulous detective story with a complex arc, leading to a crescendo at the finish. The author also takes an unprecedented step by inviting the reader to accompany him on a journey of discovery, rather than attempting to penetrate the reader with an irrefutable truth. Langs beckons and is curious, along the way, asking readers to listen with their unconscious minds, and then look at and perhaps share their responses with him. This is a unique, startling, and indispensable book about Freud, psychoanalysis, and the hidden truths of human life. -- Cate Nelson, MFT
Robert Langs honors the father of psychoanalysis, by applying Freud's original, trauma and reality based theory, to Freud's life and writings. He uncovers the unconscious forces which drove Freud's decision to abandon this first theory in favor of one based on inner needs and fantasies—a tragic but survival based decision. He points out the effects as well, which have been passed down through generations of analysts. Analysts today can make a different decision. Langs adds the Adaptive Approach, based on and extending Freud's original theory to our range of choices. This book is a departure for Langs in tone and style. The voice is graceful and the tone is sombre. It has the pace of an intriguing and meticulous detective story with a complex arc, leading to a crescendo at the finish. The author also takes an unprecedented step by inviting the reader to accompany him on a journey of discovery, rather than attempting to penetrate the reader with an irrefutable truth. Langs beckons and is curious, along the way, asking readers to listen with their unconscious minds, and then look at and perhaps share their responses with him. This is a unique, startling, and indispensable book about Freud, psychoanalysis, and the hidden truths of human life. -- Cate Nelson, MFT
Table of ContentsChapter 1. Is Freud to be Trusted? Chapter 2. Paradigms and Archetypes Chapter 3. A Tale of Two Paradigms Chapter 4. The Descendants of Freud's Two Paradigms Chapter 5. Freud in Conflict Chapter 6. Psychoanalytic Detective Work Chapter 7. Freud's Early Traumas Chapter 8. The Ultimate Trauma
