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The Interpreted World: An Introduction to Phenomenological Psychology

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Praise for First Edition



`This book is highly recommended to a wide range of people as a clear and systematic introduction to phenomenological psychology... the book has set the stage for possible new colloquia between the phenomenological and other approaches in psychology' - Changes



`As a trainee interested in matters existential, I have been put off in the past by the long-winded and confusing texts usually available in academic libraries. Thankfully, here is a text that remedies that situation... [it] provides a readable and insightful account' - Clinical Psychology Forum



'Spinelli's classic introduction to phenomenology should be essential reading on all person-centred, existential and humanistic trainings, and any other counselling or psychotherapy course which aims to help students develop an in-depth understanding of human lived-experience. This book is sure to remain a key text for many years to come' - Mick Cooper, Senior Lecturer in Counselling, University of Strathclyde



'This is by far the most monumental, erudite, comprehensive, authoritative case that Existentialism and Phenomenology (a) have a rightful place in the academy; (b) are tough-minded bodies of thought; (c) have rigorous scientific foundations; (d) bequeath a distinctive school of psychotherapy and counselling; and (e) are just as good as the more established systems of psychology' - Alvin R. Mahrer, Ph.D. University of Ottawa, Canada, Author of The Complete Guide To Experiential Psychotherapy



'This book's rich insight into the lacunae of modern psychological thinking illustrates the contribution that existential phenomenology can make to founding a coherently mature Psychology that is both fully human(e) and responsibly 'scientific' in the best sense of that term' - Richard House, Ph.D., Magdalen Medical Practice, Norwich; Steiner Waldorf teacher.



The Interpreted World, Second Edition, is a welcome introduction to phenomenological psychology, an area of psychology which has its roots in notoriously difficult philosophical literature.

The Interpreted World

Writing in a highly accessible, jargon-free style, Ernesto Spinelli traces the philosophical origins of phenomenological theory and presents phenomenological perspectives on central topics in psychology - perception, social cognition and the self. He compares the phenomenological approach with other major contemporary psychological approaches, pointing up areas of divergence and convergence with these systems. He also examines implications of phenomenology for the precepts and process of psychotherapy.



For the Second Edition, a new chapter on phenomenological research has been added in which the author focuses on the contribution of phenomenology in relation to contemporary scientific enquiry. He describes the methodology used in phenomenological research and illustrates the approach through an actual research study.



The Interpreted World, Second Edition demystifies an exciting branch of psychology, making its insights available to all students of psychology, psychotherapy and counselling.

252 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

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Ernesto Spinelli

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Neal Tognazzini.
144 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2024
I asked my therapist to recommend a book on existential therapy and this is one of the ones he pointed me to. I knew a bit about phenomenology and existentialism before from my philosophical training, but it was refreshing to hear a psychologist’s spin on it, especially since it was presented with an eye toward practical applications. This approach to therapy - and in general to the human experience - certainly resonates with me.
Profile Image for Fiona Angelica.
77 reviews28 followers
December 27, 2016
A great introduction to the field, easy to follow and very well written
Profile Image for Noah Damski.
28 reviews
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November 6, 2025
Decent primer to Phenomenology: introduces the study itself, the Phenomenological method, and major thinkers.

As it is by consciousness that objects are made present, it is equally by objects that consciousness is revealed or elucidated. Our experiences are not final reflections of reality, but reflections of how we freely choose our attitudes or actions in any situation, although in face of angst from the uncertainty of having to unavoidably accept its responsibility.
Profile Image for Alfredo Flores.
27 reviews5 followers
March 4, 2023
Muy bien organizado y explicado. Gran introducción a la fenomenología y su relación con la psicología existencial.
Profile Image for Kuswointan.
7 reviews61 followers
April 4, 2014
Buku ini ngebantu banget buat paham fenom, terutama metode penelitiannya
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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