Uncover the hidden history of psychoanalysis. Jeffrey Masson exposes Freud's controversial shift on sexual trauma, revealing a profound ethical crisis that shaped modern psychology and continues to influence trauma treatment today.
In this groundbreaking work, Jeffrey Masson challenges the foundations of psychoanalytic theory by examining Sigmund Freud's controversial abandonment of the seduction theory. Through meticulous research and analysis of Freud's private letters and clinical cases, Masson reveals how societal pressures and professional ambition led to a pivotal moment that would influence psychological treatment of trauma for generations.
Drawing from previously unpublished documents and correspondence, Masson reconstructs the complex relationship between Freud and his colleagues, particularly Wilhelm Fliess and Sándor Ferenczi. The book explores the profound implications of Freud's decision to reframe his patients' accounts of sexual abuse as fantasies, highlighting the ethical consequences for trauma survivors and the field of psychoanalysis.
"The Assault on Truth" offers readers a compelling examination of medical ethics, patient testimony, and the responsibility of practitioners to acknowledge trauma. This essential work speaks to psychologists, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding how historical decisions continue to shape our approach to trauma treatment and survivor testimony. Masson's careful analysis provides crucial insights into the intersection of professional authority, patient experience, and the ethical obligations of the therapeutic relationship.