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The editors wish to clarify that the review of Lying on the Couch by Irvin D. Yalom appearing in this Journal (vol. 58, no. 4, December 1998, pp. 441-442) was written with satiric intent by D. H. Ingram, who enjoyed the book enormously, and whose pleasure, as Editor of this Journal, was further heightened by the positive representations in the book of the work of Karen Horney and of this Journal. In what may have been a misguided conflation of fact and fiction, the review was written as if by a portentious minor character from the book itself. The editors apologize to Dr. Yalom and those readers who may have been puzzled.
Suicide and the Inner Voice is an unusual book that provides a very comprehensive review of theory and research in the most challenging field of suicidology. Dr. Robert W. Firestone skillfully uses years of his clinical experience, conceptual framework of separation theory, and the methodology of voice therapy to describe the underlying dynamics and personality traits of suicidal individuals. His thought-provoking presentation of real cases and personal reflections based upon solid research work clearly explain how painful experiences suffered in the formative years can pave the path for development of destructive self-dialogue at certain developmental stages in life, such as adolescence and old age. Dr. Firestone's insightful and absorbing case-study method fully captures the downward spiral of negative internal dialogue and suggests strategies for risk assessment, treatment, and management of such cases. Thus, the book enhances the reader's understanding of the paradox of defenses, fantasy bonds, anti-self system, interpersonal core conflicts, guilt, childhood traumas, and the mystery of self-damaging internal voices process in suicidal individuals. In my opinion, this book can be of immense value for identification, treatment, management, and prevention of suicide across the globe for professionals and academics.
To my knowledge, this is the firs