Review of Models of brief psychodynamic therapy.

Reviews the book, Models of brief psychodynamic therapy by Stanley B. Messer and C. Seth Warren. This book is suitable for supplementary reading in a graduate psychotherapy course, and is intended for graduate students in the field of clinical and counseling psychology. It is also intended as a concise reference work on brief psychodynamic therapies for clinicians who are or wish to practice in the newer mode of limited goals and limited sessions. The authors consider drive theory based psychotherapy treatment, as well as integrative and eclectic models of brief psychodynamic therapy. In consideration of each of the various approaches, Messer and Warren have primarily concerned themselves with four issues as a focal point of their analysis: (a) the theory of pathology involved; (b) the development of a clinical focus; (c) patient selection considerations, including indications and contraindications; and (d) typical techniques associated with the treatment involved. This text is an excellent addition to the literature, primarily for adjunct reading in graduate courses on psychotherapy. It also affords the opportunity for psychodynamically oriented clinicians to address a need for an overview and grounding in brief treatment models. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Narrative solutions in brief therapy.

Reviews the book, Narrative solutions in brief therapy by Joseph B. Eron and Thomas W. Lund (see record 1996-98412-000). The narrative solutions approach developed in this volume is an attempt to integrate several existing psychotherapies. Most fundamentally, however, this new approach is a variant of brief interactional therapy, which was developed at the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto, CA, beginning in the 1960s. The MRI approach posited that (1) a client's problems originated "from the mishandling of ordinary life difficulties" (p. 18), (2) "The well-intentioned attempts of family members to solve problems actually maintained problems" (p. 18), and (3) "Problems were resolved simply by interrupting problem-maintaining behaviors and getting people back on course" (p. 19). Eron and Lund agree with each of these tenets, but they contend that MRI therapists focused too narrowly on the client's overt behaviors. Though the authors maintain that it is important to deal with the client's actions, they do so within the context of the narrative meaning that the client ascribes to these actions. The authors' primary intent in this book is to answer the question, "What are the key ingredients of a helpful [therapeutic] conversation?" (p. 265). By presenting a coherent framework that they consistently apply to a variety of clinical cases, they provide a compelling answer about how therapists can more effectively talk with their clients. For therapists interested in learning about a solution-focused therapy that emphasizes the client's concrete actions as well as the meanings behind these actions, this book will serve as a useful guide. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The first session in brief therapy.

Reviews the book, The first session in brief therapy edited by Simon H. Budman, Michael F. Hoyt, and Steven Friedman (see record 1992-98543-000). This book provides an overview of the models of brief psychotherapeutic intervention. A major focus is how brief therapists structure and manage their initial contact with the patient. The editors intend this volume to be a casebook in which the reader can learn what therapists actually do in their clinical practice and offers the reader opportunities to further develop and sharpen his/her thinking regarding brief therapy. According to the reviewer, this book provides a fine survey of the current diversity of approaches to brief therapy. Taken as a whole, the book stimulates considerable thought on the most efficacious use of time in psychotherapy and will appeal to a wide audience including graduate students. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Becoming solution-focused in brief therapy.

Reviews the book, Becoming solution-focused in brief therapy by John L. Walter and Jane E. Peller (see record 1992-97355-000). With this book, the authors' goal was to produce a manual to aid therapists in learning the model of constructing solutions in brief therapy. Theoretical assumptions about personality development and psychotherapy technique which are crucial to implementing the model are presented. Walters and Peller work within a framework which assumes that problems are maintained by individuals functioning in family and organizational systems and that these individuals have the resources to change personal behavior. Interactional patterns between individuals in various systems are the focus of attention. The book is a clear and consistent portrayal of a therapy approach which is growing in application. It is readable and practical. In summary, this is an effective book which demonstrates alternate theories (exceptions) which could provide an almost miraculous solution to some troubled clients. Advanced graduate students and active practitioners will find this a helpful book in learning the model of constructing solutions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Symptom analysis: A method of brief therapy.

Reviews the book, Symptom analysis: A method of brief therapy by M. Gerald Edelstien (see record 1990-97543-000). This book compares different methods of psychotherapy to find their common thread of effectiveness. According to the reviewer, the author has presented a bold, elegantly simple and quite useful theory. After a discussion of various theories about the origin of psychiatric symptoms and showing how the trauma theory may be seen to underlie various seemingly disparate therapeutic approaches, the author goes on to discuss the general values of brief therapy. Symptom Analysis is a bright book that is full of the author's clinical observations and sometimes challenges so-called "conventional wisdom" without having scientific "hard data" to support its suggestions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Middle-class waifs. The psychodynamic treatment of affectively disturbed children.

