Handbook for Logotherapists: Theory and Praxis
by By Anne Niiles-Mäki, Ph.D., Institute for Purpose-Centered Philosophy, Finland.
ISBN: 978-952-69843-2-2
Handbook for Logotherapists: Theory and Praxis by Anne Niiles-Mäki, Ph.D., is not just another book about Logotherapy. As the title explains, it is a handbook for theory and practice (praxis). It is an academic and thorough but also accessible explanation of the concepts and techniques of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis that goes beyond simple introductions and definitions of terms. As a handbook for Logotherapists, it is more suitable for people who already have a foundation in LTEA than beginners. By way of comparison, Niiles-Mäki has produced a work that is, in my opinion, comparable in depth and detail to Viktor Frankl’s On the Theory and Therapy of Mental Disorders, with the difference that Niiles-Mäki’s work covers the breadth of Logotherapy, whereas Frankl’s handbook is more narrowly focused on categorizing, explaining, and treating disorders (neuroses).
Like Frankl, Niiles-Mäki earned a Ph.D. in philosophy, but unlike Frankl, she is not an M.D. This means that Niiles-Mäki’s writing is more focused on the philosophy underpinning Frankl’s work, which is one of the virtues of this handbook. Not only does Niiles-Mäki carefully delineate Logo-philosophy, but she also contributes additional materials to shore up and enhance the field, giving Logotherapy a stronger base in scientific and philosophic language. These contributions include the application of interventionist theory, the theory of regional ontology (Husserl), applications of theories from the Finnish philosopher Lauri Rauhala (e.g., the basic structure of human consciousness), the Two-Staged Separation Diagnostics of disorders, a renewed model of Existential Analysis, and the implementation of the hermeneutic circle. This more or less describes chapters 1-6 of the book, the theoretical foundations (theory), whereas chapters 7-14 comprise the “how to” (praxis) part of the handbook.
With Handbook for Logotherapists: Theory and Praxis, Niiles-Mäki has produced a tome that deserves the attention and scrutiny of the LTEA community. It is suitable for advanced students of Logotherapy, and it is a worthy addition to any practitioner’s library. Speaking for myself, I read it slowly and often re-read passages. This is simply because Niiles-Mäki’s book stretched me intellectually beyond my current level of understanding. I have truly benefitted from reading it, and I am glad to have it to refer to again and again in my implementation of LTEA.
To get your copy visit: https://logoterapeutti.fi/handbook-for-logotherapists-theory-and-praxis/
Tom Edmondson for meaninginministry.com
Date Of Review: February 2024