Symbiosis and Autonomy

Professor Dr Franz Ruppert, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany. He gained his PhD in Work and Organisational Psychology at the Technical University of Munich in 1985.Since 1995 he has specialised in psychotherapeutic work, with a particular focus on the aetiology of severe mental disorders. This has led him to an in depth study of attachment processes and trauma and the resulting impact of early traumatisation on the infant. His publications include: Verwirrte Seelen (2002, Kosel, Munich), (Confused Souls, not available in English), followed by four books translated from German into English: Trauma, Bonding & Family Constellations: Understanding and Healing Injuries of the Soul (2008), Splits in the Soul: Integrating Traumatic Experiences (2011), Symbiosis & Autonomy: Symbiotic Trauma and Love Beyond Entanglements (2012), Trauma, Fear and Love; How the Constellation of the Intention Supports Healthy Autonomy (2014) all published in English by Green Balloon Publishing, Steyning, UK.Ruppert teaches in Germany and many other countries including Brazil, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Spain, furthering his insights into the deeper transgenerational effects of trauma in different cultures, and researching the methodology of constellations as a means of better understanding the effects and healing of trauma.

This is the third book by Professor Franz Ruppert to be translated into English. In it he explores the relationship between our symbiotic interconnectedness and our ability to be autonomous in our lives. The relationship between these two aspects of being is absolutely influenced by early attachment trauma, what Ruppert has termed 'symbiotic trauma': the trauma of an infant attempting to connect with a mother who is herself already traumatised.Additionally Ruppert gives a detailed account of the 'Constellation of the Intention', the process he has devised for working with the psychological splits induced by trauma. This is a particular form of constellation that addresses issues of fragmentation. For those interested in trauma, and understanding how to work with it, this is truly groundbreaking work.
Ruppert's thinking draws on many historical roots but is, even so, particularly unique. It takes us outside our normal ways of thinking about trauma, attachment and what it means to be a human being.

Chapter 1. Forever Yours - or Forever Alone? Chapter 2. What is "Symbiosis"? Chapter 3. Symbiosis as a Psychological Concept. Chapter 4. What is Autonomy? Chapter 5. Constructive and Destructive Forms of Symbiosis. Chapter 6. Trauma as the Main Cause of Psychological Disorders. Chapter 7. Symbiosis between Parents and Children. Chapter 8. Symbiotic Trauma. Chapter 9. Symbiotic Entanglements. Chapter 10. Bonding-Oriented Trauma Constellations. Chapter 11. Resolving Symbiotic Entanglements. Chapter 12 Hope.