Pragmatics of Human Communication
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The properties and function of human communication.
Paul Watzlawick Book order
July 25, 1921 – March 31, 2007
This psychologist and philosopher was a theorist in communication theory and radical constructivism. His ideas have influenced family therapy and general psychotherapy. He was one of the most influential figures at the Mental Research Institute.
- 2011
- 2011
Why some problems persist while others are resolved.
- 1993
The Language of Change
- 184 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Although communications emerging in therapy are ascribed to the mind's unconscious, dark side, they are habitually translated in clinical dialogue into the supposedly therapeutic language of reason and consciousness. But, Dr. Watzlawick argues, it is precisely this bizarre language of the unconscious which holds the key to those realms where alone therapeutic change can take place.Dr. Watzlawick suggests that rather than following the usual procedure of interpreting the patient's communications and thereby translating them into the language of a given psychotherapeutic theory, the therapist must learn the patient's language and make his or her interventions in terms that are congenial to the patient's manner of conceptualizing reality. Only in that way, he shows, can the therapist effectively bring about genuine changes and problem resolutions. Drawing on the work of Milton H. Erickson, he supports his findings with many (and often amusing) examples.This book, then, is a virtual introductory course to the grammar and language of the unconscious.
- 1990
Essays discuss the structure of human relationships, depression following stroke, hypnotherapy, schizophrenia, imaginary communication, self-reference, and ideological reality
- 1983
The situation is hopeless, but not serious : the pursuit of unhappiness
- 126 pages
- 5 hours of reading
This is a tongue-in-cheek look at the ways in which we turn ourselves into our own worst enemies. Using metaphors, vignettes, jokes, innuendoes and other "right-hemispheric" language games, Dr. Watzlawick shows how we can make everyday life miserable and inflate trivialities beyond recognition. Those who believe that the search for happiness eventually leads to happiness should consult the chapter "Beware of Arriving."--Publisher description.
