From Library Journal
Clinical psychologist Kahn (emeritus, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz) believes that psychoanalytic theory is sound despite some flaws. Here he aims to introduce Freud to college-level students, therapists-to-be, and general readers, using a conversational style and brief case examples from his practice. Kahn covers all the usual suspects: the unconscious, psychosexual development, the Oedipus complex, the repetition compulsion, anxiety, defense mechanisms, guilt, dreams, grief, and transference. He also introduces the post-Freudian Heinz Kohut and, in doing so, shows himself to be an empathic, humane therapist. Some of the cases seem too pat, and Kahn's defense of the Oedipus complex includes the dubious Freudian claim that those who don't agree with it are too threatened to admit the truth. Still, this is a good book for academic and public libraries that complements Pamela Thurschwell's Sigmund Freud (LJ 11/15/00), which is for literary or general audiences, and Elio Frattaroli's trailblazing Healing the Soul in the Age of the Brain (LJ 8/01). E. James Lieberman, George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, DC Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Book News, Inc.
Kahn (emeritus, U. of California) draws on case studies from his own clinical practice to promote Freudian psychoanalysis as a proper tool for psychologists. In chapters devoted to particular Freudian concepts, he discusses the unconscious, sexual development and the Oedipus complex, the repetition complex, anxiety, guilt, and defense mechanisms. While acknowledging flaws in Freud's work, he believes the above concepts still offer powerful explanatory tools.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Leo Goldberger, Professor of Psychology, New York University
"A well-written, accessible, and richly anecdotal introduction to Freudian and post-Freudian thinking...."


Book Description
Freud's theories demonstrates why they are still indispensable to understanding ourselves and the way we behave. In Basic Freud, noted psychologist Michael Kahn shows that even in the age of psychopharmaceuticals and cognitive therapy, Freud's major insights into the unconscious remain unsurpassed tools for understanding our behaviors, motivations, and emotions. Kahn presents key ideas such as the Oedipus complex, the repetition compulsion, guilt, anxiety, and defense mechanisms, along with recent research that has supported or expanded Freud's findings. Kahn also presents real case studies from his own work as a psychotherapist to show how Freudian thought has been instrumental in helping his clients discover who they are and escape from destructive patterns. Lay readers and professional psychotherapists alike will benefit from Kahn's fresh, informed, and unpretentious approach.


Book Info
Univ. of California, Santa Cruz. Pocket-sized text presents Freud's major insights into the unconscious as a tool for understanding human behaviors, motivations, and emotions. Includes recent research on the Oedipus complex, repetition compulsion, guilt, anxiety, and defense mechanisms. For practitioners and therapists. Softcover.


About the Author
Michael Kahn, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a clinical psychologist in private practice. He is also director of a counseling center at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, where he trains psychotherapists. He is the author of The Tao of Conversation and Between Therapist and Client. He lives in Mill Valley, California.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Freud's theories demonstrates why they are still indispensable to understanding ourselves and the way we behave.

In Basic Freud, noted psychologist Michael Kahn shows that even in the age of psychopharmaceuticals and cognitive therapy, Freud's major insights into the unconscious remain unsurpassed tools for understanding our behaviors, motivations, and emotions. Kahn presents key ideas such as the Oedipus complex, the repetition compulsion, guilt, anxiety, and defense mechanisms, along with recent research that has supported or expanded Freud's findings. Kahn also presents real case studies from his own work as a psychotherapist to show how Freudian thought has been instrumental in helping his clients discover who they are and escape from destructive patterns. Lay readers and professional psychotherapists alike will benefit from Kahn's fresh, informed, and unpretentious approach.

Author Biography: Michael Kahn, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a clinical psychologist in private practice. He is also director of a counseling center at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, where he trains psychotherapists. He is the author of The Tao of Conversation and Between Therapist and Client. He lives in Mill Valley, California.

FROM THE CRITICS

Leo Goldberger - Leo Goldberger, Professor of Psychology, New York University