A Critical History of Psychotherapy, Volume 1

This critical history of psychotherapy provides a sweeping yet detailed examination of the field's origins, tracing its philosophical and practical roots from ancient healing practices through the seismic influence of Freud and Jung, and up to the post-World War II era. The book's structure is deliberately chronological, with each section dedicated to a significant period or a specific decade of the 20th century, allowing readers to see the direct evolution of therapeutic ideas. It meticulously charts how the foundational concepts of psychotherapy branched into diverse schools of thought, offering a clear map of its complex intellectual lineage.

What makes this volume particularly compelling is its critical lens, moving beyond a simple timeline to analyze the forces and contexts that shaped different therapeutic movements. Readers with a foundational interest in psychology will find it invaluable for understanding not just what happened, but why certain theories gained prominence when they did. By the end, you are left with a profound understanding of modern therapy's deep and often contentious history, setting the stage perfectly for the promised second volume.