"For individuals, evil may exist in the form of enacted imagery, as with sexual sadists; of the misuse of trance, as seen in the negative voices that remind, direct, and afflict us; and of the betrayal of relationship and trust. This book is organized around cases dealing with the resolution of the consequences of evil." --From the Introduction
Directed toward therapists of all persuasions who deal with the most difficult issues in therapy, The Problem of Evil provides a practice-expanding vision of healing. When common notions of compassion and empathy fail in the face of dilemmas that seemingly defy solution, the use of trance and story brings therapy to the next level. Greenleaf's synthesis of the narrative, trance, and relationship perspectives --and the integration of his own innovative practice of "passing the trance" --make this book a uniquely compelling addition to the literature.
Most of the disturbances alluded to in The Problem of Evil are the consequence of pain, humiliation, and confusion suffered at the hands of more powerful persons. Greenleaf skillfully demonstrates how the means once used to hold clients captive in perilous patterns of victimization can become the means to free these same clients. Images can help diffuse nightmares; trance can move individuals toward advocating for themselves; and the therapeutic relationship can become a source of new information and positive influence.
Within these pages are intensely moving stories, both harrowing and hopeful in the telling. Within these pages readers will discover creative and effective ways to open doors to healing that were once impenetrable.
Book reviews "... a remarkable and original book about therapeutic compassion and healing and the creative approaches that restore courage and freedom to individuals whose lives have been altered by the forces of human destructiveness."
--Harriet E. Hollander, Ph.D.
"... a variety of constructive means for promoting clients' healing via their capacities for imagination and creative re-storying."
--Michael F. Hoyt, Ph.D.
"... therapists and theologians can find ways [here] to name and tame the daily evils that torment people's lives."
--William Johnson Everett, Ph.D.
"... It is very enticing and readable while being densely packed with information."
--Betty Alice Erickson, M.A., LPC, LMFT
"... a rare work; broad and particular, interweaving stories of personal suffering and healing, imagination and freedom, in poignant and moving ways that inspire hope."
-- Mary Rose Bumpus, Ph.D.
"This work at the intrapsychic level is not unlike the fight for justice we see in South Africa, for example, where people brought out of the darkness the once hidden crimes of Apartheid ... [Greenleaf] helps people bring into the light the subtle details of how another caused them to lose control of their well-being."
--Michele Ritterman, Ph.D.
About the authorEric Greenleaf, Ph.D., a psychologist in practice in Berkeley, California, is Founder and Director of the Milton H. Erickson Institute of the Bay Area. Dr. Greenleaf has done extensive research into the trance and healing phenomena of Bali. He was the first recipient of the Milton H. Erickson Award of Scientific Excellence for Writing in Hypnosis.
See also 
Greenleaf PDF-Bookflyer