Transference and Transcendence: Ernest Becker's Contribution to Psychotherapy

by Daniel Liechty

Based on an expanded view of transference dynamics in which human beings seek to draw power for living from external objects, Becker's work posits that people have this kind of relationship to God as well. His ideas concur with the Psalmist's: the human heart longs for completion in a true and living God. Tempering though Becker's work is, this study suggest that we may find certain "intimations of transcendence" in counseling. Whereas there is in the human heart that panic disguised as reason whos ultimat manifestation is in a "denial of death," Becker's work, as well as that of Yalom, lifton, and Kubler-Ross, suggests that it might be possible to incorporate death awarenessas an ally in living.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis

209 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very concise and lucid summary of Ernest Becker's teachings.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ernest Becker's books Denial of Death and Escape from Evil should get a wide reading...the first won him a Pulitzer. This book by Daniel is a summary of his thinking. Great sections on idolatry and prophets...if you read between the lines!