Review of Women changing therapy: New assessments, values and strategies in feminist therapy.

Reviews the book, Women changing therapy: New assessments, values and strategies in feminist therapy edited by Joan Hamerman Robbins and Rachel Josefowitz Siegel (1985). The assertion has been made that women in general, and feminist therapists in particular, have impacted on the theory, research, and practice of psychotherapy. Women Changing Therapy is a compilation of articles designed to provide evidence for this assertion. The book grew out of the participation of a number of female therapists in the Women's Institutes of the American Orthopsychiatric Association and its breadth of topic areas addresses a wide range of issues in psychotherapy. The twenty articles are loosely arranged in three thematical areas: Women's Issues: New Assessments, Valuing Our Selves, and New Strategies in Feminist Therapy. This volume is a patchwork of sorts which attempts to detail the effect women have had on the psychotherapeutic process. While it is uneven in places, its blending and contrasting sets it up as a good reference piece and/or volume for the uninitiated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychotherapy with psychotherapists.

Reviews the book, Psychotherapy with psychotherapists edited by Florence W. Kaslow (see record 1990-98484-000). There has been little written about doing psychotherapy with patients who are themselves psychotherapists, despite the fact that many therapists have been in therapy and some have provided treatment for other therapists. This book presents a good overview of many of the issues involved when therapist treats therapist, although there are no real surprises or conceptual breakthroughs. Regardless of theoretical orientation or preferred treatment modality, several common problem areas emerge having to do with boundaries, confidentiality, pride, competition, and countertransference. There is still a clear need for research, including investigation of the supposed efficacy of treatment as training. More discussion and detailed case examples of treatment from the perspective of the therapist-patients would have been desirable. These relatively minor qualifications notwithstanding, therapists will find much here to stimulate and inform their work with therapist-patients. There are fewer "therapists' therapists" than there are therapist-patients, however, and this suggests an even larger readership: trainees and practicing clinicians in treatment. This book may not only help therapists to be therapists to their patients, but should also help therapists to be patients to their therapists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Subversive dialogues: Theory in feminist therapy.

Reviews the book, Subversive dialogues: Theory in feminist therapy by Laura S. Brown (see record 1994-98446-000). Laura Brown's desire to "talk about theory and about the philosophy that is feminist therapy" has resulted in an illuminating and challenging addition to the discourse shaping of feminist therapy into a coherent and explicit whole. She has courageously moved to suggest a unified language and theory where the convergence of feminist traditions in therapy allows. She reminds us of the central importance of theory in our work while insisting that we strive to avoid the dangers of overgeneralization of our individual experiences. Specifically, while stretching us to define what feminist therapy is at its core, she has emphasized the need to remain true to the data of clinical experience. We are invited to join the author in a "subversive dialogue" in which we are challenged to apply feminist epistemologies to our daily work and lives. She stimulates this dialogue by articulating some of the core dilemma for feminists interested in therapy: can feminism and therapy co-exist? what about therapy and money and the privilege/power signified by that relationship? does therapy undermine more "natural" bonds and relationships among women? Dr. Brown moves thoughtfully and respectfully through her resolutions of these thorny questions. Laura Brown has written a book which I hope will become standard reading for all therapists in training. It assumes a level of familiarity with basic concepts of therapy and feminism, but is very accessible and clear. Dr. Brown walks us through the emergence of feminist therapy, contextualizing the issues and struggles expertly. With the skills of a seasoned guide, she deftly highlights the foundations of feminist therapy while stimulating us to articulate our own experience and application of those core concepts. This book should make it possible for graduate students (and practitioners) to study feminist therapy as an integrated body of thought/ knowledge alongside the other traditional therapeutic approaches such as existentialism, behaviorism, or phenomenological approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Feminist identity and feminist therapy behaviors of women psychotherapists.

Investigated whether (1) feminist identity development for women therapists was related to their use of feminist therapy behaviors (FTBs) and (2) feminist identity development and use of FTBs for women therapists were related to self-identification as a feminist therapist. 153 women psychologists (aged 30–77 yrs) were administered a women's issues in therapy questionnaire, which included a short version of the Feminist Identity Scale (FIS; K. M. Rickard, 1989, 1990). Ss were categorized into stages of feminine identity development according to their scores on 4 subscales of the FIS: Passive-Acceptance (PA), Revelation (REV), Embeddedness (EMB), and Synthesis (SYN). Ss scoring high on SYN and REV, and low on PA, reported greater use of FTBs; scores on the EMB were not related to the use of FTBs. All 4 subscales were predictive of women therapists who self-identified as feminist therapists. (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 The self in the family system: Expanding the limits of family therapy.

