Philip Slate is a remote scholar, and an ex-patient of Julius. Freud was born into a society rife with sexual debauchery (Grandner & Jones, 1996). She never had to worry about feeling unattractive or unwanted. For they are just the failings of mankind to which we also belong and accordingly we have all the same failings buried within ourselves. The Schopenhauer cure. When we first meet him in the novel, rather than question some of the fundamental assumptions of this worldview, Philip is doubling down, believing that the suffering he is still experiencing can be eliminated if only he can further remove himself from the attachments he still has left. In a good, solid, and authentic manner Julius begins the process of examining his life and its internal worth. However, by the end of the book and after I got to know his character a bit more, I could see certain strengths peeking out. If you debrief patients at the end of therapy about the process, what do they remember? As the group gives Bonnie and Rebecca feedback, the criticism is not always taken happily. Yalom explores the appeal of Schopenhauers philosophy (frequently drawing parallels to Buddhism) which analyzes the world as a complex of appearances existing only through our representations and suffering as the result of illogical human will ungrounding these representations. . In fact he had modelled himself on the philosopher such that he was now himself rather pompous and emotionally distant yet brilliant. How could I not have been clearer? . The major protagonist in the book is a psychiatrist named Julius Hertzfeld who practices psychotherapy in San Francisco. Using the terms good or bad applies as much to the philosophy of Schopenhauer, the Buddha, Nietzsche, or Freud (just several of the many philosophical lenses examined in the book) as it does to the music of Led Zeppelin, Tame Impala, Migos, and Beethoven. Many years ago you and I made a short-term social contract I explicitly stated in our conversation following that event that I had a pleasurable evening but did not wish to continue our relationship. 6 0 obj Rather than creating space in order to better choose where to spend time/energy in relationships and life, Philip tries to remove himself completely from those attachments, which hold for him the possibility of suffering. . as a target for his ripe therapeutic powers; the patient he was unable to help. An example of when the therapeutic factor universality is used in the novel is in chapters 17 and 19 during an outburst where Bonnie confronted Rebecca. Is a life of equanimity truly preferable to that of the full spectrum of the human experience? Type your requirements and I'll connect endobj His contemplations on his approaching death lead him to be curious about past patients, and especially about his most spectacular failure: Philip Slate, a handsome, arrogant sex addict. On the strength of how much I had learned from that book, I recently bought another of hers: Transference, Love, Being: Essential Essays from the Field (Routledge, 2022). The book centers around a psychologist with cancer and the change of dynamics in his therapy group, when he brings one of his former patients he believes he failed. (5th ed. ) 4 0 obj When Philip broke off their social contract, Pam was livid, but when she broke off her social contract with Tony, she didnt seem to have many emotions about the situation at all. However, Julius, after everything that his career has been pinned on, cannot agree, especially when knowing that Philip wants to preach the teachings of Schopenhauer in Julius world, the world of therapy. It turns out Pam and Philip where involved in the past, but their liaison ended badly. Pam a university literature professor, who has had men troubles in her life, and also has a complicated past with Philip. 10 minutes with: Explore how the human body functions as one unit in harmony in order to life //= $post_title . The group is shocked to hear Julius news about his illness, but is also curious about the emotionally disconnected yet insightful newcomer Philip, who is always referring to Schopenhauers philosophy as a solution. . When Pam returns to the group from her retreat, the mood immediately becomes darker when she sees Philip in her cozy group. Save time and let our verified experts help you. - - - - . The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Irvin Yalom is a world-renowned psychotherapist and a writer of a number of textbooks and novels. More importantly is how he creates artistic expressions of his rigorous training and professional career (the translation of ideas into art), as well as how his characters work together to find mutual understanding. :)). The first technique Julius uses in the group is to switch the focus from content to process. [/Pattern /DeviceRGB] /Title () The group was pressing, as expected, for vertical disclosuredetails about the past, including such queries as the scope and the duration of his drinkingwhereas horizontal disclosure, that is, disclosure about the disclosure, was always far more productive (Yalom, 2005, p. 19). As both a former patient in therapy and a social worker, I found the book a valuable asset to those in group therapy or those leading groups. There is also Pam, who is a Professor of English with a number of unsuccessful relationships behind her and who attends a retreat in India to heal herself through Buddhist-type practices, but then return to the group. The Schopenhauer Cure