Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques

Description:

Psychodynamic therapy has a growing evidence base, is cost-effective, and may have unique mechanisms of clinical change. However, gaining competence in this approach generally requires extensive training and mastery of a large and complex literature. Integrating clinical theory and research findings, Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques provides comprehensive but practical guidance on the main interventions of contemporary psychodynamic practice. Early chapters describe the psychodynamic "stance" and illustrate effective means of identifying and understanding clinical problems. Later, the book describes how to question, clarify, confront, and interpret patient material as well as assess the clinical impacts of interventions. With these foundational tools in place, the book supplements the "classic" psychodynamic therapy techniques with six sets of supportive interventions helpful for lower-functioning patients or those in acute crisis. Complete with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare techniques as well as numerous clinical vignettes to illustrate their use in clinical settings, Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques effectively demystifies this important approach to therapy and helps practitioners more effectively apply them to a wide range of patients and problems.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

Section I Background Information for Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques

2. Do We REALLY Need Psychodynamic Therapy?

3. Goals of Psychodynamic Therapy

4. The Psychodynamic “Stance”

5. The Supportive–Expressive Continuum

6. Characteristics of “Good” Psychodynamic Interventions

7. How to Assess the Impacts of Interventions

Section II The “Classic” Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques in Contemporary Practice

8. Foundational Techniques Part I

9. Foundational Techniques Part II

10. The Process of Questioning

11. The Process of Clarification

12. The Process of Confrontation

13. The Process of Interpretation

Section III The Expanded Range of Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques

14. Supportive Therapy Techniques Part I

15. Supportive Therapy Techniques Part II

16. Repairing Ruptures in the Therapeutic Alliance

Afterword

Appendix A: Psychodynamic Therapy Manuals and Models

References

Index