A Different Existence: Principles of Phenomenological Psychopathology

by J. H. van den Berg, Duquesne University

This book, originally published by Duquesne University Press, presents a detailed psychopathological analysis of a single theoretical case of neurosis. The ambiguities resulting from the indiscriminate use of psychological categories are discussed, and it is shown how phenomenological concepts can clarify a client's understanding of himself and the world. A historical summary of relevant literature is also included.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy

141 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1972

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange little book, not too difficult, although a few complex passages. It is interesting both for its phenomenological approach to psychological problems, and for its place in the history of psychological thought. It clearly shows a more present oriented way of dealing with psychology and tends to be skeptical of the "unconcious." Its mode of conceptualizing illness, as rooted in loneliness and disconnect between the person and their body, their world, their self, and their relationships, is useful and a good way to look at things. If one was to become a clinician in this theoretical framework a tremendous amount of work would need to be done still, but as an introduction it is accessible and provocative enough. It also has just enough philosophical teeth to ground it, without making it uninteresting.

Also: a rare occurrence in my reading these days, it's the right length! Nothing extraneous, and nothing omitted.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engrossing introduction to phenomenological psychopathology.

Here are some of my highlights:

Van den Berg’s descriptions of the phenomenology of a good friendship put words to distinct feelings I have been unable to describe. “The removal of the barriers between me and the objects is the friendship between him and me. At the same time, I know the is looking at me. He is seeing me gesticulate, talk, look. I am moving my body freely; without obstruction, I am flowing into my arms, my hands, my throat and mouth, my eyes. I am in possession of my body; I am this body- which implies that I am on good terms with my friend” (Pg 73).

The subtitle of this book is “Principles of Phenomenological Psychopathology”, so as a personal study tool, I’ve collected excerpts and summaries of what, according to the author, phenomenology is:
- “A phenomenologist tries to describe phenomena as they are. He respects what is put on the record, the incidents just as they are occurring. So he has to respect the observations of the incidents, the seeing of the incidents just as they are occurring. He should refrain from quickly pronouncing judgment on the situation, for a quick judgment is usually premature. First to describe, then to judge. To describe is most important” (Pg 63).
- “A statement about what exists between people necessarily contains observations of objects, duties, interests, plans, to put it briefly, what is there, yonder. Between, there is nothing. Even an exchange of looks is aimed at yonder. Phenomenological psychology originates from this observation. There is an original contact with objects. We often even are the objects. The shoemaker loses awareness of himself; he is absorbed in his work, he becomes the shoe he is repairing- if not, he might just as well stop working. The writer becomes his problem; he gets into his problem, and he liberates himself when he solves it” (Pg 67).
- “The phenomenologist is obsessed by the concrete. To observe what is happening is his first and last aim, probably more accurately defined when extended with one word: what is happening *there*. Objects have something to say to us- this is common knowledge among poets and painters. Therefore, poets and painters are born phenomenologists” (Pg 76).
- “The phenomenologist wants to talk to his patient, he tries to put himself in the situation the patient describes. He wants to compare the patient’s impression of the situation with his own impression, and his report is the result of this comparison” (Pg 78).
- “The phenomenologist never needs hypotheses. Hypotheses emerge where the description of reality has been discontinued too soon. Phenomenology is the description of reality” (Pg 124).

I found the sections about time and the relationship between the past, present, and future very elucidating. “The past is what was, as it is appearing now” (Pg 82). Van den Berg’s description of the past as something not static but alive and in a way even malleable is an exciting approach to psychodynamic therapy. “Now it becomes clear why the neurotic (and often the psychotic) worries about his past, the past that seems chaos to him. The future becomes inaccessible, for an accessible future means a well-ordered past” (Pg 92).

On the relationship between past, present, and future:
“Past and future are not two distinctive spheres touching one another in a zero point called “present”. Indeed, past and present differ: the past is there, behind us; the future yonder, before us. Yet both have an actual value; future and past are embodied in a present. The present has dimensions; at times it contains a whole life- as an exception, it may even contain a period longer than an individual’s existence. The past is within this present: what was is the *way* it is appearing now. The future: what comes, the *way* it is meeting us now” (Pg 91).

And then of course, there is the final section on loneliness as it relates to psychopathology. The phenomenological approach is to tend to the loneliness, often is using the power of transference to repair relational wounds. A phenomenologist observes how a person conceals not only from others but themselves by helping a client stay in the present. “The patient needs an old past to ward off a painful present. She does not know that she is evading the present” (Pg 118).

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vandenberg is an incredibly underrated psychologist and existential phenomenologist. The influence of Northern European voices in this particular philosophical realm has only further established the foundational elements of existential phenomenological approaches to the overarching world of clinical psychology. “A different existence“ situates Vandenberg‘s crucial theories related to the study of metabletics as well as basic phenomenological experiences of the world. There is some repetition in this text, and given the date of the writing, some unnecessary background exposition position.