Issues in Psychology, Psychotherapy, & Judaism

In the recent past, there has been a general resurgence of investigative interest in the myriad relationships between psychology and Judaism, and more specifically between the latter and psychotherapy that has greatly enhanced our understanding of the interface between them. This book contributes to that worthwhile goal. Between its covers, one can find a collection of articles by orthodox rabbis, educators, and mental health professionals, which discuss and explore a wide spectrum of relevant and topics of concern to professionals and laymen. Controversial issues, such as the attitude of rabbis towards psychotherapy, clerical-clinician cooperation, and Judaism's view and attitude toward homosexuality are discussed in an open and forthright manner. It is expected that some readers may take exception to the views presented, which will, hopefully, enhance further deliberation on these topics. Throughout the book, rich clinical material is presented to guide the practitioner in treating the ultra-orthodox community; in depicting successful collaboration between rabbis and clinicians; and in enlightening the reader regarding the psychological wisdom and insights of the Jewish sages and religious leaders. Mental health professionals, religious leaders, and the general lay public who are interested in the interface between psychology, psychotherapy, and Judaism, will find this work informative, interesting, and stimulating.

Unfortunately, for various reasons, halachic involvement in issues related to mental health is in its infancy. Therefore, the efforts of Dr. Seymour Hoffman, who has edited a collection of selected articles that deal with the interface of psychotherapy and Judaism and encourages collaboration between mental health practitioners and torah scholars, are very welcome. The articles contribute to a deeper understanding of a variety of halachic questions involved in mental health issues and the practice of psychotherapy, and in defining the specific roles and functions of rabbis and psychotherapists in helping people with emotional and psychological problems., This small volume tackles head-on a large topic: the interface between Judaism and Psychology and Psychotherapy. In 11 diverse chapters, issues that are relevant to the therapeutic interaction, amongst others, are explored by an eclectic group of mental health professionals. The papers are user-friendly, down-to-earth, yet infused with an interesting combination of psychological as well as Jewish concepts and ideas. This book is well worth reading., Mental health practitioners, rabbis, as well as those interested in the interface of psychology, psychotherapy, and Judaism, will find interest and benefit from reading this book.

Seymour Hoffman is a senior clinical psychologist with more than forty-five years of clinical experience working in mental health facilities in the United States and Israel. He has published over forty articles in professional journals on psychotherapy and co-authored Cotherapy with Individuals, Families and Groups and Innovative Interventions in Psychotherapy. Recently he was included in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare (2006D2007). Presently he teaches a course on psychopathology at a teachers' college in Israel and is in private practice.