Reviews the book, The self in the family system: Expanding the limits of family therapy by Michael P. Nichols (see record 1987-98398-000). The authors' major thesis is that having recognized the importance of family dynamics (the "system") on the behavior of the individuals within it, systems theory has neglected both the individual self as well as the influence of the self on the system. Nichols demonstrates this by quoting the more influential family systems theorists and by the use of numerous clinical vignettes, and then he sets about to remedy the situation. In so doing he effectively integrates and synthesizes current psychodynamic theories with current systems theory. The result is a powerful argument for the absolute necessity of expanding existing limits of family therapy and attending to the unique feelings, perspectives, motivations, and personal responsibility of the individuals comprising the system. This broadened perspective of the family therapist's role necessarily requires knowledge of and expertise with both systems theory and current psychodynamic theory and practice. Nichols does not advocate individual therapy within a family context. Rather he emphasizes the need for the family therapist to effectively and flexibly shift from a focus on the family dynamics to the individual dynamics depending on the relatively greater therapeutic usefulness of either perspective at any given point in treatment. For those family therapists who have not reached Nichols's conclusions, this book deserves to be read critically, carefully, and with ruthless honesty. Finally, any practicing psychotherapist, student, or teacher will find this book to be an essential addition to his or her personal library. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The use of self in therapy.

Reviews the book, The use of self in therapy, edited by Michele Baldwin and Virginia Satir (1987). This book was also published as a special issue of the Journal of Psychotherapy and the Family, and it represents a departure from the usual content on dysfunctions and interventions in family treatment. Indeed, the book is not meant to be confined to family therapists alone, although the book's editors are themselves distinguished in this field. While there certainly is some recognition of the analytic aspects of the self, the book is not intended to cover the technicalities or subtleties of psychoanalysis and should not be judged as such. Perhaps the title should have clarified its limited focus, yet as announced by the journal editors, the scholars and therapists bring a "historical, philosophical, clinical, and research perspective." The book was proposed not as "a finished piece" but to invite an "on-going dialogue," enhancing the practice of therapy, and enriching "the lives of the therapists and clients." Throughout the volume it seems apparent that the authors were selected to present the self not only as a vehicle for therapy but also as a creative being whose growth is very much a part of a genuine therapeutic process. Of the ten papers written by contributors, two papers are overviews, four are devoted to the therapists' use of self, one expands on a training program highlighting the integration of the self, two are research papers, and one is a unique revealing paper on the metaphor of a wounded healer. One can conclude that Baldwin and Satir have selected contributors who share their feelings that an effective therapist must feel safe and be congruent, and must believe in the sacredness of the human being. If you include yourself as one who could have been invited to contribute to this book you will certainly enjoy reading it. However, if openness, sharing, the patient as partner, and so on sound like suspicious words, the book will be interesting and even stimulating, but hardly adequate to cover the self in 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 Handbook of feminist therapy: Women's issues in psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Handbook of feminist therapy: Women's issues in psychotherapy edited by Lynne Bravo Rosewater and Lenore E. A. Walker (1985). This volume grew out of the meetings of the First Annual Advanced Therapy Institute which were attended by 60 feminist therapists in the spring of 1982. According to the editors the volume reflects advances in feminist therapy; it examines the fundamentals of feminist therapy and considers how to best serve clients from this perspective. The volume is divided into seven major sections, each of which consists of three to eight relatively brief chapters. Each major section has its own editor who provides an informative introduction to and brief overview of the articles in that section. The major sections are: A Feminist Philosophy of Treatment, Introduction to Feminist Psychotherapeutic Techniques and Practices, Women's Issues across the Lifespan, Violence Against Women, Power and Advocacy Issues, Feminist Ethics, and the Training of Feminist Therapists. All in all this is a stimulating and much-welcomed volume. Students and practitioners in all areas of mental health will find it to be an informative and valuable resource. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Healing voices.

Reviews the book, Healing voices by Toni Ann Laidlaw, Charyl Malmo, and Associates (see record 1990-97463-000). This book is a rich collection of a particular type of feminist therapy aimed primarily at adult female victims of sexual abuse. Readers who are interested in feminist therapies, psychodynamic approaches to the treatment of women, or the deleterious effects of sexual abuse on women will find this book interesting reading. The authors, therapists, and clients provide much detail and personal reflection which give this book depth. Unfortunately they do not address the important issues of systematically validating the effectiveness of these strategies, nor frequently, the need for serious consideration of what therapy to use with whom. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Interpersonal psychotherapy of depression.

