Spitting Mad | Ben F. Mortensen, If You’re Mad, Spit! And Other Aids to Coping

Dr. Mortensen’s book is readable; it has a flowing style and is brief. The author is entertaining, effectively using case vignettes to illustrate his points. Perhaps because of the brevity and ease of reading I found the book somewhat simplistic and directed as much to the public as to an audience of counselors. There was not a plethora of new information or new approaches to therapy for those experienced in the field, but for novices or beginning therapists many of his ideas are important and valid. The bibliographies included after each chapter can aid further exploration of the topics covered. 

I was pleased that several areas were emphasized throughout: First, that putting a high premium on introspection, self-exploration, and knowing one’s own needs, feelings, motivation, prejudices, is a prerequisite to helping someone else. Second, that all of our feelings are part of us and that we should accept them. The author says, “Yet most of these forbidden emotions . . . are part of our human biological make-up and although we should learn to control these negative feelings, it is not evil to have them.” (And it may do more harm if we deny them.) Finally, that using our rational, reasoning minds to come to more mature decisions is better than reacting to the emotional aspect immediately.

In the outline of specific “aids to coping,” Mortensen’s work and experience with youth came through well, as did his expertise with marital and family therapy. The check-lists for prospective spouses and his assessment of the importance of a good sexual relationship and lack of selfishness for successful marriage were particularly full of insight. 

Probably the weakest sections of the book were the chapters on psychosomatics, obesity and hypochondriasis. Because these chapters overlap with medicine, as well as psychiatry/psychology, I found the postulates and explanations quite simplistic and without the depth these very complex topics need. Much of Mortensen’s theorizing seems to be derived from psychoanalytic theory. There is much new thinking in medicine and psychiatry concerning these topics, and caution should be used in applying these formulations to patient/client care. 

Mortensen’s book is well written, though somewhat brief in covering the wide variety of topics examined. Anyone not affiliated professionally with mental health, as well as beginning therapists will find the information useful, but more-experienced therapists may find their time invested better elsewhere, though the brevity of the text would encourage a quick perusal and assimilation of meaningful data and ideas. 

If You’re Mad, Spit! And Other Aids to Coping. By Ben F. Mortensen. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1978. 96 pp. $3.95