Doctor of the Heart

by Conrad W. Baars

Autobiography of one of the pioneers of the psychology of affirmation, a Gospel-based approach to healing and wholeness

238 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

About the author

Conrad W. Baars, M.D., (January 2, 1919 – October 18, 1981) was a Catholic psychiatrist. His most prominent work is with Dr. Anna Terruwe in the study of the human emotional life. Their general idea is that many emotional disturbances in a human stem from a lack of experiencing unconditional love during his or her life. He and Terruwe are known for their model of Emotional Deprivation Disorder and a different approach to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Dr. Baars and Dr. Terruwe treated many priests and religious in their practices and presented important information to the bishops of the Catholic Church. The Role of the Church in the Causation, Treatment and Prevention of the Crisis in the Priesthood, was copyrighted and published by Franciscan Herald Press (Chicago, Illinois) in 1972 as part of their "Synthesis Series" as 'How to treat and prevent The Crisis in the Priesthood'. Dr. Baars wrote numerous other articles and monographs.

Reviews

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring story of a young man who was arrested in his attempt to resist the Nazi’s and his time in multiple concentration camps until the liberation of the camps by the Allied forces. Unlike the Tattooist of Auschwitz which emphasized survival over morals, Dr. Baars managed to survive and help others while maintaining his faith and morals. Following his immigration to America, he embraced a form of psychiatric treatment which focused on aiding patients who suffered numerous problems due to a lack of nurturing and affirmation in childhood. This was a continuation of his goodness and love of neighbor which was in evidence throughout his life. I highly recommend this book!

[Madeline Schmitt]

Much less psychological concentration and much more Concentration Camp than I expected, and not for the worse.