Credo: R. D. Laing and Radical Psychotherapy

Credo is a book by Hungarian psychologist Tamás Vekerdy that explores the life and work of R. D. Laing, who profoundly influenced his thinking. It includes journal entries, conversations, and papers by Feldmár and his friend Francis Huxley, covering topics such as love, therapy, and change. The book concludes with a chapter on fantasy and reality, reflecting on the fundamental elements of Feldmár's approach to psychotherapy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

Credo, a remarkable work by the esteemed Hungarian psychologist Tamás Vekerdy, offers a profound insight not only into the life of its author, Viktor Feldmár, but also into the world and the era we currently inhabit. Feldmár's story begins at a young age when he faced the devastating consequences of the Holocaust. At just three and a half years old, he witnessed the Arrow Cross take his mother to Auschwitz, his father to labor service, and his grandmother to the ghetto. In the midst of this unimaginable tragedy, a young Catholic woman, perhaps inspired by Feldmár's resilience, came to his rescue and hid him for a year and a half. This act of kindness and compassion would later shape Feldmár's character and inspire him to become the kind stranger in the lives of many others.

Feldmár's journey took an unexpected turn when he was sixteen in 1956. Fleeing from bleak prospects and a controlling and critical mother, he embarked on a journey to escape to Canada. He sought solace in the unknown, leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unfamiliar. His destination was Toronto, Canada, where he would eventually find a new home and pursue his academic aspirations.

It was during his time in Toronto that Feldmár encountered a transformative figure in his life, R. D. Laing. Their meeting in the early 1970s marked a significant turning point in Feldmár's intellectual and philosophical development. The books longest chapter, Journal Entries, is derived from notes Feldmár took during his studies with Laing in London in 1974–1975. These notes, interspersed with present-day additions and remarks, further enhance the already captivating passages.

Following this, the book presents an important conversation between Feldmár and Laing, delving into topics such as love, therapy, and change. The exchange between these two influential figures is insightful and thought-provoking, shedding light on their shared perspectives on these subjects.

The book concludes with its most influential chapter, "Fantasy and Reality." In this chapter, Feldmár speculates on the fundamental elements of his approach to psychotherapy. He explores the nature of responsibility and ethics, politics, freedom, individuality, community, solidarity, will, and relationships. Feldmár's insights into these topics are profound and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of human existence.

The bond between Feldmár and Laing permeates every page of Credo. The reader is invited to closely follow Feldmár's remarkable journey, as their relationship shaped his therapeutic approach and helped him develop into the rad. Through his experiences and interactions with Laing, Feldmár discovered the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding, which he incorporated into his work as a psychotherapist.

Credo is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth, healing, and transformation. Feldmár's story is a powerful reminder that we can overcome our past and create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 145 x 212 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800132443