Review of Dialogues on difference: Studies of diversity in the therapeutic relationship.

Reviews the book, Dialogues on difference: Studies of diversity in the therapeutic relationship edited by J. Christopher Muran (see record 2006-11731-000). Muran, the editor and one of the authors of the book being reviewed here, has contributed an excellent tome. The book fastens a time when speaking of psychotherapy and cultural competence will be unnecessary because of its redundancy. Furthermore, Muran has made use of a powerful, extremely relevant yet equally demanding structure to bring this book about: actual, consecutive dialogues between the chapter author(s), the respective two commentators, and the author(s) once again in a rejoinder. The dialogue format requires a significant commitment to the project over time and a systematic follow through for the dialogues to come to fruition. The final product is highly recommended reading for psychotherapy practitioners at all stages of professional development, for psychotherapy researchers seeking important lines of research on psychotherapy process, and for instructors wanting potent illustrations by courageous therapists willing to expose their internal processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychodynamic techniques: Working with emotion in the therapeutic relationship.

Reviews the book, Psychodynamic techniques: Working with emotion in the therapeutic relationship by Karen J. Maroda (see record 2010-01318-000). What makes Maroda’s work particularly remarkable, however, is that she not only manages to identify and explicate aspects of technique, but that the range of skills she addresses all converge on what can seem like an especially mystifying topic to new clinicians: the use of emotion in the therapeutic relationship. Maroda’s pragmatic tone seems to effortlessly weave concrete skills through the particularly vaporous topic of using emotion productively. The result is an admirably unmechanistic set of principles to aid clinicians in navigating the complex emotional terrain of the therapeutic relationship in a manner consistent with their own personal styles. One of the major strengths of Psychodynamic techniques is its breadth, and Maroda provides a good balance, including both general and specific issues related to the role of emotion in the therapeutic process. Despite the overall consistency of her attunement to the experience of the newer clinician, some of what Maroda stresses as vital to the therapeutic relationship may be unrealistic. The process of reading the book parallels the process of a successful therapy in which one has come to engage with and trust her guide and emerges a more flexible, confident, insightful person and professional. Maroda’s continued reassurances and frank openness to sharing her own vulnerabilities leaves the reader feeling infused with a sense of possibility that a fuller, deeper therapeutic relationship is possible. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The art of the psychotherapist.

Reviews the book, The art of the psychotherapist by James F. T. Bugental (see record 1987-97347-000). Those who are fortunate enough to read this book are in for a treat. James Bugental shares with us a sensitivity, an artistry, and a professionalism that encompasses 40 years of his life as a psychotherapist. This book is well written, clear in style and presentation. It is a book that may be viewed by those of us who have practiced for many years as a way of reviewing and rethinking what we have been doing and the manner in which we have been functioning. For the young therapist it gives much food for thought. For the supervisor it offers an opportunity to formulate ways of thinking and approaching students in a novel and creative manner. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of On being a psychotherapist--The journey of the healer.

Reviews the book, On being a psychotherapist--The journey of the healer by Carl Goldberg (1986). Although at first glance the title of Goldberg's book may suggest that the reader can look forward to some sort of mystical expedition, this is clearly not what follows. The book is a gem and bound to become a widely read classic among burgeoning and master psychotherapists. Goldberg states in the preface that the book has been written as a guideline for practitioners with varying degrees of clinical experience. He further proposes to examine core issues affecting the practitioner which cut across various schools of thought and theoretical orientations--a tall order, for sure. Yet the book's compelling content, organization, concise writing style, and optimal blend of case notes, references, and insightful reflections on Goldberg's own clinical practice make this volume highly respectable. Goldberg's book is comprehensive and substantial by any standard. Over 150 topics are identified in the Table of Contents, all of which are important for psychotherapists to attend to, regardless of experience or competency level. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Leaving it at the office.

