The dynamics of attachment and systems-centered group psychotherapy.

In this article, links are made between 2 theoretical paradigms, 1 that primarily describes the dynamics of dyads (attachment theory) and another that primarily although not exclusively describes the dynamics of groups (the theory of living human systems). The ideas presented are based on research into empathic attunement in adult psychotherapy, clinical material from a group psychotherapy session, and research in the field of attachment. It is suggested that systems-centered group psychotherapy provides the environment for changing members' attachment status through its attention to emotional resonance, authentic affect, and empathic attunement. These ideas are presented with a view toward encouraging research into the links between attachment theory, affect attunement, and group psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Existentially informed HIV-related psychotherapy.

This article describes an existentially informed approach to conducting psychotherapy with individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Uses of existential concepts to guide a holistic conceptualization of the individual and illuminate core existential concerns and dilemmas in confronting HIV-related challenges are delineated. Applications of existential ideas regarding psychotherapy process and technique in HIV-related psychotherapy also are illustrated. It is concluded that existential psychotherapy offers a conceptual framework that is especially well suited to the work of psychotherapy with individuals living with HIV disease, although the approach has received only limited attention in the HIV-related psychotherapy literature. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders: A research synthesis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders. Meta-analytic techniques were applied to 26 empirical studies that used a treatment group versus a control group. The outcome measures assessed in this study included institutional adjustment, anger, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relations, locus of control, and self-esteem. The results indicate that positive treatment effects were found for the use of group psychotherapy with incarcerated offenders across all outcomes. Supplemental analyses were also included to identify factors that contribute to the efficacy of group psychotherapy and indicate that the use of homework exercises resulted in significantly improved outcomes. Furthermore, participants mandated to treatment did not negatively influence the efficacy of group psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Major trends in psychotherapy: Implication for priorities for Psychotherapy.

Identifies and describes 7 major trends in psychotherapy of particular interest to the readership of Psychotherapy: psychoeconomics, the new client, gender and psychotherapy, psychotherapy and the elderly, drug therapy and psychotherapy, professional training at the doctoral level and beyond, and pragmatism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bilinguals in psychotherapy: language as an emotional barrier

The English-speaking clinician frequently evaluates and treats patients whose mother tongue is not English. This paper summarizes some of the evidence supporting an emotional-detachment effect associated with speaking in a second language and describes its implications for the psychotherapy of this population.     

The value context of psychology.

The author examines the psychologist's position in psychotherapy as related to other professions working in this area. He raises questions on intrinsic professional development and developments in the "institutional complex within which psychology is defining its place." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Strength-Centered Therapy: A social constructionist, virtues-based psychotherapy.

This article describes Strength-Centered Therapy, a new therapeutic model based on the positive psychology of character strengths and virtues as well as social constructionist perspectives on psychotherapy. The contributions of the positive psychology of character strengths and social constructionist conceptualizations of psychotherapy are examined. In addition, the theoretical assumptions, applications, and limitations of Strength-Centered Therapy are discussed. It is argued that Strength- Centered Therapy might contribute to the revival of character strengths and virtues in psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some problems in learning to do "good psychotherapy"

In a discussion of some problems that psychiatric residents encounter in learning to do good psychotherapy, the author compares learning techniques of medicine and those of psychiatry. He concludes that one of the most difficult experiences for the psychiatric resident is learning tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty.     

Review of Psychobiographic approach to psychotherapy: A study of the power structure of psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Psychobiographic approach to psychotherapy: A study of the power structure of psychotherapy by Herzel Yerushalmi (see record 1998-07924-000). The author of this book critically examines history, philosophy, theory, and current practice of mainstream psychotherapy, with an eye toward exposing a power differential that he thinks disaffirms and can even revictimize those who seek help. Yerushalmi's psychobiographic approach is based on the premise that the client is the only one in possession of unique knowledge of the individual reality. The reviewer states that readers of this book who seek to learn specific techniques to apply to psychotherapy are likely to be disappointed. In addition, the material is often abstract and philosophical and its intended audience is clearly the practicing clinician. He recommends this book for therapists who seek to improve their effectiveness as helpers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The psychotherapy of the elderly self.

