June Book-Club:On Becoming a Person

[ygolo]

Let's say people find someway to get the book.

Amazon.com: On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy: Carl Rogers, Peter D. Kramer: Books

On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychothe.. - eBay (item 380000468039 end time May-25-08 13:44:45 PDT)

Or perhaps at local (or local university) library.

 

[scantilyclad]

i picked up the book today at the library, i am currently on page 34. =)

 

[ygolo]

I ordered mine on Amazon. It seemed like one I would want to keep.

Do you think everyone will get it by the start of June?

 

[scantilyclad]

well i guess it depends, if not i guess it will just be you and i discussing the book! haha

 

[placebo]

I borrowed this before but only read part of it. It's not bad but I was too busy to read it. There were a few interesting points, but there's a lot to go through. Maybe I should pick it up again?

 

[ygolo]

Sure.

It is the book that best explains the ideas behind the current state of American psychotherapy (and possibly the west in general).

The ideas of self-psychology (self-esteem, self-actualization, self-<>) are espoused in this book. Maslow and other humanist/existentialist psychologists are who Rogers identified with.

Whether or not you agree with him, the influence of Rogers on the U.S. in particular is clear.

 

[Totenkindly]

Finances are low but I will look around for it (libe or cheap online).

 

[ygolo]

I've found being a community borrower at the local University gives me access to a lot more books than I would have had otherwise.

Perhaps there is a University near by?

 

[Totenkindly]

I've found being a community borrower at the local University gives me access to a lot more books than I would have had otherwise. Perhaps there is a University near by?

hmm.... no big U but there's local community colleges that are popular, that might be an idea.

(We have little branch libraries but the selection is a little sporadic.)

 

[Jae Rae]

hmm.... no big U but there's local community colleges that are popular, that might be an idea.

(We have little branch libraries but the selection is a little sporadic.)

Our city library system is connected to many other community and college libraries. Maybe yours is, too. Our borrowing system is called Link+.

Jae Rae

 

[prplchknz]

I have found a copy on amazon for four dollars so I've ordered that.

 

[ygolo]

So who has gotten the book?

So who has gotten the book?

I got mine.

I was thinking we could do parts 1-3 on week 1, parts 4-5 on week two, parts 6-7 on week 3, and reserve the last week for general discussion?

How does that sound?

 

[ygolo]

How's the reading?

I thought I would check to see how many people are still involved?

Is the pace too slow, too fast?

What are your thoughts on Rogers, his "process" or the central hypothesis that informs his process?

What stage would you consider yourself in terms of "becoming a person?"

How deeply do you think his work affected the U.S. culture?

Should we post our own notes on what we read so far?

 

[ygolo]

How about we make this the June/July book?

I personally only got through Chapter 8, so far.

Are there other members who have gotten this book?

I was starting to feel like I was reading by myself, and kinda lost some motivation.

It is interesting material, however I find that the book is VERY repetitive. He adds a few details, or a different facet, every time he re-introduces his process and "being a process," "being complexity," etc.

It is clear to me that Rogers optimizes the modern American psychotherapy view point. To feel ones feelings, be comfortable expressing them, and to not have "oughts" (or "shoulds" as my counselor used to say).

Incidentally, I would type Rogers as an INFP. Seems very much like an FP of some sort (though perhaps it is because of the viewpoint he is expressing seems to optimize Fi). He has an abstract style of writing (though that could be because he is describing research). The description of his childhood indicated to me an IP of sorts (thought that may be small "scientific" farm life).

Anyway, the main question I am asking is:
Anyone else reading this book?

If so, let's make it July as well. I had a bit too much going on in June.

 

[jungie]

I'd love to join in but only found the thread today and wont be back home for another few weeks so I might wait and join in in July/August.
But I'm interested! Always wanted to be in an interesting book club

 

[ygolo]

Well we can make it "summer" instead.

This was not meant to be a stressful thing. So I don't want to rush anyone who have trouble obtaining the book, or finding time to read, etc.

Just interested parties who have all read the same book.

 

[jungie]

OK I'll get the book and catch up.