The six papers and discussions comprising this book represent in part a 1958 symposium at Southeast Louisiana Hospital held for the purpose of assessing progress in the treatment of schizophrenia since a previous symposium at Yale University in 1951. Each paper is independent; no synthesis of viewpoints is attempted.

Carl R. Rogers presents the hypothesis that schizophrenia is not qualitatively different from neurosis. His zeal leads him with somewhat strained logic to suggest that the schizophrenic patient be given the same type of therapy as the neurotic. The therapist, he says, must be 'congruent', have 'empathic understanding', 'be unconditionally acceptant', and be able to communicate these feelings to the patient. He places no trust in understanding the patient's past experiences, but relies on the 'existential encounter'.