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In this series of lectures delivered to the medical staff of the Burgholzli Psychiatric Clinic in Switzerland as a basis for further research, the author presents the system of treatment of schizophrenics which she developed in one case of an adolescent whom she cured after several years of “incurable” illness. Readers familiar with the writings of Mme. Sechehaye will recognize the case of Renee, whose briefly reviewed history is offered here as a point of departure for an extended discussion of the theory and method of symbolic realization. Each chapter of this book comprises a separate unit, exploring the various aspects of psychiatric practice with schizophrenics in the thoughtful and penetrating manner which is characteristic of this author. Practical techniques are discussed for achieving contact with the patient and observing him, for interviewing his relatives, and for fulfilling his psychotic needs. On the other hand, more general topics—the primary human needs, reactions to frustration, and the aspects and processes of schizophrenic thinking—are given equal attention.
As presented here, the method of symbolic realization may perhaps provide the essential missing link between the present understanding of the schizophrenic process which has been attained by the various therapeutic schools and the organization of this understanding in a workable curative technique. The process of psychotherapy is not made to seem simple. As one reads, one is impressed many times over with the extreme fragility of the initial psychic entity of the schizophrenic and with the great difficulties encountered in leading him out of his private world and up the long and slippery path to recovery. Seemingly endless is the demand upon the therapist to immerse himself in his task, to deepen his understanding of the patient's total personality and complex reaction patterns, on the patient's own terms. Even in its most limited sense, symbolic realization employed as a means of establishing