Reviews the book, Middle-class waifs. The psychodynamic treatment of affectively disturbed children by Elaine V. Siegel (see record 1991-98014-000). Most of this book is devoted to case histories of children and their parents who have relatively severe emotional problems yet can be sufficiently responsive to psychotherapy so that positive changes occur. Particularly impressive are the ways in which the author, in her therapeutic role, overcomes the resistances presented by both children and parents. She is clearly an excellent therapist, who would probably be effective regardless of orientation, and her manner of working with people has applicability for all psychotherapists. Her appreciation of the necessary balance in understanding the needs of children and their parents is an exemplary model of what it really means to respect the personhood of patients. One of the intriguing possibilities in this book is the case that is made for the broad applicability of psychoanalytic theory and treatment. During a time in which psychodynamic work is being criticized as taking too long, costing too much, and producing too little, the author offers quite a convincing demonstration of its value. The negative consequences of increased disparagement of this approach are also made apparent, so that a definite step is taken to restore the worth of treatment options. Any limitations of this book are minor, relative to the excellent portrayal of the process of psychotherapy with difficult patients that too often frighten or overwhelm people who could help them if the helpers would let themselves discover how. This work by a master clinician definitely points the way. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Parent-child interaction therapy.

Reviews the book, Parent-child interaction therapy by Tom L. Hembree-Kigin and Cheryl Bodiford McNeil (see record 1995-98294-000). This book outlines an important, relatively new behavior therapy method with children called Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). PCIT is a technique that explicitly aims at developing mutual parent and child skills in an affectionate relationship, while retaining the traditional emphasis upon positive social behaviors and (mostly) noncoercive disciplinary efforts. According to the reviewer, the authors have done a very sound job of producing a helpful manual that points in advance to the resolution of common problems in dealing with behaviorally disturbed children and their parents. Although there are some caveats, this book important contribution to the child treatment literature will be beneficial to psychotherapists of all persuasions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Divorce therapy.

Reviews the book, Divorce therapy by Douglas H. Sprenkle (1985). This book is an edited collection of a special issue of the Journal of Psychotherapy and the Family. The stated aim is to provide a "broad-spectrum" coverage of divorce therapy. The emphasis of this collection is to build a theoretical and research foundation for practice. This volume accomplishes both of these objectives. The collection has value to the student and to the practitioner who is looking for an introduction to working with individuals, couples, and families undergoing the transitions accompanying divorce. Those experienced clinicians looking for clinical tools to add to their repertoire will be disappointed. The volume's organizing conceptual model is systemic theory, particularly from a structural perspective which addresses the changing familial structure as a function of divorce. Overall, Divorce Therapy communicates that the difficulty of making the decision to divorce, the impact of the divorce on the entire family system, and the perspective that divorce should be treated in a manner similar to other stressful family transitions which necessitate family restructuring, such as the leaving-home stage in the family life cycle. This volume's limitations do not seriously detract from meeting its objectives. It is successful as a broad-based introduction to divorce from a clinical perspective while providing a unifying theoretical model for conceptualizing the treatment of divorce in the context of the family. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Brief psychodynamic and cognitive therapy regarding acute treatment.

Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy either in their pure forms or possibly synthesized as a form of eclectic therapy appear to be the 2 most commonly utilized forms of psychotherapy, both having levels of empirical support. As the majority of outpatient therapy in America appears to be very brief, 1 reasonable assumption is that treatment is often sought for resolution of acute episodes. A relevant question for practice and clinical training is what are the potential implications with brief psychodynamic and cognitive therapy for this type of treatment? This brief commentary will address the following: (a) the current general differential empirical status of each approach; (b) distinctions between acute treatment and traditional brief therapy and current common treatment patterns; and (c) the general clinical mechanisms for change for each approach and their potential implications regarding acute treatment and clinical supervision. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The playground of psychoanalytic therapy.

Reviews the book, The playground of psychoanalytic therapy by Jean Sanville (see record 1991-98946-000). Sanville studies psychoanalytic therapy and uses play and playing as the focal point, the pivotal organizing concept. She reviews the theory of psychoanalytic development and the dynamics of clinical intervention, and she attempts to integrate the contribution of her favorite authors, such as Winnicott, Stern, Kohut, and as always, Freud. Thus, the book is a textbook of Sanville's vast theoretical clinical experiences with the motive to document that play is the essential organizing and integrating mental activity. A book rich in considering the fabric of psychoanalytic psychotherapy with its broad frame of reference must greatly limit the ideas of the author, and I wish that there could be a more complete integration of her propositions. It is a pleasure to follow Sanville's case vignettes and to observe her gift and sensitivity with which she tunes into the inner life of her patients. Sanville's book explores a new metapsychological dimension embedded in object relation propositions. The reader will find unexpected rewards. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Brief therapy with couples.