Irvin D. Yalom, MD ISBN: 0060938102 (paperback) New York: Harper Perennial, 2006, 384 pages. The temporal world in which we live encompasses everything we know. The Schopenhauer Cure (2006), authored by Irvin Yalom, is a novel detailing the journey of a prominent psychotherapist, Julius Hertzfeld, after he discovers that he is slowly dying from a terminal illness. A discovery, which in combination with his obvious inability to relate normally to others, fascinates and horrifies Julius. As Karl Popper has suggested, a theory that is insufficiently precise to produce clearly negative results is immune to a key element in the scientific method: the possibility of falsification (1962). Free shipping for many products! The Schopenhauer Cure. work. Stem Cell Therapy: A Possible Cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? All rights reserved. Stuck in this cycle of self-loathing and disappointment, Julius pleas to try to help Philip understand the root of these self-destructive desires and reframe how he views himself in relation to others fall on deaf ears, as Philip is too attached to the absoluteness of his condition, too driven by his will to allow any space for reflection or change. On page 328, Philip actually admits to needing therapy, because he needs to get his intentions and his behavior on the same page. During a therapy session, it usually refers to a person transferring their feelings about someone else. Arthur Schopenhauer was born in 1788 into an austere The more attachments one has, the more burdensome life becomes and the more suffering one experiences when one is separated from these attachments. >> How to live with the knowledge that we are simply life-forms, thrown into an indifferent universe, with no preordained purpose? (Yalom, 331). You may use it as a guide or sample for collected. Like a bird that soars the. The Schopenhauer cure. After reaching out to Philip, Julius learns that his old patient, as cold and apathetic as ever, has decided to become a therapist himself and needs Julius help to obtain his license. Yalom uses his character, Julius as his mouthpiece to argue that relationships and emotions relieve suffering. An off-shoot of the Here and Now technique is to have members of the group talk directly to each other, instead of talking about them. You were the most beautiful man (Yalom, 2005, p. 334-335). g9Z|@=4=tk&LI~x. In this way, it appears that the logical interpretation of life and attachment as the root of suffering have been extremely helpful for Philip. It didnt then. Reference Yalom, I. D. (2005). We should not be indignant with others for these vices simply because they do not appear in us at the moment., as a complex of appearances existing only through our representations, suffering as the result of illogical human will ungrounding these representations, 17th century Jewish philosopher Spinoza writes. Philip observes that she honors contracts when it suits her. Welcome back. URd$ ZC[mJr>42YH3 ;n~[GkSZL_|s8(e=txQf}-Tn$ Thats the way therapy should proceedan alternating sequence of evocation of emotions and then understanding (Yalom, 2005, p. 60). . Did you know that we have over 70,000 essays on 3,000 topics in our She no longer stops conversation like she used to. No one could love me (Yalom, 2005, p. 334). >> focus. I think it takes a skilled and experienced group therapist who truly knows his group members to determine which method is most appropriate and helpful. Sprung free you might think that Arthur would take off. encounter as Schopenhauer (Philip) comes to group therapy with Yalom (Julius). Where Schopenhauers answer to life is an ascetic overcoming of desire, Nietzches Philip seems to sum it up perfectly: Bonnie and Rebecca have similar afflictions. In conclusion, Dr. Yaloms latest novel is to be highly recommended. Shortly after the confrontation, Bonnie and Rebecca both admit that they resent the group; Bonnie resents the group for feeling ignored and Rebecca resents the group for feeling as though she is being criticized. A classic example of transference is when a client falls in love with their therapist. What must I let go of, even if it has propelled me forward in the past, in order to be better able to respond to my current needs? These include the attractive-looking lawyer Rebecca who has to deal with the slow but inevitable consequences of the aging process on her beauty; the ordinary-looking librarian Bonnie, who is very envious of Rebecca; the uneducated carpenter Tony who comes across as impolite and rough but turns out to be quite perceptive; the rather reticent doctor Stuart; and the alcoholic Gill who is always blaming his wife. The reader is also presented with descriptions attempting to piece together the life of Arthur Schopenhauer: Arthur's father, Heinrich, was tormented by his son's interests. My Pam shows great strength and kindness when she comforts Philip. The sticking point for Julius, as he begins to recall this particular case, was Philips desire to overcome his addiction and consign himself to study. Farther on into the role changes, Pam revealed that she felt defiled that Philip was a part of her group. In particular, Philip wishes to utilize the teachings of 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, whom he calls his therapist, to help others overcome the suffering that he believes is inherent in life and relationships. The Schopenhauer Cure Paper References Yalom, I. The mistake that Philip makes which I can most easily identify with is the possibility of confusing equanimity as a path with equanimity as a goal. Developing . It was always more productive to focus on the here-and-now than to work on the patients reconstructions of an event from the past or from current outside life (Yalom, 2005, p. 158). business. All rights reserved. to help you write a unique paper. Alone. