Healing the Soul in the Age of the Brain: Why Medication Isn't Enough

by Elio Frattaroli

We would all like a quick fix for our problems, a simple pill to take away our anxiety and lift us out of our depression. But there is no quick fix for the soul, and anxiety and depression may be signals of soul's unmet needs. In this landmark book, Dr. Elio Frattaroli challenges our fixation on psychiatry's "Medical Model," which treats mental illness solely with drugs instead of seeking a deeper understanding of our problems - in other words, treating symptoms rather than people. Combining a Renaissance humanism with a sophisticated understanding of modern science, he makes an impassioned, persuasive case for "listening to the soul" - paying attention to the inner life of the emotions, both in psychotherapy and in our everyday lives. Drawing upon philosophy, literature, psychology, and riveting case histories from his own life and practice, Frattaroli explores what has happened to a culture that has been "listening to Prozac" and hearing nothing else. -- back cover

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Science, Medicine, Philosophy

454 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't put this book down. It really challenges the unshakable faith we put in medicine, drugs, and science while at the same time ignoring our instincts, spirit and psychology. The debate at the heart of this book is whether mental illness is to be classified and fixed simply in relation to the functions of the brain. While pills might provide the quick fix a patient (and his/her insurance company demand) the author argues that to assume that chemistry in the brain is the cause and not perhaps a symptom of illnesses like depression, is a leap of faith without any scientific justification. Even if you don't agree with the premise that psychology has fallen prey to this damaging and limited view of the mind and brain as one and the same, you will still enjoy this look at the past and present of psychotherapy all written in an easy to follow narrative. Plus you'll get a little philosophy 101. Impress your friends!

Sadly, this was due back at the library and I had to take it back, got redundant in the Mary case study and went over what felt like the same ground over and over, which is the purpose of psychotherapy, but what I think also turns a lot of people off about it. Who has that kind of time? Best to read the book and heal thyself...ha.

[Elliedakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book nearly 20 years ago, and it has sat on my shelf unread since. The time was right to read it, and I gained significant insights from it. It has informed some insightful weeks of journaling. However, I have two significant issues with the content. 1. Four days of therapy a week for ten years can easily reach a quarter of a million dollars of outlay from the patient and income to the therapist. This seems fiscally irresponsible when the function of the therapist seems to primarily serve as a transference lightening rod. 2. Although the author claims that “all” mental illness has anxiety/repression roots, not once does he mention cases where there is significant public danger - such as with criminality and psychopathy. The book was almost entirely about anxiety and depression, a small subset of the range of mental illness. Even schizophrenia was only lightly mentioned. In the case of schizophrenia, imaging has shown brain area size changes. So while I can accept the author’s premise for many cases of depression and anxiety, I take exception to his claim of explaining “all” mental illness this way.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book radically changed the way I viewed my depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Thanks to this book I looked deep within myself and learned I had everything I needed to overcome my sickness of the soul!!

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for the general lay population, not the professional community.

[Asit]

The book takes a look at the philosophical shift in understanding the subjective mind/objective brain duality within us which has led to the current Medical Model that views all mental phenomena as patterns of neurons firing off -- treatable with a special pill.

Read this book to learn about the dogma of Scientism -- which rivals that of any church.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. Though this book is somewhat technical, it is transformational!!! It helped me see how our society has forgotten to feed the soul in our attempt to feed the mind. It helped me begin to be soul-conscious. EXCELLENT BOOK!!!

[Mae Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long and burdensome and, most importantly, PROFOUND read that taught me so much just by providing me with the framework to think about who I am and how I burden myself. More to say, will add later.

It’s March 8th, 2025 and I’m coming back to add more and couldn’t want to less if I tried.

[Talia]

I may never finish this book, but i have recommended it to more than one person. Dense, but an important and interesting book.

[Mary Beth Kollar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading for a class...so far so good..I'll add more later

[Ross Hamilton, · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take your time with this one. It's well worth it!

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Anybody - therapist or client - doing any kind of psychodynamic therapy should read this as soon as possible. Frattaroli's is a voice we need to hear far more of these days.

[Dror Rosenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book...

[Angela Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly boring...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love this book!