Best Medical Psychoanalysis Books of 2025

The Red Book: A Reader's Edition (Philemon) is a portable edition of C. G. Jung's famous work, The Red Book. This book contains the core of Jung's later works and his theories of the archetypes, collective unconscious, and individuation. The book also includes an introductory essay by Sonu Shamdasani and the full translation of Jung's work. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychoanalysis and psychology. The Red Book is an exceptional work that transcends the history of psychoanalysis and underscores Jung's place among revolutionary thinkers like Freud, Marx, and Orwell.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell is a timeless classic that combines modern psychology with comparative mythology to explore the universal motif of adventure and transformation. Campbell's examination of ancient hero myths sheds light on man's eternal struggle for identity and purpose, making this book relevant to readers across generations. The third edition of the book, part of the Collected Works of Joseph Campbell, features expanded illustrations and a comprehensive bibliography. This book has influenced fields ranging from literature and film studies to religion and anthropology and continues to inspire creative artists.

The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy is a classic work that has been the standard text in the field for decades. In its completely updated sixth edition, Dr. Yalom and Dr. Leszcz present the most up-to-date, incisive, and comprehensive text available on the practice of group psychotherapy. The material is suitable for mental health professionals across disciplines who want to build their knowledge and expertise for leading psychotherapy groups. The book covers new sections throughout, including online group therapy, modern analytic and relational approaches, and measurement-based care. Overall, this book is an essential resource for learning and enhancing group leadership skills for all types of groups.

Man and His Symbols is a seminal text that offers invaluable insight into the symbols we dream that demand understanding, into how they affect our lives, and into why we seek meaning in them at all. Written by Carl G. Jung, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in popular psychology and psychoanalysis. With fascinating case studies and examples pulled from a variety of surprising sources, it proves to be a relevatory, absorbing, and relevant experience. Jung's contribution to the life and thought of our time is immense, and this book is a testament to his brilliant mind.

The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious is a collection of essays that presents the foundation of Jung's psychological system. It includes "On the Psychology of the Unconscious" and "The Relations Between the Ego and the Unconscious," along with their original versions in an appendix. This book is a must-read for both Jungians and non-Jungians alike, and it is considered a fundamental work among Jung's writings. The American Journal of Psychotherapy highly recommends it. The book provides a unique perspective on the human psyche and is an essential addition to any psychology enthusiast's library.

This book, Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, is a must-read for clinicians who want to understand their patients deeply and help them live more authentically. Nancy McWilliams offers a comprehensive guide to psychoanalytic personality theory, character types, and how to develop a systematic yet flexible diagnostic formulation. The second edition of this book incorporates important advances in attachment theory, neuroscience, and the study of trauma, making it even better than the first. Highly readable, this book features a wealth of illustrative clinical examples, making it accessible to practitioners of all levels of experience.

Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Viktor E. Frankl is a rediscovered masterpiece that offers hope even in the darkest of times. Frankl, a world-famous psychiatrist, shares his thoughts on resilience, meaning, and the significance of embracing life in the face of adversity. Despite the unspeakable horrors of the Nazi concentration camps, Frankl learned from the strength of his fellow inmates that it is always possible to say yes to life. This slim yet powerful collection is a timeless lesson for us all. Yes to Life is a must-read, especially in these uncertain times.

Wanting by Luke Burgis is an insightful exploration of mimetic desire, a psychological force that drives human behavior. Drawing on the work of philosopher René Girard, Burgis reveals how mimetic desire shapes our lives and societies, affecting our choices in partners, friends, careers, and even vacation destinations. The book offers practical tactics to turn blind wanting into intentional wanting, helping readers achieve more independence from trends and bubbles and find more meaning in their work and lives. Overall, Wanting is a fascinating and well-written book that offers a unique perspective on human desire.

In "Love's Executioner," Irvin Yalom shares his experiences as a psychotherapist, providing insight into the personal desires and motivations of ten patients. Yalom's writing style is both captivating and humorous, offering a glimpse into the mysteries, frustrations, pathos, and humor at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. This classic and bestselling book has inspired generations of readers with its wise, humane, and stirring narratives. Yalom's ability to tell the fascinating, moving, enervating, inspiring, and unexpected stories of psychotherapy is what makes this book unique and a must-read for anyone interested in the field of psychology.

"Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: A Practitioner's Guide" by Nancy McWilliams is a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of psychodynamic treatment. The book covers various topics such as transference, countertransference, emotional safety, and empathic attitude towards the patient. McWilliams also discusses the phases of treatment and provides insights on educating clients about the therapeutic process and handling complex challenges. The book is written in clear, jargon-free language and is supported by clinical vignettes. Overall, this is an essential training text for therapists, offering valuable information to both psychoanalytic and non-psychoanalytic practitioners.