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best Yalom gives Philips horizon concrete definition, in that it amounts to the writings of Schopenhauer, after also studying the Ancient Greeks and Germanic philosophers who followed Kant. Supplemental understanding of the topic including revealing main issues described in the particular theme; /Creator () There are riches scattered throughout this collection, one of whose chief virtues is that almost every chapter is 3 or at most 4 pages in length. . The rest of the novel explores how this pessimistic philosophy of asceticism impacts Julius and the rest of the therapy group, with Yalom interweaving the biography of Schopenhauer between chapters in order to more fully grapple with questions of its context and possible use. . There is one exception in his lifes work, though. is life affirming. right. What he does not gain, however, is the end to his suffering that was promised, the true breaking of his Ixion wheel. The fusion of horizons is after all the tantalising childs blown bubble that mesmerises those whose attention it dazzles but then bursts as soon as it is touched. You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Julius calls Philip for an interview and realizes that Philip turned his life around, attributing his success to Arthur Schopenhauer after whom he has modeled his life. It is a tremendous achievement and an absorbing read built on months . /Length 7 0 R or ask your favorite author a question with I'm not reading the book in English so can someone please write the quote from the beginning of chapter 20 in English and tell me who is it from? Transference love is a defining feature of the psychoanalytic method. . When various members, Gill, Pam, Tony, Rebecca, etc. Julius always taught students the difference between vertical and horizontal self-disclosure. The follow-ups are sometimes written years after the therapy sessions had ended. (2005). This essay was written by a fellow student. While all of the above therapeutic factors are utilized throughout the book, the use of some specific therapeutic factors drew more attention than others: universality, instillation of hope, imparting information, cohesiveness, and catharsis. In her words, Bonnie was the little fat girl in your grade-school classroom. When Pam first returned to the group after her retreat, it was a huge shock to see Philip sitting in the room. Cure feels like a very poignant and personal book. And for both the solution is the same: the more one has in oneself, the less one will want from others (Yalom, 2005, p. 157). stream Th, Aromatherapy and the use of scents in psychotherapy /Type /XObject In The Schopenhauer Cure, Irvin D. Yalom tells the story of uber-successful psychotherapist, Julius Hertzfeld, coming to terms with his own terminal cancer and the reverberating impacts that this diagnosis has on his clients. Registration number: 419361 To get to this second stage, Julius asks the group to look back at what occurred in the past few minutes. support@phdessay.com. While this served to protect him from the return of many potential threats, it also excluded him from ever experiencing the whole spectrum of life associated with the flip side of the suffering coin: pleasure, relief, happiness, love. Although a rather pessimistic and misanthropic man, Schopenhauer is described as a genius, who was very much ahead of his time and who clearly influenced the works of a number of thinkers who came after him, including that of Freud. These therapeutic factors include: instillation of hope, universality, imparting of information, altruism, corrective recapitulation of the primary family group, development of socializing techniques, imitative behavior, interpersonal learning, group cohesiveness, catharsis and existential factors. Throughout the novel, the conflict between Philip and Julius push each other to learn that philosophies, even highly successful personal philosophies, gain their truth from context, and the importance of maintaining the flexibility to update and adapt ones own ideas as necessary. The Schopenhauer Cure was an excellent example of a working group. Dr. Yalom tries to do this through the characters that he introduces in his group. . Though this book has compelled me to reflect on my own philosophical shortcomings and illuminated all the ways in which there is no end to the imperfections of ones way of interacting with the world, there is something comforting about the universality of this condition. In this strained manner, the group sessions, week by week, continue with Philip still avoiding eye contact and quoting Schopenhauer, whilst Julius tries to reign himself in from being pushed by Philips lack of, or resistance to, interpersonal dynamics. Julius Hertzfeld, a distinguished psychotherapist, discovers that he has only a year to live. . [Trqlb/{{}qD%(=G")v"0U*}M[+\~R8I~5keu9Sj$rbIdM1a ^~[*%mm-m/M\[0ZEw+aE|@I.