An Outline of the Cytology and Pathology of the Reticular Tissue

IN this book Dr. P. M. Symonds,Professorof Education in Columbia University, reviews the basic principles and scopeof psychotherapy,the application of which, he maintains, cannotremain the exclusive privilege of medical practitioners. Clinical psychologists, social workers and the clergy seekfuller knowledgeof psychotherapyfor the better performanceof their duties, and it is to thesethat the book is especially addressed. The author'sviewpoints are based on his own experience and an eclectic approach. Hc emphasizesthat what matters is the client's or patient's reaction to the therapeutic procedure, rather than the activity of the therapist who serves simply as a catalyst. Methodsdiffer accordingto their goals, the depth of inquiry, and the amount of direction offered. But, according to the author, abreaction is the main dynamic factor in therapy. He mentionssuggestionand persuasionin a couple of lines and denotesten pagesto counselling. There is no reference to hypnotism. It seems hardly necessaryto remark that psychotherapyis contraindicatedin the well adjustedwho are without discomfort, problems or dissatisfactions. Professor Symonds does not regard schizophrenics as generally unsuitable for psychoanalysis,but he would have been wise to warn lay therapistsabout the possibledangers in these and other psychotic cases. He allows that spontaneous recovery may take place in the psychoneuroses, especially with environmental changesand as a result of new experiences. It might be taken for granted that after toilet habits have been establishedanxiety over soiling loses its force and intensity. He regards Eysenck's negative report as due to the selectionof the least favourable'criteria in assessingthe results of psychotherapy.