Reviews the book, The psychotherapy of the elderly self by Hyman L. Muslin (see record 1992-98107-000). The purpose of this book is to describe the extension of psychoanalytic therapy in the Kohut mode to the elderly. Specifically the author describes the changes the elderly must cope with, the impact these changes have on the elderly self, and the kind of psychotherapy that will best help them cope with these changes. This book has a rather narrow focus, and is likely to be of interest mostly to those engaged in the Kohutian version of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. It does not present much material that is likely to be of help to those engaged in the more general practice of psychology with aged individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Edward Shoben, Jr.: Overlooked pioneer of psychotherapy integration.

In 1949, a year before Dollard and Miller (1950) published their milestone of psychotherapy integration, Edward Shoben, Jr., published a lesser-known, but no less groundbreaking, learning theory analysis of the psychotherapy process (see record 1950-01904-001). By doing so, he challenged the therapists of his day to reconsider the mutative factors in psychotherapy. He was largely ignored by practitioners but was influential in the development of behavior therapy. By bridging the substantial gap separating the academic learning theorists and predominantly psychoanalytic practitioners of his day and seeking out common mutative factors, Shoben was a true pioneer of psychotherapy integration. This article explores his contribution with particular emphasis on the importance of his ideas and their influence on current practices. In addition, criticisms of his approach as well as theoretical and political factors that may have contributed to his relative obscurity are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Learning psychotherapy in the digital age.

There is substantial literature documenting the process factors that lead to effective psychotherapy. Similarly, there is now a wealth of data attesting to the effectiveness of several psychotherapy brands. Little is known about the elements that facilitate learning how to be an effective clinician. One important step, after reading about a treatment model and seeing techniques demonstrated, is having the chance to practice the approach and receiving feedback and coaching from an experienced, knowledgeable supervisor. To accomplish this efficiently, most programs rely not only on trainee accounts of what went on in their therapy sessions, but also on recordings and videos of therapeutic encounters. This article describes our experience over a 5-year period in developing the use of Webcams for training psychology interns and psychiatric residents in the delivery of psychotherapy services. Pragmatic and technical details are given about how we went about establishing a recording system that is easy to use and provides secure, confidential storage of information at a reasonable cost. Discussion addresses both the weighing of choices that need to be made and overcoming the hesitation of trainees to reveal their work during treatment sessions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinical psychology and the emergence of psychotherapy.

This article examines the relationship between clinical psychology and psychotherapy and describes the difficulties experienced by clinical psychologists in obtaining training in therapy before the development of doctoral programs in the clinical specialization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interpersonal psychotherapy for co-occurring depression and chronic pain.

Up to 37% of individuals experience chronic pain during their lifetimes. Approximately one fourth of primary care patients with chronic pain also meet criteria for major depression. Many of these individuals fail to receive psychotherapy or other treatment for their depression; moreover, when they do, physical pain is often not addressed directly. Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, African Americans, and Latinos all report higher rates of pain and depression compared with other groups. This article describes a version of interpersonal psychotherapy tailored for patients with comorbid depression and chronic pain, interpersonal psychotherapy for depression and pain (IPT-P). IPT-P potentially could be delivered to many patient populations in a range of clinical settings, but this article focuses on its delivery within primary care settings for socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Adaptations include a brief 8-session protocol that incorporates strategies for anticipating barriers to psychotherapy, accepting patients' conceptualization of their difficulties, encouraging patients to consider the impact of their pain on their roles and relationships, emphasizing self-care, incorporating pain management techniques, and flexible scheduling. In addition, IPT-P is designed as an adjunct to usual medical pain treatment, and seeks to engage non–treatment-seeking patients in psychotherapy by focusing on accessibility and relevance of the intervention to concerns common among patients with pain. Identifying patients with comorbid depression and chronic pain and offering IPT-P as a treatment option have the potential to improve clinical outcomes for individuals with depression and chronic pain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A contextual schema for privately and publicly practiced psychotherapy.