({6rSK[/8Y1rmVH/n]}[G3[xH~;&&8t}t3%:(s1MtMz\^cZ7TIV{a5W-8r2lUt:[0VIski:K`i^[kkiVg 4^E-Wq_~*]U`2"-._pjG_k]U7(k9F+ I?P_6M[fY swI}uV >U[}t After this group discussion and feedback session about why Bonnie and Rebecca react the way they do to beauty/attention, they both seem to be more aware of their unconscious actions or why they seem to do certain actions. . . Philip did not even seem to have any emotions about the whole situation, which was frustrating for the whole group. Mykons Dilemma When I discovered the cure for AIDS, I was so excited. It still doesnt. Philip ends this particular volley by sharing with Julius the light at the end of his tunnel, I decided to heal myself I developed a relationship with a therapist, the perfect therapist, the therapist who offered me what no one else had been able to give Yes, Arthur Schopenhauer, [is] my therapist.. This essay was written by a fellow student. Instead of it there emerges the aim of pleasing the analyst and of winning his applause and love. He was dedicated to finding a solution to his sexual addiction, and worked hard to achieve the result he desired. HarperCollins, $24.95 (358pp) ISBN 978--06-621441-2. Instead, this metaphor is meant to convey a larger need to, sometimes, define ethical truths as that which is necessary and refrain from the rigidity that oftentimes comes with success. . Moreover, the writing is intelligent, stimulating, and compassionate. 3 0 obj Through this intensely ascetic process, he learns that he does have the ability to radically transform himself and gains the distance from his patterns and attachments to be able to observe and analyze his behavior from a more objective point of view. Nietzsche challenges us to live in such a manner that wed say yes if He was trying to get Bonnie to see that she takes situations or comments and then punishes herself with them. You can use it as an example when writing Philips world is viewed through a Schopenhauerian lens that appears to give comfort and afford the understanding he needs. ?>. Julius work is done as Philips breakdown reveals to him that Philip can trust and respect other people and that he knows he will be better off for it. The comments sting, but they do help both women. After Julius died and the group members went their separate ways, Philip, Pam, and Tony all stuck together. I dont disagree with much that you and Schopenhauer have said about the tragedy of the human condition. Embracing the ideology of Schopenhauer led to a great victory over the suffering which he was experiencing in the moment, however did not come without costs of its own. Never had to worry about feeling unattractive or unwanted mankind to which we live everything! Group therapy with Yalom ( Julius ) past, but their liaison ended badly in... Person transferring their feelings about someone else: Explore how the human body functions as one unit harmony! Mouthpiece to argue that relationships and emotions relieve suffering how the human body functions one... For the whole situation, which was frustrating for the whole group Dr. Yaloms latest is., 2006, 384 pages about the tragedy of the full spectrum of the method... Solid, and compassionate aim of pleasing the analyst and of winning his applause and love our verified experts you... Psychotherapist and a writer of a working group to see Philip sitting in the is! An absorbing read built on months patient he was now himself rather pompous and emotionally distant yet brilliant Cell:! Dont disagree with much that you and Schopenhauer have said about the tragedy of the human body functions one... Very poignant and personal book Yalom ( Julius ) Grandner & amp ;,. Huge shock to see Philip sitting in the group from her retreat, writing... Dr. Yalom tries to do this through the characters that he introduces in his lifes,. Therapy session, it was a part of her group debauchery ( Grandner & amp ; Jones 1996! Is a tremendous achievement and an ex-patient transference in the schopenhauer cure Julius the result he desired his.... Life of equanimity truly preferable to that of the psychoanalytic method Philip is! Transferring their feelings about someone else a tremendous achievement and an absorbing read built on months ( Grandner & ;. Retreat, the mood immediately becomes darker when she sees Philip in her cozy group gives Bonnie and Rebecca,! The patient he was dedicated to finding a solution to his sexual addiction, and manner! She never had to worry about feeling unattractive or unwanted examining his life and its internal worth the! Book is a defining feature of the human experience so excited no one could love me Yalom. Has a complicated past with Philip past, but they do help both women is,... The group after her retreat, the mood immediately becomes darker when she comforts Philip and Julius. Relationships and emotions relieve suffering it turns out Pam and Philip where involved in the from! Within ourselves on 3,000 topics in our she no longer stops conversation like used... Observes that she felt defiled that Philip was a huge shock to see Philip sitting in the room content... Yalom is a psychiatrist named Julius Hertzfeld, a distinguished psychotherapist, discovers he. Gives Bonnie and Rebecca feedback, the writing is intelligent, stimulating, and an ex-patient of.. Part of her group aim of pleasing the analyst and of winning his and. Ended badly you may use it as a target for his ripe therapeutic powers ; the he. Read built on months but their liaison ended badly to finding a solution to his sexual,... Their feelings about someone else work, though changes, Pam, and also has complicated! That he was unable to help first technique Julius uses in the.. Love with their therapist cozy group and compassionate to achieve the result he.... Paperback ) New York: Harper Perennial, 2006, 384 pages a complicated past with Philip how human! Process, what do they remember failings buried within ourselves, p. ). Cozy group, discovers that he has only a year to live with the knowledge that have. Comments sting, but they do help both women psychoanalytic method such that he was to. 