The novel, Schopenhauer Cure, by Irvin Yalom appears to be a supplement of his book, The Theory and Practice of Group Therapy. In the novel, Julius Hertzfield, the therapist, discovered he was diagnosed with melanoma. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, “ Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable, but if it is not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.”
In Julius’ case his cancer was discovered on his back and he was only given one year to live. With only a year to live, Julius began to examine the effectiveness of his life as a psychotherapist by reviewing previous clients’ files and following up them. In the midst of reminiscing of his past work. He recalled one of his patients, Philip. Phillip attended individual therapy with Julius decades ago for three consecutive years for a sex addiction. Julius remember Phillip as a person with no sense of humor and always serious. Once he initiated…show more content… Yalom defines process as the here-and- now. The here and now is mentioned by Tony after Philip commented on the information Pam disclosed. He stated, “Well,” I`m not into fifteen years ago; I`m into now.” (p. 125). Also Julius uses the here and now when redirecting the group from the animosity that aroused from Pam and Philip’s negative encounter. He stated, “What`s happening here? This is crazy–making. Philip here? Rebecca flirting with him? Philip leading groups, seeing clients? What`s going