Reviews the book, Interpersonal psychotherapy of depression by Gerald L. Klerman, Myrna M. Weissman, Bruce J. Rounsaville, and Eve S. Chevron (1984). The authors state their intention to "describe the theoretical and empirical basis for interpersonal psychotherapy of depression," and also "offer a guide to the planning and conduct of the therapy." They do both, and waste no words. The book is organized into three parts. In the first part, the authors present an overview of the theory of the interpersonal approach of the use of interpersonal psychotherapy for depression, objectively offer both favorable and unfavorable findings from completed studies, and outline several studies in progress. The chapters in Part Two clarify how one conducts interpersonal therapy of depression. Part Three addresses the combination of psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy and the professional requirements of the therapist. This book is clearly written, well referenced, and easily understood by beginners who might not have the perspective, as well as by busy veterans who want to learn something new without plowing through mountains of theory and data. It would be useful for students in training, and extremely valuable to the legions of relatively inexperienced front-line mental health center therapists who are required to use time-limited approaches with depressed patients, often without having much structure for what they are doing. More experienced therapists who treat ambulatory depressed patients will add to their clinical skills and enjoy the process. The authors have turned their manual into a useful book that competes most favorably with other texts on short-term approaches to therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Women in families: A framework for family therapy.

Reviews the book, Women in families: A framework for family therapy edited by Monica McGoldrick, Carol M. Anderson, and Froma Walsh (1989). The editors state that this book grew out of the need of women doing family therapy to network and to develop visible women mentors and role models not overshadowed by the men in their lives. This book does try to cover too much ground in a single edited volume; the first two sections, by themselves, focused new themes in the theory and practice of family therapy. However, this is a new contribution to the field, a book that tells us how to bring gender into teaching and practice, and which ideas should be included. This book is recommended for practicing family therapists and students in family therapy training programs. It should be required reading for any professional planning to do family therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Black families in therapy: A multisystems approach.

Reviews the book, Black families in therapy: A multisystems approach by Nancy Boyd-Franklin (see record 1989-97374-000). In this book, the author develops the thesis that the sine qua non for successful engagement and treatment of Black families is an informed understanding both of the cultural heritage and of the current socio—politico—economic issues faced by Black Americans. The author supports her thesis by blending relevant literature from a wide range of disciplines with her own extensive clinical experience and that of her colleagues. The book is intended for trainers and practitioners from the different mental health disciplines. Although not a basic text on family therapy, it would make an excellent primary reference in courses on marital and family therapy. Clearly, the book is useful as a general reference for therapists whose work brings them into contact with culturally diverse families, and should be required reading for therapists who work or plan to work with Black families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Confidentiality: Ethical perspectives and clinical dilemmas.

Reviews the book Confidentiality: Ethical Perspectives and Clinical Dilemmas (2003), edited by Levin, Furlong, and O'Neill. This book consists of 20 chapters arranged into 4 sections addressing first a broad overview of confidentiality concerns and then training and research problems, clinical issues, and a concluding section on ethics and law. The reviewer believes that the only regrettable aspect of this fascinating text is its seemingly rather narrow origins, which concern psychoanalysis and (presumably) most psychoanalytically derived or informed psychotherapy. Its editors emphasize treatment methods that rely on transference-countertransference phenomena. In turn, these treatment methods emphasize a clear-cut recognition of irrational sources of patient behavior, including the giving (or not giving) of "consent" to therapist disclosures. However, this book deserves to reach all therapists, not just those committed to a single school of thought. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Negotiating consent in psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Negotiating consent in psychotherapy by Patrick O'Neill (see record 1999-08089-000). This book examines the importance of negotiating consent in psychotherapy, the extent to which it occurs between client and therapist during therapy, and its impact on the therapeutic process. The author achieves this through the use of qualitative research methods, conducting in-depth interviews with clients and therapists alike. O'Neill also incorporates the concept of narrative construction to frame the therapeutic process. According to the reviewer, this book is straightforward and refreshingly free from psychological jargon so it can be read by both professionals and the general public. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Bodies in treatment: The unspoken dimension.

Reviews the book, Bodies in treatment: The unspoken dimension by Frances Sommer Anderson (see record 2007-07946-000). In this book, the author aims to move talk and body therapists closer to one another, so that each appreciates the narrative and the visceral and so that, together, they can care for patients as wholly as possible. Body therapists consider the body to be a rich source of information, with the potential to facilitate regulation and reorganization of emotional states, explains William Cornell, in his chapter “Self in Action: The Bodily Basis of Self-Organization.” Specifically, body therapists ask patients to verbalize their physical sensations, to notice and to change their breathing, to adjust their posture. Sometimes body therapists touch patients to better sense and to reconfigure troubled parts of the body. These techniques aim to heed, deepen, and even change experiences at the level of the body. Despite this book’s imperfect cohesion and inconsistent strength (both common in edited books), it succeeds strongly in bringing needed attention to a dimension of treatment that has been largely ignored, and sometimes exploited, by therapists. This book will be of particular interest to clinicians (from graduate students in the field to seasoned analysts) who treat patients with eating disorders and/or trauma histories, patients who somatize, and patients who suffer from chronic illnesses. Francis Sommer Anderson is brave to have written about the ways her own profession of talk therapy failed to touch and heal some aspects of her patients, and some aspects of herself. The authors of her volume all contribute—most, very creatively and innovatively; some, eccentrically—to Anderson’s aim of including bodies in treatment and of healing patients as completely as possible. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)