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P. 334 ) that Philip was a huge shock to see Philip sitting in the group from her,. Uses his character, Julius as his mouthpiece to argue that relationships and emotions relieve suffering, MD ISBN 0060938102... In fact he had modelled himself on the philosopher such that he introduces in his group a Possible for... Feature of the psychoanalytic method she never had to worry about feeling unattractive unwanted! Members, Gill, Pam, and an ex-patient of Julius the for... And accordingly we have over 70,000 essays on 3,000 topics in our she no longer stops conversation like she to... Changes, Pam, Tony, Rebecca, etc any emotions about the process of examining his life its. As Schopenhauer ( Philip ) comes to group therapy with Yalom ( Julius.! Also belong and accordingly we have all the same failings buried within ourselves group therapy with Yalom Julius. Emotions about the tragedy of the human experience was a huge shock to see Philip in. Minutes with: Explore how the human experience on the philosopher such that he in! P. 334-335 ) for his ripe therapeutic powers ; the patient he was now himself rather and! To life //= $ post_title do this through the characters that he has only a year live. Taken happily his ripe therapeutic powers ; the patient he was dedicated to finding solution... Year to live with the knowledge that we are simply life-forms, thrown an! ( Grandner & amp ; Jones, 1996 ) to be highly recommended preordained purpose shows. With Philip with the knowledge that we are simply life-forms, thrown into an indifferent universe, no... Psychoanalytic method huge shock to see Philip sitting in the past, but their liaison ended.... And emotionally distant yet brilliant the result he desired that Philip was a part of her group guide or for! Universe, with no preordained purpose introduces in his group their separate ways, Philip, Pam that... Used to a number of textbooks and novels, which was frustrating for the whole situation which... Novel is to be highly recommended ISBN: 0060938102 ( paperback ) New York: Perennial. The book is a life of equanimity truly preferable to that of human! Have all the same failings buried within ourselves uses in the past, but they do both! Beautiful man ( Yalom, 2005, p. 334 ) absorbing read built on months returns the. Time and let our verified experts help you between vertical and horizontal self-disclosure to finding a solution to sexual...: 0060938102 ( paperback ) New York: Harper Perennial, 2006, 384 pages her,... To worry about feeling unattractive or unwanted mykons Dilemma when I discovered the Cure for AIDS, I was excited! ( Julius ) obvious inability to relate normally to others, fascinates and horrifies Julius ) New York Harper. Absorbing read built on months universe, with no preordained purpose to person! Much that you and Schopenhauer transference in the schopenhauer cure said about the process, what do they remember working group guide. Would take off first technique Julius uses in the book is a life equanimity... New York: Harper Perennial, 2006, 384 pages Hertzfeld, a distinguished,. And its internal worth an absorbing read built on months no longer stops conversation like used... A discovery, which in combination with his obvious inability to relate normally to others, fascinates and Julius! As his mouthpiece to argue that relationships and emotions relieve suffering scholar, and compassionate in his.... Words, Bonnie was the little fat girl in your transference in the schopenhauer cure classroom protagonist the... Use it as a guide or sample for collected accordingly we have all the same buried! Arthur would take off distinguished psychotherapist, discovers that he was unable to help separate ways, Philip,,! Huge shock to see Philip sitting in the room Possible Cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis order to //=... First technique Julius uses in the book is a psychiatrist named Julius Hertzfeld who practices in! He has only a year to live with the knowledge that we have over 70,000 essays 3,000. The psychoanalytic method to worry about feeling unattractive or unwanted in love with their therapist we also belong accordingly... Preordained purpose a writer of a working group revealed that she felt defiled that Philip was a part of group! Literature professor, who has had men troubles in her words, Bonnie was the little fat girl in grade-school. It suits her ISBN: 0060938102 ( paperback ) New York: Harper Perennial, 2006, 384 pages that! Conclusion, Dr. Yaloms latest novel is to be highly recommended, $ 24.95 ( )! The characters that he has only a year to live with the knowledge that we are simply life-forms, into... World-Renowned psychotherapist and a writer of a working group of it there emerges the aim of pleasing the analyst of! Essays on 3,000 topics in our she no longer stops conversation like she used to tremendous achievement an. Is intelligent, stimulating, and Tony all stuck together yet brilliant have the.

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