Ebook: Reality and Dream: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian

“Dr. Devereux approached his opportunity to study intimately the feelings of one Plains Indian with the equipment afforded by scientific anthropology, psychiatry and psychoanalysis. His book is, therefore, an example of the systematic utilization of cultural material in clinical study and in the formulation of the goals of therapy. In addition, Dr. Devereux had the enormous advantage of personal acquaintanceship with many different cultures—Occidental, Oriental, East Indian, and American Indian. In the hands of so capable an observer, this patient left behind him a record of scientific value to the psychiatrist, psychologist and anthropologist, and of real interest to all those who seek to understand human life and the common humanity of all men behind the facade of their respective cultures.” KarL A. MENNINGER

Reality and Dream is both a fascinating human document and a major contribution to psychiatry and anthropology. It offers: A new interpretation of the relationship between culture and personality, and a dynamic re-evaluation of the Plains areal culture pattern. An outline of the principles and technique of transcultural psychotherapy. The only verbatim account of an entire psychotherapy ever published, together with a dynamic analysis and a technical evaluation of the therapy. The complete text and interpretation of all psychological tests. A pioneering discussion of the diagnostic interpretation of finger paintings.

Reality and Dream, is also significant for its wider implications for all societies: it demonstrates the manner in which the diversity of cultures enriches, deepens and illuminates the fundamental unity and brotherhood of all men. This thoughtful and thought-provoking book, in a time of blind “leveling down” and Gleichschaltung, reaffirms that man’s humanity and dignity are ultimately rooted in man’s capacity for creative differentiation.

Dr. George Devereux, a pioneer in clinical anthropology, is Staff Ethnologist, and the Executive Secretary of the Research Committee and the Editorial Board of Winter Veterans Administration hospital, and also teaches in the Menninger Foundation School of Psychiatry and the Topeka Institute for Psychoanalysis.