The Only Cure by Mark Solms review
An expert in both disciplines makes a bold attempt to convince sceptics, and partially succeeds
TL;DR
- Mark Solms's book defends psychoanalysis as a lasting cure for mental health conditions.
- Psychoanalysis is contrasted with treatments like drugs, which are seen as palliative rather than curative.
- The defense acknowledges criticisms of Freud but highlights his scientific contributions, especially in neuroscience.
- Solms suggests that while much Freudian orthodoxy is discarded, the core insight about early-life experiences remains crucial.
- The effectiveness of psychoanalysis is illustrated through case histories, emphasizing empathy and 're-parenting'.
- Challenges remain in proving psychoanalysis's unique clinical efficacy due to the difficulty of conducting gold-standard clinical trials.
- The reviewer remains skeptical about the evidence but is open to recognizing psychoanalysis's clinical role.