Description
Book SynopsisThe opening paper profitably links psychosomatic disorders to alexithymia, the absence or deadening of feeling, the inability to identify or express emotion. Alexithymic individuals are particularly prone to disease as a result of the faulty processing of emotions that leads to cognitive deficit in coping with stressful affects. Animated case reports on specific disorders—anorexia, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, even (speculatively) miscarriage—balance consideration of developmental questions and treatment issues (transference/countertransference) and techniques. From a historical essay on Freud's view of the mind-body connection to explorations of the complicated role of trauma and PTSD, the contributions to Dr. Finell's collection demonstrate intellectual energy and clinical creativity.
Trade ReviewMind-Body Problems is a welcome addition to the field of psychotherapy with psychosomatic disorders. Packed with practical as well as theoretical information, it will assist clinicians in confronting enigmatic, often perplexing problems. -- Lawrence Balter
With characteristic creativity and enthusiasm, Dr. Janet Finell has assembled a group of outstanding clinicians to update us on mind_body problems. They not only teach us a great deal about the etiology and dynamics of psycho-somatic disorders but also help us become more sensitive therapists as we try to help our patients reduce the intensity of the anxiety that accompanies psychosomatic problems. Lucid, erudite, insightful_and a wonderful read! -- Herbert S. Strean
One of the ironies of contemporary clinical practice is that while therapists are regularly confronted with patients exhibiting psychosomatic disorders, the literature is minimal and scattered. Dr. Finell's volume of excellent papers is a necessary palliative. Combining the latest thinking in both the clinical and theoretical realms, her contributors offer a superb overview of a neglected area. Papers ranging from miscarriage to anorexia, with alexithymic underpinnings, weave together the dynamics common to a significant segment of our patient population. -- Martin A. Schulman
