Uncovering the Hidden Roots of Psychoanalysis: Occultism and its Forgotten Influence

Delve into the fascinating world of psychoanalysis and discover the surprising connections between occultism and the birth of this influential field. In “Occultism and the Origins of Psychoanalysis,” Maria Pierri takes readers on a journey to uncover the hidden roots of key psychoanalytic ideas, tracing them back to their mysterious beginnings in hypnosis and the occult.

Freud’s Secret Interests: Telepathy and the Unconscious

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, had a lesser-known fascination with “thought-transmission,” now recognized as telepathy. His private investigations led to intriguing discussions with prominent figures like Carl Jung and Sándor Ferenczi, with whom he engaged in a “dialogue of the unconsciouses.” Together, they explored the enigmatic realm of fortune telling, where practitioners could uncover clients’ pasts, inspiring their groundbreaking research into countertransference, the analytic relationship, unconscious communication, and mother-infant relationality.

The Infant’s Occult Link: Unraveling the Secrets of the Unconscious

Freud and Ferenczi, each in their own unique way, sought to comprehend the infant’s mystical connection with the mother and their secret primal language. Their pioneering work on thought transference laid the foundation for the development of modern psychoanalysis. Pierri masterfully weaves together primary sources, including unpublished materials, to reveal the profound impact of occultism on Freud’s ideas and the subsequent evolution of psychoanalysis.

A Rich Resource for Scholars and Professionals

“Occultism and the Origins of Psychoanalysis” is an invaluable resource for psychoanalysts in practice and training, as well as academics and scholars of Freudian ideas, psychoanalytic theory, the history of psychology, and the occult. This book offers a unique perspective on the history of psychoanalysis, shedding new light on the discipline’s mysterious and often overlooked connections to the world of the occult.

Complemented by “Sigmund Freud and The Forsyth Case: Coincidences and Thought-Transmission in Psychoanalysis,” this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the intriguing links between occultism and psychoanalysis.

Publishing Details:

• Publisher: Routledge
• Edition: 1st edition
• Publication Date: November 30, 2022
• Language: English
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 288
• ISBN-10: 1032159537
• ISBN-13: 978-1032159539