Books Received

JEFFREY, CAROL. That Why Child: Problems in Psychotherapy and Counselling. London:  Free Association Books, 1996. Pp.  xiv + 127. Pbk.

Over seventy years of experience as a psychotherapist have gone into the creation of this book. Now 98 years old, Carol Jeffrey has brought together personal and professional observations which she has amalgamated into a distinctive statement of theory and practice. Originally a teacher, Jeffrey was instrumental in the establishment of a national network of National Health Service Child Guidance Clinics in the UK. She later went on to work as a therapist with both adults and children as a member of the Open Door Psychotherapy Clinic.

It is most striking that she has a fresh, individual approach which gives new perspectives to old subjects. For this reason the book will have something in it for experienced therapists, but is also an excellent primer for those new to therapeutic work. What is clearly important to Jeffrey is that her approach is her own. She attributes this to her strong sense of curiosity, evident from childhood even in the face of disapproval from ‘authority’. The disparagement she received then - hence the title of her book - and later as a newly married woman fuelled her wish to arrive at her own answers. Her individuality has, however, not closed her to external influences which she describes and acknowledges. She has been strongly influenced by Jung including some analysis of her paintings by him, albeit by post. She also had an analysis of some twenty years' duration with Michael Fordham, who contributes a foreword to the book, and his influence too is generously acknowledged.

The form of the book reflects Mrs Jeffrey's interests and experience rather than being an exposition of theory although this too has its place. She successfully balances science and art: professional and personal. This, she says, is her aim.

CAROTENUTO, ALDO. To Love To Betray. Wilmette, IL:  Chiron Publications, 1996. Pp.  184