Alien Landscapes? Interpreting Disordered Minds

Abstract

Reviews the book, Alien Landscapes? Interpreting Disordered Minds by Jonathan Glover (see record 2014-35188-000). The book is magisterial and comprehensive regarding the importance of understanding psychological disturbance-in addition to using the latest medical knowledge-in the treatment of severely disturbed patients. Buttressed by literary references, citations from the scientific literature, and examples from artists and poets, the author paints a picture of the importance of understanding the seemingly alien mind. He is quick to tell us that he is not a psychiatrist, and this shows. His presentation of material is not an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of the mind of the patient. There is no step-by-step elaboration of how the person in question develops, such as that found in other treatments of the psychology of psychosis. For those who need a refresher course, the book fits the bill as a reminder of the importance of an empathic and far-reaching psychotherapeutic exploration of all mental states in our very disturbed patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)