Reviews the book, Leaving it at the office by John C. Norcross and James D. Guy (2007). This book is filled with compassionate fervor and recognition of the satisfactions of our professional lives. Twelve central elements to therapist self-care form the base for the 12 chapters of the book. Describing themselves as "integrative psychotherapists," Norcross and Guy begin from the perspective of seeing the person of the psychotherapist as a valued human being. They encourage us to refocus on the rewards of our profession, while recognizing its hazards. Body, mind, and soul or spirit are each given their due: attending to activity, awareness and restructuring of our own cognitions (regardless of theoretical perspective), engaging in personal therapy of one kind or another, and cultivating spirituality or mission, creativity and growth. Each chapter sets out information that is described as a field guide rather than an instructional manual, a "curious mix of 'how to,' 'you should,' and 'chill-out.'" Information is culled from many types of sources: the authors' own research and that of a wide variety of others' with respect to self-care; workshops that the authors have offered regarding self-care; and clinical wisdom derived in part from interviews with master clinicians. Chapters are structured into sections focused on self-care both at the office and away from the office. (Yes, sometimes our not-great self-care extends outside of the office setting.) A summary self-care list ends each chapter, one that could serve as a wellness reminder or checklist for any individual. Further, the authors offer specific recommended reading at the end of each chapter, as well as an extensive full reference section at the end of the book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The personal life of the psychotherapist.

Reviews the book, The personal life of the psychotherapist by James D. Guy (see record 1987-97783-000). This book is a broad-ranging discussion of the psychotherapist as a person. It is a book about the development of the psychotherapist from the time he or she enters the field through his or her life stages and significant events, including burnout, therapist impairment, and death. Guy's book is a thoroughly researched and annotated work. He certainly has done a comprehensive review of the literature. His last two sections on career satisfaction and future trends are interesting. The book has one problem which is inherent in any attempt to encompass all of the theoretical orientations in the field. That is, at times it seems too encompassing and not definitive enough. All in all, however, this is a fine book which should be of interest to beginning psychotherapists as well as therapists in the field for some time. (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 Beyond the therapeutic relationship: Behavioral, biological, and cognitive foundations of psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Beyond the therapeutic relationship: Behavioral, biological, and cognitive foundations of psychotherapy by Frederic J. Leger (see record 1997-36714-000). Leger has tackled the very large task of presenting an integrative, eclectic theory of psychotherapy which specifies the behavioural, biological, and cognitive processes that underlie psychotherapeutic change. In doing so, he follows in the tradition of other integrationists who have strived to outline frameworks that can encompass the diversity of explanatory emphases and practices in the dozens of present-day psychological therapies. In part, Leger's goal in proposing a "higher-order theory" is to lessen the "confusion which threatens to overwhelm the field" and to hasten a "convergence of scientific opinion." Leger supports his higher-order theory by drawing from a massive amount of literature in areas as seemingly diverse as nonverbal interaction, cognitive science, physiology, neurology, and discursive psychology, as well as from his own clinical experience. And it is the scope of his knowledge and his attempt to focus the reader's attention on the importance of the often ignored influence of therapists' nonverbal behaviours and the frequently taken-for-granted effects of maximal client self-disclosure that are the most impressive features of the book. However, the reviewer feels that the book may not have much impact, first because there have been several previous attempts by other writers to propose models of eclectic psychotherapy or to develop frameworks for integrating diverse forms of psychotherapy, and second because the style in which it is written quickly becomes rather tiresome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of A perilous calling: The hazards of psychotherapy practice.