Traditional training of psychotherapists tends to place major emphasis on intrapsychic conflict, ego structures, transference, resistance, and countertransference. In contrast, the influence of field forces and contextual factors on the practice and process of psychotherapy is relatively ignored. A tentative classificatory schema is proposed for some contextual variables that seem to influence the process of psychotherapy as it is practiced in the public and private sectors. In public sector contexts, these variables include the patient's family, the governmental bureaucracy, and hospital and outpatient clinic staff; in the private sector, these variables include the therapist's economic life, institutional and informal professional support systems, potential social sanctions, and the conditions of the clinical marketplace. The effects of these contextual variables on clinical practice are discussed. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Values in psychotherapy

There is a tension between those who hold that psychotherapy is a scientific discipline and therefore "value-free," and those who believe that values are inherent in the nature of psychotherapy. Psychoanalysis has moved from a science-based ideology, through the ethical concerns of Melanie Klein, to a recognition of the "aesthetic" dimension--the creation of suitable forms that can contain psychological distress. From this latter perspective, the antagonism between religion and psychotherapy, initiated by Freud, becomes less acute. Action-based ethical systems, which ignore the inner world, are critically scrutinized. The evidence suggesting there is a relationship between good outcome in psychotherapy and shared values between therapist and client is reviewed. It is posited that through examination of the "ethical countertransference," therapists should become aware of their own value systems and how they influence practice.     

Countertransference considerations for the gay male when leading psychotherapy groups for gay men

During the last decade we have seen the development of gay-affirmative psychotherapy and an increase in the use of homogeneous psychotherapy groups for gay men. Today there is greater acceptance that homosexuality is a normal variant within human sexuality and that being gay both describes the focus of one's sexual and emotional expression and constitutes a central aspect of one's core identity. In their pursuit of full acceptance of their lesbian or gay identity, lesbians and gay men continue to experience pressures that are unique, however. Within a psychotherapy group, when the group leader is gay, the process by which the group members work on their transference reactions, as well as their internalized homophobia and shame, can evoke strong countertransference in the gay male group leader and his supervisor; this countertransference is at times distinctly different than that with a nongay group therapist. This article highlights many countertransference themes in such groups and proposes ways to identify and manage these themes.     

Malpractice in psychotherapy

Two cases of malpractice in psychotherapy are described. In one case there was a psychiatrist involved, in the other a non-medical psychotherapist. The legal aspects of malpractice in the view of Swiss legislation are shortly discussed. A legal liability for damages caused by the psychotherapist might arise if the following conditions are fulfilled: A deviance from the generally accepted standards of care in psychotherapy, a damage to the patient as a consequence of this deviance and a negligence on the part of the psychotherapist. Furthermore, there has to be an adequate causal nexus between malpractice and damage done to the patient. By some case reports the author tries to exemplify what can be understood by the term of generally accepted standards of care in psychotherapy.     

Specific and nonspecific factors in psychotherapy: A problematic paradigm for psychotherapy research.

Discusses the specific/nonspecific hypothesis—a paradigm that has guided psychotherapy research for the last 3 decades—and suggests that underlying this hypothesis is the assumption that research can ultimately separate and assess the relative contributions to psychotherapeutic outcome of specific and nonspecific factors. This assumption, in turn, has held the promise that specific, active ingredients of psychotherapy could be identified. Categorical rejection of the specific/nonspecific hypothesis is advocated. It is suggested that the identity of psychotherapy with its interpersonal context must be acknowledged. In this way, the goal of psychotherapy research shifts from the search for active ingredients toward efforts to identify fundamental principles of human interaction that underlie the interpersonal conditions essential for therapeutic change. (63 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The 'third relationship': triangulating functions in analytic child and adolescent psychotherapy

Whereas the theoretic concept of "triangulating" up to now was used to explain development processes from dyadic to three-person-relationships in the course of releasing and individuation (Abelin, 1971; Rotmann, 1978) or to illuminate misdirected developments and therefore to gain a better understanding of the patient in clinical work (i.e. Ermann, 1985; Rohde-Dachser, 1987; Hirsch, 1988) in this article the author describes the practical therapeutic relevance in analytic child and adolescent psychotherapy with the use of a case example. Analogous to the significance of the father for individuation and releasing in the early development of the child the author shows the actual "triangulating" action of the therapist in the depth psychological treatment of a 14 year old youth and in the accompanying psychotherapy of the parents. In closing the conditions which allow for change within all participants and lead to restructuring the relationships are discussed.