Reviews
In Psychotherapy’s Pilgrim-Poet, Dr. Hall—through her tender poetic eloquence—creates a psychological space for us to enter into the hero’s adventures and experience for ourselves the universal truths so gracefully uncovered. She writes most poignantly of the courage required for the journey, the suffering and sacrifice involved, and the salvific bounty at the end—our self-possession and integrity. The stories are riveting; the meanings conveyed are exceedingly human and radiate a mature hope that each of us can indeed emerge from the voyage more whole and able to love more compassionately. This important and profound book is a soul-filled gift to every psychotherapy patient and therapist.
Amelio A. D’Onofrio, PhD
Clinical Professor and Director, Psychological Services Institute, Fordham University
Through four epic stories from literature, Betsy Hall presents a profound description of the journey that is possible through depth psychotherapy. Weaving the threads of ancient and contemporary stories, she brings to life the experience of the therapist and the client in a deeply insightful and engaging book. It is a real treasure for the world of depth psychotherapy.
Kathryn Kuisle, PhD, Jungian Analyst
Psychotherapy’s Pilgrim-Poet will be heralded by both those who teach literature from a psychological and mythological perspective, by those therapists and mental health workers who believe in the healing efficacy of narratives, the importance of history and the undeniable power of the mythopoetic. But most importantly, and to return to the focus of Betsy’s study, the poet-pilgrim on his/her life journey, will be most assisted when his/her epic narrative is illuminated and augmented by Betsy’s forceful and compassionate text—a guide, if you will to the deep layers of the poetic psyche of its clients.
Dennis Patrick Slattery, PhD
Author of Riting Myth, Mythic Writing: Plotting Your Personal Story and Creases in Culture: Essays Towards a Poetics of Depth