Reviews the book, A perilous calling: The hazards of psychotherapy practice by Michael B. Sussman (1994). In this book, the author presents chapters by therapists from various disciplines (e.g., psychology, social work, psychiatry) that examine the "hazards" that lay hidden in the practice of psychotherapy. The author contends that doing psychotherapy "poses significant dangers to clinicians" (p. 1). He believes that there are forces both internal and external to the therapist that may take their toll on the therapist's well-being. Sussman makes the point that while other overtly dangerous professions (e.g., firefighter) warn prospective candidates of the perils of their field, novice psychotherapists are not prepared for what awaits them. Psychotherapists, then, enter the profession unprepared for, if not blind to, possibilities that not only make them less effective in their work, but might actually harm themselves and their families. Sussman sees a real human cost to not preparing clinicians to be aware of, and deal with, these hazards. The book is divided into six parts that range from the therapist's personal development to renewal. Along the way the reader encounters professional, ethical and legal issues, clinical dilemmas, the emotional impact of the work, and the ailments of the therapist. Within each particular area are rather personal, and at times idiosyncratic, chapters from a variety of psychotherapists. There are chapters that deal with AIDS, the Holocaust, body shame, and being a female therapist. Most of the chapters have a distinctly clinical orientation, while a few come across as philosophical discourses. There is one chapter by an expert witness in the Margaret Bean-Bayog case who warns of the dangers of the press on one's career. The wide scope of the chapter topics, at times, gives the book a disjointed feel and the sense that it is trying to tackle too many issues at once. Overall, this book provides a new slant on what is involved in the practice of psychotherapy. It raises some important questions about the field and how we prepare for its impact on our lives, for the practice of psychotherapy surely does affect the practitioner. Sussman and some of the chapter authors make a good case for increasing communication about potential hazards and developing strategies and training methods that will minimize their effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The therapeutic dialogue: A theoretical and practical guide to psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, The therapeutic dialogue: A theoretical and practical guide to psychotherapy by Sohan Lai Sharma (1986). Sharma has taken on the Herculean task of reviewing the whole of the available literature on psychotherapy, organizing it, and using the data to try to instruct the student therapist in the ways of a fundamentally eclectic, existential-humanistic model of psychotherapy. While I appreciate this effort, and wholeheartedly agree with this as the correct and necessary course for the future survival of psychotherapy, the way has already been more compellingly articulated by such writers as Jung, Rank, Rogers, Perls, R. D. Laing, Szasz, and May. Regrettably, though well-intentioned, Sharma's book lacks the requisite elegance, style, depth, and dynamism needed to help spark the essential resurrection of real psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of On becoming a better therapist.

Reviews the book, On becoming a better therapist by Barry L. Duncan (see record 2009-22770-000). The aim of this book is provide practical, research-based guidance on how to become a more effective therapist. It was designed for those who are on the front lines of providing psychotherapy services. Two criticisms of the book—or perhaps they are simply concerns— seem pertinent. First, although Duncan’s focus on the client’s experience and feedback is a breath of fresh air in a profession that accords too much power to therapists and too little to clients, the book swings so far in the other direction that it runs the risk of making the same mistake on the client side of the equation. Second, related to the first concern, the book does not adequately address those situations in which the client’s ideas about the treatment might be problematic. Overall this book is an excellent read and a helpful guide to becoming a more effective therapist. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Reassessing psychotherapy research.

Reviews the book, Reassessing psychotherapy research edited by Robert L. Russell (see record 1994-98237-000). This book, with its international representation of contributors, attempts to address central issues in contemporary ("fourth generation") psychotherapy research. The main tenet is that much dominant psychotherapy research has focused on outcome, curative factors, and scientific rigor and overlooked the richness of therapeutic process. This book does as the title suggests: addresses content and process issues, balanced with methodological sophistication. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Relational theory and the practice of psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Relational theory and the practice of psychotherapy by P. L. Wachtel (see record 2008-01938-000). Having produced important texts involving the integration of a psychoanalytic perspective with cognitive–behavioral and family systems perspectives, in the current book he turns his attention to seemingly divergent lines of thought within psychoanalysis itself. Psychoanalysis—that variegated, continually branching and diversifying body of theory and practice that started with Sigmund Freud but which has moved so far beyond its origins so as to be almost unrecognizable in some respects—is certainly Wachtel’s primary home. In this book, Wachtel sets out to try and get the house in greater order, both for psychoanalytic inhabitants themselves and for visitors from other theoretical homes. The collection of psychoanalytic perspectives that have gradually taken context into account as being equally important to those factors that are internal are referred to as relational. And it is to these perspectives, which sometimes diverge in significant ways from each other and also from “one-person,” internally focused perspectives, that Wachtel devotes his attention in this book. With Relational theory and the practice of psychotherapy, Paul Wachtel has written an important book, one that will be particularly stimulating and useful to graduate-level-and-above students of psychotherapy. It will also be accessible, thought provoking and clarifying to open-minded psychotherapy practitioners of all stripes, particularly those who do not identify themselves as relational, psychoanalytic, or even psychodynamic. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The psychotherapist's own psychotherapy: Patient and clinician perspectives.

