Imago Dei Psychotherapy: A Catholic Conceptualization

by G.C. Dilsaver

Catholic University of America Press

"Dr. G.C. Dilsaver is rightly considered by many to be the father of Christian psychology, for his book Imago Dei Psychotherapy (IDP)enunciated the foundational principles of the first fully integratedChristian psychotherapeutic conceptualization.  The Imago DeiPsychotherapy (IDP) conceptualization is based on the premise that thefullest understanding of human nature is found in traditional Christian, and especially Thomistic, anthropology, which delineates human moralaction in its cognitive, volitional, and emotional elements. IDPmaintains that locating the behavioral science of psychology within this traditional Christian anthropology of moral action unleashes thatscience s full and unprecedented clinical efficacy. Imago DeiPsychotherapy can be read with immense benefit not only by Catholics and Christians but by all who seek the most efficacious clinical means tomental health."

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224 pages, Hardcover

First published February 18, 2009

Reviews

[Roberto Rosas · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this older book one can see Dr. Dilsaver's efforts to marry Catholic teaching with failed humanist psychotherapy. Less than a decade later, he writes Psychomoralitics where he fully disassociates his particular and wiser approach to the troubles of the psyche from that of the established mental health "mafia". The general principles are the same, but this was only a fruitless attempt to infiltrate the world of psychology/Psychiatry as Western society has accepted it. It is useful to read as long as one keeps in mind that it is Dilsaver's earlier attempt to improve the poisonous mental health system for the sake of the "therapants".

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of a book as great as this! The author has made everything perfectly succinct and insightful. Every chapter shows forth a glaring simplicity yet wisdom that I have been looking for. This book definitely has a high level of re-readability. The author covers and balances perfectly the Theological and Philosophical implications when applying Psychology to the lives of others and exposes perfectly the lack and drawbacks found in modern secular psychotherapy techniques.