On Justifying Psychotherapy

This book contains 20 previously published papers from internationally recognised journals. The original view of phenomenology is applied to understand behaviour, attachment, psychopathology, cognitive behavioural, existential and person-centred therapy. It presents the "intentionality model" of integrative therapy. This is a model for integration that primarily focuses on psychological understanding.

From a seasoned scholar, clinician, and teacher, this lively, highly readable text probes where the field of psychotherapy is now and where it may be headed in the future. Robert L. Woolfolk explores commonalities and differences among major therapeutic approaches, as well as their philosophical underpinnings. He critiques the growing medicalization of mental health care--in particular, the attempt to fit psychotherapy to the templates of evidence-based medicine. Students gain an appreciation of the enduring value of "the talking cure" for addressing perennial questions: ?Who am I?? ?What can I become?? ?What kind of life is worth having, and how can I achieve it?? The book makes a strong case for the benefits of psychotherapy not only as a method for treating disorders, but also as a practice that can promote practical wisdom and human flourishing.

This book provides readers with essential information on the foundations of psychotherapy research, and on its applications to the study of both psychotherapy process and outcome. The aim is to stimulate a reflection on these issues in a way that will benefit researchers and clinicians, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, at different levels and from different perspectives. Accordingly, the book presents a balanced mix of chapters summarizing the state of the art in the field from different viewpoints and covering innovative topics and perspectives, reflecting some of the most established traditions and, at the same time, emerging approaches in the field in several countries. The contributors, who were invited from among the experts in our national and international professional networks, also represent a healthy mix of leading figures and young researchers. The first part of the book addresses a number of fundamental issues in psychotherapy research at a historical, philosophical, and theoretical level. The second part of the book is concerned with research on psychotherapy processes; in this regard, both quantitative and qualitative approaches are given equal consideration in order to reflect the growing relevance of the latter. The book’s third and last part examines research on psychotherapy outcomes, primarily focusing on quantitative approaches. Offering a balanced mix of perspectives, approaches and topics, the book represents a valuable tool for anyone interested in psychotherapy research.

To read the foreword by Daniel B. Fishman, PhD, Rutgers University, click here. Case-based knowledge forms an essential element of the evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy practice. This book provides the reader with a unique introduction to the conceptual and practical tools required to conduct high quality case study research that is grounded in their own therapy practice or training. Drawing on real-life cases at the heart of counselling and psychotherapy practice, John McLeod makes complex debates and concepts engaging and accessible for the trainees and practitioners at all levels, and from all theoretical orientations. Key topics covered in the book include: - the role of case studies in the development of theory, practice and policy in counselling and psychotherapy - strategies for responding to moral and ethical issues in therapy case study research - practical tools for collecting case data - 'how-to-do-it' guides for carrying out different types of case study - team-based case study research for practitioners and students - questions, issues and challenges that may have been raised for readers through their study. Concrete examples, points for reflection and discussion, and recommendations for further reading will enable readers to use the book as a basis for carrying out their own case investigation. All trainees in counselling, psychotherapy and clinical psychology are required to complete case reports, and this is the only textbook to cover the topic in real depth. The book will also be valuable to people who intend to use existing case studies to inform their practice, and it will help experienced practitioners to generate publishable case reports.

Goal Focused Positive Psychotherapy (GFPP) is the first comprehensive approach to strength-oriented therapy that fully incorporates positive psychology principles. This book provides instruction for therapists and students wishing to learn a strength-oriented mindset and the necessary skills. GFPP consists of four hallmarks: (1) formation of approach goals; (2) identification and use of client strengths; (3) promotion of positive emotions and experiences; and (4) building hope. Unique to psychotherapy, the theory of change uses Frederickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of positive emotions. A three-year study is presented that provides evidence of GFPP's outcome effectiveness and GFPP's superiority in supporting therapists building therapeutic alliances with clients. The book describes the therapeutic techniques and positive psychology interventions including positive empathy, capitalization, best possible self, success-finding, encouragement, self-affirmation, mindfulness, miracle and scaling questions, and self-compassion. The primary emphasis of GFPP is to promote happiness, health, and well-being in clients, in contrast to the emphasis of traditional therapy approaches on problem symptom alleviation. The assumption is that clients who benefit by increasing their well-being will be equipped to address problems in their life that inevitably arise. Training and supervision methods are suggested and a supervision model is provided. The information is integrated and illustrated with a chapter of case examples from four GFPP therapists. Readers learn that client problems are not ignored but balanced with an emphasis on positive issues that use the client's strengths and enhance the client's hope. GFPP will appeal to counseling, clinical, and school psychologists, as well as counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, life coaches, and students in all these fields.

"Reality Therapy" is a cognitive behavioural therapy method that continues to grow in popularity as a therapeutic approach owing to its wide applicability, its highly practical and interactive methodology, and its actual track record in counseling and helping people. This book forms an easy-to-use introduction to this approach and includes: a discussion of the concepts behind reality therapy, choice theory, the counseling environment, procedures and special applications; information on how this approach has a wide application, including developing responsibility, motivation, self-esteem, improving relationships, dealing with discipline and problems and addictions; details of how this technique can be used in schools, by the probation service, in prisons, at work, within clinics and the health service and in many other areas where counseling is necessary.

'This is an excellent book...Those involved in writing agency policy as well as therapists working within these structures and independently should view this as a mainstay of their reference library. Trainers and supervisors will also find it invaluable' - Therapy Today Journal, December 2008 `This book is an original, insightful, comprehensive and practical guide for all working in the field...a must read for any counsellor or psychotherapist or anybody else working in the field of psychological therapies' - Professor Cary L. Cooper, CBE, President of BACP `There are few legal issues as important to clients and their therapists as confidentiality and record keeping. This book is essential reading for all counsellors and psychotherapists' - Esther Rantzen, Chair & Founder of Childline and Vice President of BACP Confidentiality is an essential condition of counselling and psychotherapy that enables clients to talk honestly and openly about their situation. As a core aspect of everyday practice, therapists need to understand both the legal and ethical implications of providing confidentiality and of keeping records concerning their clients. Confidentiality and Record Keeping in Counselling and Psychotherapy provides a practical introduction to the topic, containing guidance on: - why and how records should be kept - how to balance therapeutic benefits from keeping records with potential legal ramifications - confidentiality agreements with clients in a variety of therapeutic settings - confidentiality in training and supervision.

Psychology has recently shifted toward a phenomological approach closely aligned with theories originally put forth by noted psychologist Alfred Adler. However, modern approaches are often presented in a language that differs from the original theories, with no acknowledgment to the contributions of Adler. Interventions and Strategies in Counseling and Psychotherapy corrects this oversight, illustrating the many ways in which Adlerian ideas underpin and influence contemporary therapeutic approaches. Original chapters by leading thinkers in the field address the practice of counseling and psychotherapy from a social-cognitive perspective and logically combine classic Adlerian theories with proven and effective methods from other approaches. The book covers a wide range of topics including play therapy, parent education, couples therapy, and problem-solving counseling. This book is essential reading not only for Adlerian psychologists, but also counselors, psychologists, and psychotherapists of any theoretical stripe who wish to keep their practical skills up-to-date. It is also of use to graduate and doctoral students enrolled in counseling and psychology programs.