Reviews the book, The psychotherapist's own psychotherapy: Patient and clinician perspectives by Jesse D. Geller, John C. Norcross, and David E. Orlinsky (2005). The editors of this book have two aims: 1) "to synthesize and explicate the accumulated knowledge on psychotherapy with psychotherapists," and 2) "to provide clinically tested and empirically grounded assistance to psychotherapists treating fellow therapists, as well as to those clinicians who seek personal treatment themselves." The editors seem to be walking a fine line between asserting their own integrative conclusions and setting the conditions for readers to arrive at conclusions on their own. The tendency is toward the latter. With this propensity in mind, readers might approach the book as a truly encyclopedic collection- best approached in piecemeal (nonintegrative) fashion, focusing on fascinating morsels that can stand alone. In contrast, for those readers who are drawn toward integration, the book may elicit contrasting experiences of deep familiarity and understanding, and disorienting befuddlement about what was just read. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychotherapy tradecraft: The technique and style of doing therapy.

Reviews the book, Psychotherapy tradecraft: The technique and style of doing therapy by Theodore H. Blau (see record 1988-97142-000). This book begins with an introduction by Blau which defines the concept of "tradecraft" and is followed by eleven chapters divided into three sections. The first section is made up of four chapters concerned with becoming a psychotherapist. The second section of the book includes six chapters about actually conducting therapy. The third section of the book consists of one chapter about the stress of psychotherapy practice and includes a very helpful list of the signs of stress and burnout as well as specific suggestions designed to prevent or reduce stress. The book is certainly well written and well organized. The copies of various office forms, psychotherapy vignettes used to explain various treatment techniques, and specific examples of therapist responses, all provide helpful information for novice therapists. It is very likely that the book is most appropriate for graduate students and inexperienced practitioners. It will probably be of greatest interest to those professionals entering private practice or, who as teachers and supervisors, want to train others to do so. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Between conviction and uncertainty: Philosophical guidelines for practicing psychotherapists.

Reviews the book, Between conviction and uncertainty: Philosophical guidelines for practicing psychotherapists by Jerry N. Downing (see record 2000-08722-000). In this book, the author aims to provide a meta-analysis of the array of theories available to the practicing psychotherapist: that is, to provide a "theory about theories" in the hope of giving the psychotherapist a guide for better understanding what it is that goes on in therapy. Downing begins by working through several basic questions. First, he considers what therapists actually know about therapy. Downing concludes that theories of psychotherapy are likely to continue to evade scientific proof, mainly because they do not easily lend themselves to disproof. This bleak view of what we actually know about what we do in psychotherapy leads Downing to reflect on what it is that we could possibly discover or know about therapy, and here his inquiry turns epistemological. Downing suggests that therapists are guided by a kind of epistemology in action. That is, therapists may best be described as loosely following an organizing scheme throughout a therapy. Downing refers to these six schemes as lived modes of knowing. Downing then discusses each of the six, providing illustrations of what they might mean in practice. Downing presents a plausible account of what may occur in therapy and of how many therapists may work. However, his argument seems to be unnecessarily drawn out. Unfortunately, rather than lend support and inform, the breadth of topics and issues obscures his project. And, beneath it all, we are left wondering what we actually know about psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Expressing emotion: Myths, realities, and therapeutic strategies.

Reviews the book, Expressing emotion: Myths, realities, and therapeutic strategies by Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Jeanne C. Watson (see record 1999-02735-000). This book is a timely exposition of the theory, research, and clinical techniques associated with emotion and the expression of emotion. It is a particularly relevant text for clinical psychology in the context of recent discussions of emotional intelligence and the limitations of purely behavioural or cognitive perspectives on human functioning and therapeutic change. It deals with the myths about emotional expression that have permeated the field, such as that emotion is dangerous and to be avoided in therapy, or that the cathartic ventilation of emotion drains negativity much like lancing a wound. This book provides a rich contrast to such simplistic, all or nothing positions on emotion that have so often dominated psychological thinking, especially in the literature on psychotherapy. One of the strengths of the treatment-oriented part of the book is that it is integrative. A second strength of this volume is that it is well written. This book addresses a very complex and intriguing topic in a stimulating, readable manner. It is pragmatic enough for the practicing therapist and stimulating enough for the theoretically oriented reader. It will find a treasured place in many a clinician's and teacher's library. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)