Full Description
Learn to free creativity from the shackles of emotional conflicts!This riveting collection of case histories illustrates the dark interplay of neurosis and creativity. Psychotherapy with People in the Arts explores the struggles of writers, painters, actors, and composers to reconcile their overwhelming need to create and the self-doubts, frustrations, and neuroses that block their potential. In addition to ten inspiring tales of healing and self-knowledge, Psychotherapy with People in the Arts provides a solid introduction to the primary issues related to emotional disorders and creativity. It begins with a study of the notoriously reclusive and eccentric writer J. D. Salinger. Using both theory and case example, it shows how family history, present relations, and genetics can combine to impede the flow of an artist's natural gifts-and how a good therapist can help unblock that creative power. It also includes a series of tests to diagnose blocked creativity. Psychotherapy with People in the Arts explores such compelling themes as:
dealing with racism and internalized self-hatred
the conflict between commercial and high art
anger and blocked tears
the drive for an impossible perfection
emotional alienation and sexual acting out
Psychotherapy with People in the Arts is a fascinating look at a complex and controversial subject. Though not everyone is a professional artist, every human being has creative potential that can be blocked by emotional disturbances. And every therapist, mental health educator, and artist will find rich sources of information and inspiration in this book. Visit the author's website at http://www.livingcenter.net
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. The Cracked Mirror: Neurosis and Creativity
Chapter 2. Jessie and Joe: Color and the Emotions
Chapter 3. May: The Writer Who Couldn't be Serious
Chapter 4. Leo: The Actor Who Couldn't Cry
Chapter 5. Audrey: Black Writing and White Writing
Chapter 6. Jerome and Betty: The Musician and Painter Who Needed to Suffer
Chapter 7. Norbert: The Filmmaker Who Couldn't Finish
Chapter 8. Pricilla: The Writer Who Couldn't Hate Her Father
Chapter 9. Alex: The Painter Who Was Too Refined to Be Commercial
Chapter 10. Marvin: The Perverse Playwright
Appendix: Tests of Inhibited Creativity
References
Index
