The Half-Alive Ones

The Half-Alive Ones consists of nine clinical papers and two more theoretical ones. It celebrates almost fifty years of therapeutic work, depicting some of the author's most poignant professional experiences, both personal and collective. The author sees herself as an eclectic Jungian, with a flexible approach to analysis and therapy, revealed in her case studies, which demonstrate that the author rarely works with a single person who is ill by himself. She finds it more fruitful to perceive him and to treat him as part of a total situation, which he brings into the consulting room: his family of origin, his work situation, and part or current significant relationships. The author attempts to confirm her deep-felt belief that good listening, sensitive timing, versatility, and evaluation of the other's truth, are indispensable ingredients of every therapeutic hour. Analysis is but an arid endeavour without compassion and creativity.

Seligman, Eva

Preface -- The case for a versatile approach to analytical practice -- The half-alive ones -- A psychological study of anorexia nervosa: an account of the relationship between psychic factors and bodily functioning -- Relationships and the growth of personality -- An approach to marital therapy -- Working with a couple -- The therapeutic moment: reflections on the importance of freedom of communication -- Some thoughts on stagnation and resuscitation in analytic work -- On death and survival -- "Experts in mothercraft" -- Book reviews -- Unedited communications from patients