Blake's Job: Adventures in Becoming

Jason Wright's book explores the relevance of William Blake's Illustrations of the Book of Job in clinical psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, particularly with patients who have experienced trauma and addiction. He offers sensitive guidance to practitioners and provides insight to the lay reader, showing how the illustrations chart the breakdown of Job's life into a state of despair and how they can be applied to contemporary analysis, therapy, and addiction recovery. Wright draws inspiration from eminent analysts and proposes a collective dynamic shift from exploitation to resonance in the 21st century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 03 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking work, Jason Wright delves into the profound illustrations of William Blake's Book of Job, exploring their immense relevance in clinical psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, particularly when working with individuals who have undergone trauma and addiction. Drawing upon his extensive expertise in the field, Wright offers insightful guidance to practitioners navigating client experiences of change through the lens of addiction, providing valuable insights for both professionals and lay readers alike.

Throughout the chapters, Wright conducts a detailed analysis of each illustration, revealing how they chronicle Job's life journey into a state of despair. By pairing clinical vignettes with each plate, Wright demonstrates how these depictions can be directly applied to contemporary analytical, therapeutic, and addiction recovery challenges. From Job's dissolution to his eventual salvation, Wright skillfully maps the process of change, traversing from a place of destitution to one of redemption and hope, all within the context of a group setting.

Wright adeptly integrates Blakean theory into the 21st century by examining contemporary experiences, such as the impact of the 2005 London bombings, as well as exploring the significance of community, collective experience, and self-identity in the pursuit of recovery. Throughout, Wright draws inspiration from renowned analysts like Bion, Winnicott, and Hillman, while also referencing Jung, Bohm, and Whitehead to support his theories on the new way of being he proposes—a collective dynamic shift from a consciousness of exploitation to a consciousness of resonance.

This book holds immense interest for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals engaged in addiction recovery, as well as those passionate about the work of Blake and its enduring significance in the modern world. By delving into the rich tapestry of Blake's illustrations and their profound psychological implications, Wright provides a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding and therapeutic approaches in this field.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032389868