Reviews the book, Brief therapy with couples by Maria Gilbert and Diana Shmukler (see record 1997-08432-000). As every clinician knows, couples' problems rank at or near the top of the stress hierarchy. These problems are the direct focus of, or at least indirectly related to, much of our work. Gilbert and Shmukler have waded in, worked hard, and yielded up a straightforward, serviceably slim volume that marches toward its goal with nary a misstep. From the outset they establish a refreshingly realistic parameter: for them, "brief" means six to eight sessions. Although the often-cited maximum of 25 sessions has the appeal of a nice round number, the brutal realities of the managed-care world lead us all more frequently into the realm of single digits. Refreshing also is the authors' candid assessment of brief therapy's strengths and limitations. They rightly point out how brief formats tend to minimize such problems as triangulation of, dependence on, and transference toward, the therapist, but they do not hesitate to explore the inevitable downside. A treatment with this time frame, they note, simply does not allow for the consolidation of new behavior patterns during the course of the therapy itself; instead, it is hoped that the ego strength of the clients will allow for continuing consolidation in the months following termination. Furthermore, they are candid about the sometimes insurmountable wall of personal pathology: "The main limitation of brief therapy with couples is that it simply may not reach deepseated, personal issues that are confounding the relationship." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Integrating individual and family therapy.

Reviews the book, Integrating individual and family therapy by Larry Feldman (see record 1992-97185-000). In this book, Larry Feldman takes the position that integration of individual and family therapy concepts and treatment is not only possible but is therapeutically preferable and more effective than individual or family therapy alone. The author maintains the importance of understanding both the intrapsychic and interpersonal variables that stimulate and reinforce the problems of the individual client. This book makes an important contribution in an area in which knowledge, experience, research and case studies are sparse but needed. His case studies were too brief to provide the detailed knowledge a clinician needs in order to learn his model. Although he presents no real data or rates of success or failure of the integration of these approaches, he has made a good beginning in outlining an important treatment approach and raising the questions needed to further develop such a model. Feldman's ideas are stimulating and will add information to the debate about the separation or the integration of individual and family therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Young children in family therapy.

Reviews the book, Young Children in Family Therapy by Joan J. Zilbach (1985). This is a benchmark book. It is the first attempt to address this topic exclusively and brings attention to a neglected resource in family therapy--young children. It is worthy reading for experienced family therapists and trainers who have excluded young children from participating in family therapy, as well as for students and novice clinicians. The outstanding selection of case vignettes beckons for a reconsideration of the place of young children in family therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Ethnicity and family therapy.

Reviews the book, Ethnicity and family therapy edited by Monica McGoldrick, Joe Giordano, and John Pearce (see record 1996-98534-000). This book addresses the subject of ethnicity and how it affects one's perceptions and lifestyle as a patient and a therapist. It offers therapists comprehensive tools and information to utilize when thinking about their own ethnicity and the backgrounds of their patients. The cultural histories and views of 19 different European groups and Latino, Asian, African, and Arab cultures are explored. In addition, population statistics are offered and cultural migration histories are explored. In sum, Ethnicity and Family Therapy explores how different cultures view and utilize psychotherapy. The reviewer found this book to be clearly written and well organized and recommends that therapists read this book and then keep it as a reference to explore ethnicity in a thorough manner. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Abused women and survivor therapy.

Reviews the book, Abused women and survivor therapy by Lenore E. A. Walker (see record 1994-97960-000). Understanding the problems of abused women has come to the forefront of public attention in recent years. Corresponding to public awareness of the problem has been the developing awareness on the part of therapists of the extent to which abuse occurs among their patients. This book attempts to teach therapists how to identify, assess, and treat women who have been abused. The author proposes modifications in traditional therapy which take into account not only the impact of the form of trauma involved, but also the impact of the traditional socialization of men and women. The book is clearly organized into three sections: Part One, Types of Abuse Against Women; Part Two, Therapist Preparation and Responsibilities; and Part Three, Assessment, Crisis Intervention, and Survivor Therapy. According to the reviewer, this is an excellent book for all therapists who deal with abused women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)