Hilary Jacobs Hendel

This book is a layman's guide to Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a therapy that identifies emotional difficulties as rooted in childhood experiences that set up blocks against fully experiencing emotions, both positive and negative. Hendel offers techniques for identifying emotions, determining whether they are fundamental experiences or defense mechanisms, and working through emotional reactions using fantasy and mindfulness techniques, which she says will ultimately result in a more integrated, healthy individual.

As someone with no particular background in this kind of therapy, I found this book interesting and enlightening. I can't say I agree with everything in it - I do think there are biochemical roots to mental illnesses that aren't addressed at all here, and I'm skeptical of her list of "core emotions" - but there are some useful techniques and ideas. The title is the worst thing about this book, it doesn't reflect the contents at all.… (altro)