Dr. med. Dr. phil. Andrea Moldzio, Hamburg

I became particularly interested in the relationship between psychiatry and philosophy a long time ago. Psychiatry without philosophy seemed too ‘biological’ and one-sided without the necessary depth required for an adequate understanding of people. Philosophy without psychiatry, on the other hand, is too unnatural and too removed from people. In order to form a relationship between both, I studied medicine, psychology, philosophy, and pedagogics in Lübeck, Kiel, and Vienna. I received my PhD on “The Concept of Humankind in Systematic Therapy” in medicine at the institute for depth psychology in Vienna. I received my PhD in philosophy under Hermann Schmitz for my work on the theoretical and practical application of philosophical thought in the field of schizophrenia. This book, with the title, “Schizophrenia – a philosophical disease?” has been published in 2004.

During my studies in Kiel, I got to know Herman Schmitz, the founder of new phenomenology. I was very impressed by the relationship between differing and terminologically precise philosophical thought and the way in which this is comprehensible in that it is close to reality and can be experienced by the body. My theoretical thinking and practical approach became increasingly influenced by new phenomenology.

As a psychiatrist I have an exciting and diverse research and working field, in which I am able to integrate my philosophical ideas influenced by new phenomenology into my daily working life as a psychiatrist.

New phenomenology is particularly able to help to enlighten the ‘blind spots’ that arise out of many people’s one-sided approach to medicine; with this help, new phenomenology can considerably further our understanding of humans and diseases – and often in the most practical of senses!