The Hanged Man: Psychotherapy and the Forces of Darkness

by Sheldon B. Kopp

SCIENCE AND BEHAVIOR NOVEL

Genres: Psychology, Tarot

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1974

About the author

Sheldon Bernard Kopp (29 March 1929 – 29 March 1999) was a psychotherapist and author, based in Washington, D.C. He was born in New York City, and received his PhD from the New School for Social Research. In addition to his private practice, he served as a Psychotherapy Supervisor for the Pastoral Counselling and Consultation Centres in Washington. He died of cardiac arrhythmia and pneumonia. He is also popular for his quotes. One of them is, "All of the significant battles are waged within the self."

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. This was something. Some very interesting and bold theories on the human psyche, particularly its darker aspects. He draws a lot on the works of Jung, Campbell, and various mystics and artists, and uses the imagery of the tarot to begin each chapter's theme. It was published in 1974 and there were definitely a few thoughts and sentences here that were a bit cringe inducing to read in 2020, coming off as sexist or homophobic, and seemingly inconsistent with the larger universal points he was making. That being said/grimaced past, they were some really bold (I'll use that word again, it fits) and thought provoking ideas I'd never heard before that I will be chewing on for awhile to come. I wouldn't have wanted to chat with him at a cocktail party as he comes off as highly confrontational and brutally unfiltered, but this was worth the read for me.

[Jake Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Sheldon Kopp has managed to give me a swift kick in the psyche. I can't stop reading his books. No doubt I will continue to review them for the remainder of my life. To date, the only other author that I can think of in the self-help/psychology genre that has had this much impact on my thought processes is Brené Brown. I don't practice Tarot reading or have much faith in it but I do find myself obsessed with them from time to time. This book does a great job of exploring your personality and ego with help from the major arcana.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent exploration of the therapist, patient, their "agreement" to come together for an experience of intimacy, and an exploration of timeless archetypes.

[Gemma]

I picked up this book with curiosity for more understanding behind the Tarot Cards and of psychotherapy. I got this and way more. Perhaps it was synchronicity that led me to this book as I didn't really know how much I was asking the questions "Who am I?" and "How do I get good at being me?". These questions now leave me feeling grounded. Highly recommend.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kopp continues to be guide for who I want to be, a Prime Exemplar. Some of the chapters here did not hit me as much, but several did. He is excellent to read in small doses and to contemplate in large doses.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profoundly deep, insightful, and ahead of its time (while still being quite classical and evidential in its approach)

It has written in the face of death and it shows. Raw as could be for Sheldon at this point. A great followup to kill the buddha