Notions of Integrative Psychotherapy in the Religious-Philosophical Works of Martin Buber

The following thesis aims to present a novel reception of Martin Buber’s thought regarding the theory and practice of psychotherapy. Its goal is to describe some of the modern views on integrative psychotherapy and its essential characteristics, and to relate these to Buber’s philosophy, especially his interpretation of the Eastern European Jewish movement of Hasidism. In the process, it is shown that both the characteristics of the contemporary prevailing integrative approach within psychotherapy, which are fleshed out in this work, as well as a striking overlap with some known approaches to the possible concept of integrative psychotherapy, are to be found in Buber`s depiction of Hasidism. Overall, this thesis thus contributes to a discussion on modern scientific validation of cultural-historic experiences, and their integration into psychotherapy.2017-12-2