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Collected in this book are papers read at a symposium on the psychotherapy of schizophrenics. It presents the views and observations of a number of people who have had experience in treating schizophrenic patients; it is in no way a comprehensive textbook of psychotherapy. Each contribution is followed by a criticism of the paper by a member of the symposium as part of the discussion that took place afterwards. There are six papers in all, with an introduction by Dr John Rosen. In a way this book comes as a sequel to an earlier symposium on Psychotherapy with Schizophrenics, edited by Brody and Redlich.
Dr Carl Rogers examines what he thinks are the conditions necessary to initiate constructive changes in the personality through psychotherapy. He believes these conditions to be the same for neurotics and schizophrenics. Though it is more difficult to achieve these conditions with schizophrenics, it is nevertheless possible. They are confluence, empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and the experiencing of these conditions by the patient. Each of these concepts is examined and explained in the light of the possibility of providing a scientifically testable hypothesis for research. A number of hypotheses are also put forward as to what constitutes the process of change, so that scientific testing can take place. Apparently the central idea is that of confluence, which means that the therapist should be and express what he really is, and this is 'the opposite of presenting a façade, a defensive front, to the patient or client.'
The author states that he has experience only of the fairly well-preserved schizophrenics seen as clients in a clinic, and not with hospitalized schizophrenics.
Dr Monroe discusses whether psychotherapy is to be considered as a basic treatment for schizophrenia or as an adjunct thereto. He considers that neurophysiological and biochemical research point to the fact that schizophrenics are suffering from a disease in the