Erich Fromm – a Therapeutic Vision Well Ahead of its Time. Erich Fromm’s Contribution to Experiential Psychotherapy

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Erich Fromm – a Therapeutic Vision Well Ahead of its Time. Erich Fromm’s Contribution to Experiential Psychotherapy

Journal Title: Journal of Experiential Psychotherapy - Year 2019, Vol 22, Issue 3

Abstract

Introduction: Erich Fromm (1900-1980) was a German psychoanalyst, his work focused on several areas of human knowledge: social psychology, Psychoanalysis, sociology, humanist philosophy, ethics etc. Fromm used the “here and now” presence from Zen Buddhism, the importance of being “centrally related” to the client in his psychoanalytical practice. Experiential psychotherapy adapts to the client, trying through any creative method to help them overcome difficulties, discover themselves and restructure those parts that bring pain. Objectives: 1. To name Fromm’s contribution to psychology and psychotherapy, his theories and private practice. 2. To identify the connection between Erich Fromm’s theories and modern Experiential psychotherapy. This paper is focused on the different ways Fromm’s work as a psychoanalyst and philosophical thinker can help therapists include the social and ethical dimensions of his theories in to their practice. Methods: Analyzing Erich Fromm’s theoretical work and private psychoanalytical practice. Fromm’s vision of man, as psychoanalyst, is full of healing goodwill, using ethics and theoretical morals as a guiding thread of practice. In his works he seems to want to unite theory with practice, so that there is no distinction between the theoretical ideal and the practical living of the individual and humanity. Results: Using Erich Fromm’s perspective in the practice of Experiential psychotherapy. The dual, alienated mind-body perspective of Descartes, and others like him, is different from Erich Fromm’s vision, which is more integrated, holistic, as one could say. And this vision is important in the Experiential Psychotherapy of Unification, the PEU method, focusing on the unification of perceived and often conflicting polarities. Conclusions: Is Erich Fromm relevant in contemporary psychotherapeutic practice? In psychotherapy it is not enough to have knowledge on psychology, psychiatry, medicine, anatomy, anthropology, sociology; we also need vast knowledge of ethics and philosophy to be able to fully comprehend the human nature and find proper healing methods. The humanism of Fromm’s psychology is given by ethics; these values lead to the realization of the whole human potential and to humanism. For him it is important for a mental health professional to study and understand that psychology also deals with ethical issues.

Authors and Affiliations

Cristina Enescu (Matei)

Keywords

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