An edition of Words were originally magic (1994)

Words were originally magic

1st ed.
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Last edited by MARC Bot
July 25, 2024 | History
An edition of Words were originally magic (1994)

Words were originally magic

1st ed.
  • 12 Want to read
  • 1 Have read

While this book evolves naturally from de Shazer's earlier works, here he abandons his characteristically terse style. He quotes not only Sherlock Holmes ("It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts") but also Freud ("Words were originally magic and to this day words have retained much of their ancient magical power....

Thus we shall not depreciate the use of words in psychotherapy and we shall be pleased if we can listen to the words that pass between the analyst and his patient") in emphasizing the importance of a close study of the therapeutic conversation. In explicating how language works in therapy, he ranges widely, citing and critiquing Lacan, Bateson, Ackerman, and Weakland, among others.

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But the heart of this book can be found in the detailed conversations between client and therapist that show solution-focused therapy in action. The magic of words can be seen in the miracle question - "Suppose that one night there is a miracle and while you are sleeping the problem that brought you into therapy is solved. How would you know? What would be different?" - and in sealing questions - "Suppose 10 is the problem is gone and 0 is the problem at its worst.

Where are you now?" Pursued persistently but respectfully, these questions enable people to imagine and create new futures for themselves, to come up with their own solutions. De Shazer's many fans will be delighted with this book; for those therapists who sense that they should learn something about the brief therapy model that is sweeping the field, Words Were Originally Magic will be a wonderful introduction.

Publish Date
Publisher
W.W. Norton
Language
English
Pages
285

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Previews available in: English

Edition Availability
Cover of: Words were originally magic
Words were originally magic
1994, W.W. Norton
in English - 1st ed.

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Book Details


Edition Notes

Includes bibliographical references (p. 275-279) and index.
"A Norton professional book."

Published in
New York

Classifications

Dewey Decimal Class
616.89/14
Library of Congress
RC489.S65 D4 1994, RC489.S65D4 1994

The Physical Object

Pagination
xvii, 285 p. :
Number of pages
285

ID Numbers

Open Library
OL1079386M
Internet Archive
wordswereorigina00desh
ISBN 10
0393701700
LCCN
94002713
OCLC/WorldCat
29703072
Library Thing
1751489
Goodreads
1088536

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Download catalog record: RDF / JSON
July 25, 2024 Edited by MARC Bot import existing book
August 18, 2020 Edited by ImportBot import existing book
February 13, 2020 Edited by MARC Bot remove fake subjects
July 22, 2017 Edited by Mek adding subject: In library
December 10, 2009 Created by WorkBot add works page