Loss of Self in Psychosis

"In this book, Simon Jakes offers a refreshingly open-minded discussion of ways to describe and explain the experiences of people described as psychotic. The strength of the book resides in the fact that the author has for many years worked therapeutically with people whose difficulties are of this nature, and he illustrates his arguments by referring to case examples. The book delves deeply into the credibility of the rationale of CBT therapies, psychoanalytic models, ideas from cognitive neuroscience, and relevant philosophical speculations. The book brings together empirical evidence, clinical observation, and conceptual reasoning in a way that is rarely done in applied psychology.

Simon Jakes adopts an anarchic attitude to the ideas he summarises, citing the philosopher of science, Feyerabend, as his inspiration. In the second half of his book he attempts to make sense of the life histories and presenting problems of a number of clients that he has worked with over an extended period. Therapists who work with a similar group of clients should find these eclectic applications of theory to practice useful and thought-provoking."

Richard Hallam. Independent practitioner and researcher.

A thoroughly researched and highly readable book, which critically and refreshingly examines the psychological and philosophical models of psychosis and the self. Written with great humanity and wisdom the author’s extensive practical expertise in the field shines through. It makes one eager to read on to discover more of the mysteries of psychotic presentations.

The material is logically organised and full of real life examples. The case histories at the end add value. This book will help both expert and budding clinicians gain fresh insight into this complex disorder.

Dr Renate Wagner, Clinical Psychologist