For family therapy students and practitioners, this book offers stories, exercises, self-assessments, and evaluative techniques to improve observational skills, enhance clinical work, and encourage meaningful research. The authors' three views and three voices leave plenty of space for readers to play with their own stories.
This volume presents 12 highly instructive case studies grounded in the evidence-based psychodynamic therapy model developed by Richard F. Summers and Jacques P. Barber. Bringing clinical concepts vividly to life, each case describes the patient's history and presenting problems and takes the reader through psychodynamic formulation, treatment planning, and the entire course of therapy, including the challenges of termination. The cases address a variety of core psychodynamic problems, with outcomes ranging from very successful to equivocal. The emotional experience of the therapist is explored throughout. Commentary from Summers and Barber on every case highlights important points and key clinical dilemmas. See also the authored book Psychodynamic Therapy: A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice, in which Summers and Barber comprehensively describe their therapeutic model.
Presenting a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to conducting psychodynamic therapy, this engaging guide is firmly grounded in contemporary clinical practice and research. The book reflects an openness to new influences on dynamic technique, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology. It offers a fresh understanding of the most common problems for which patients seek help -- depression, obsessionality, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, panic, and trauma -- and shows how to organize and deliver effective psychodynamic interventions. Extensive case material illustrates each stage of therapy, from engagement to termination. Special topics include ways to integrate individual treatment with psychopharmacology and with couple or family work.
This essential new book gives the reader an introduction to the fundamental concepts of gestalt therapy in a stimulating and accessible style. It supports the study and practice of gestalt therapy for clinicians of all backgrounds, reflecting a practice-based pedagogy that emphasises experiential learning. The content in this book builds on the curriculum taught at the Norwegian Gestalt Institute University College (NGI). The material is divided into four main sections. In the first section, the theoretical basis for gestalt therapy is presented with references to gestalt psychology, field theory, phenomenology, and existential philosophy. In the later parts, central theoretical terms and practical models are discussed, such as the paradoxical theory of change, creative adjustment, self, contact, contact forms, awareness, polarities, and process models. Clinical examples illustrate the therapy form’s emphasis on the relational meeting between therapist and client. Detailed description of gestalt therapy theory from the time of the gestalt psychologists to today, with abundant examples from clinical practice, distinguishes this book from other texts. It will be of great value to therapists, coaches, and students of gestalt therapy.
This book is a comprehensive introduction to social constructionist ideas and their application within the psychological therapies. Whether you are a trainee or qualified therapist, this book will support you to think about therapy as a socially constructed and relational process, and to develop as a more culturally, socially and politically aware practitioner. It advocates for ‘therapist activists’ who understand the interplay between the micro and the macro in therapeutic contexts and debunks the idea of the ‘isolated client’ to examine how broader societal conditions create problems for the individual. Chapters are designed to engage, offering a variety of features to support learning, including: - Introductory and concluding chapter summaries - Textboxes summarising content & spotlighting key information - Case studies and vignettes throughout - Reflective questions & thought-provoking exercises - Recommended Further Reading. This book has wide applicability, with author affiliations across both North and South America - the University of New Hampshire in the US and the Federal University of Uberlandia in Brazil.
In this era of rising health care costs, the economy of group therapy has sparked a renewed interest among mental health professionals. Beginning with a review of group therapy's roots in psychoanalysis, Group Therapy in Clinical Practice moves on to discuss how modern group therapy can be successfully employed in a variety of hospital and medical settings. It includes the needs of special populations such as adolescents, elderly patients, HIV-positive and AIDS patients, patients who abuse substances, and trauma patients. In Group Therapy in Clinical Practice, 38 experts explore how this treatment modality can be used to its greatest effect in today's clinical setting and in the decade ahead.
Even the best grounding in the principles of psychotherapy can leave students poorly prepared for actual face-to-face work with clients. This is the only resource dedicated specifically to increasing the confidence and professional competence of graduate students and early career professionals who use cognitive behavioral therapy with children and adolescents. With accessible language, engaging humor, and step-by-step guidance on what to do and when to do it, the author walks students through the entire clinical process from initial consultation with young clients and their caregivers through the conclusion of treatment. With a focus on promoting joy and meaning rather than merely eliminating pain, the book also integrates interventions from positive psychology literature with CBT techniques. The guide is replete with procedural instructions for each step of treatment along with suggested sample language and flexible scripts that can be tailored to the needs of individual clients. Brief rationales for each procedure describe how therapeutic interactions and statements support effective and ethical practices. Evidence-based CBT techniques address issues ranging from mood disorders to conduct and behavioral disorders and include such skills as externalizing the problem, behavioral activation, physiological calming and mindfulness, and happy/coping thoughts. Strategies that engage families in the therapeutic process are included, providing guidance on how to coach parents and other caregivers to participate in certain interventions and create a supportive environment. Pointers for dealing with common challenges such as resistant youth and caregivers include specific steps and sample scripts. Chapters offer ready-to-use forms, templates, worksheets, and client handouts. Key Features: Presents CBT-based techniques specifically for practicum and internship students and other trainee clinicians Fosters the development of confidence and competence in practicing CBT with youth Provides easy-to-read, step-by-step guidance including sample scripts that can be easily adapted Offers proven strategies for engaging families in the therapeutic process Delivers pointers for dealing with common treatment challenges
Family therapy is increasingly recognised as one of the evidence based psychotherapies. In contemporary therapeutic practice, family therapy is helpful across the age span and for distress caused by family conflict, trauma and mental health difficulties. Because of this, many psychotherapists integrate elements of family therapy within their approaches. Family Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques provides a concise and jargon-free guide to 100 of the fundamental ideas and techniques of this approach. Divided into helpful sections, it covers: Family therapy theory Essential family therapy practice Using family therapy techniques Common challenges in family therapy Contemporary debates and issues Self issues for family therapists. Family Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques is an invaluable resource for psychotherapists and counsellors in training and in practice. As well as appealing to established family therapists, this latest addition to the 100 Key Points series will also find an audience with other mental health professionals working with families and interested in learning more about family therapy techniques.