Healing the Split: Madness or Transcendence? A New Understanding of the Crisis and Treatment of the Mentally Ill, John E. Nelson M. D., Jeremy P. Tarcher, 1991, Stated First Edition, ISBN: 9780874775686, Hardcover, 9.5×6.5×1.5″, 442pp

NEW condition with addition of archival cover… Collectible

“Healing the Split: Madness or Transcendence? A New Understanding of the Crisis and Treatment of the Mentally Ill,” authored by John E. Nelson M.D. and published by Jeremy P. Tarcher in 1991, provides a radical reinterpretation of mental illness. Nelson’s work is a compelling exploration of the fine line that separates ‘madness’ from ‘transcendence’, thereby challenging conventional perspectives on mental disorders.

Nelson, a practicing psychiatrist, propounds that what is often labeled as psychosis might, in some instances, be a part of the individual’s journey towards spiritual or personal awakening. He underscores the potential for growth inherent in these experiences and criticizes the psychiatric establishment’s tendency to pathologize them without seeking a deeper understanding.

Using case studies, Nelson explores different instances where symptoms often categorized as psychotic have been a part of the individual’s transformative process. He advocates for a more holistic and compassionate approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding and integrating these experiences, rather than suppressing them with medication.

“Healing the Split” is a profound work, provoking readers to reconsider their views on mental illness and to acknowledge the potential for transcendence and growth within these often misunderstood experiences. It remains an important read for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the deeper aspects of human psychology.