With a particularly strong emphasis on Jung's theories of archetypes,
Dr. Ulanov's examination of her own experience with affliction is an
example of psychology in practice. She details the terribly severe
attacks of poison ivy that besiege her annually/ her personal point of
view in applying the symbolism of Jung's archetypes to these attacks is
refreshing in its individualization of the analysis.
As a modern excursion into the territory handled by animistic cultures
where priests make mandalas in the sand and ritual dancers dance away
the spirits of illness, Ann Ulanov examines her own illness in the light
of modern psychology. These sorts of rituals have been performed for
many hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years, and still resonate today.
Dr. Ulanov discusses the physical, psychological, psychosomatic,
psychosocial, and psycho-spiritual aspects of asking to be healed.