An in-depth look at a much misunderstood practice, offering a fresh viewpoint on how this science can be a universally effective route to our better selves.

In the landmark volume, THE PSYCHOANALYTIC PROCESS, Joseph Weiss presented a bold, original theory of the therapeutic process. Now, in HOW PSYCHOTHERAPY WORKS, Weiss extends his powerful theory and focuses on its clinical applications, often challenging many familiar ideas about the psychotherapeutic process. Weiss' theory, which is supported by formal, empirical research, assumes that psychopathology stems from unconscious, pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires by inference from early traumatic experiences. He suffers unconsciously from these beliefs and the feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse that they engender, and he is powerfully motivated unconsciously to change them. According to Weiss's theory, the patient exerts considerable control over unconscious mental life, and he makes and carries out plans for working with the therapist to change his pathogenic beliefs. He works to disprove these beliefs by testing them with the therapist. The theory derives its clinical power not only from its empirical origin and closeness to observation, and also from Weiss's cogent exposition of how to infer, from the patient's history and behavior in treatment, what the patient is trying to accomplish and how the therapist may help. By focusing on fundamental processes, Weiss's observations challenge several current therapeutic dichotomies--"supportive versus uncovering," "interactive versus interpretive," and "relational versus analytic." Written in simple, direct language, Weiss demonstrates how to uncover the patient's unconscious plan and how the therapist can help the patient to carry out his plans by passing the patient's tests. He includes many examples of actual treatment sessions, which serve to make his theory clear and usable. The chapters include highly original views about the patient's motivations, the role of affect in the patient's mental life, and the therapist's basic task. The book also contains chapters on how to pass the patient's tests, and how to use interpretation with the patient. Dr. Weiss also provides a powerful theory of dreams and demonstrates how dreams can be utilized in clinical practice. This distinguished volume is a major contribution that will profoundly affect the way one conceptualizes and practices therapy. Theoreticians, investigators, and clinicians alike will find it enlightening reading.

Tavistock Press was established as a co-operative venture between the Tavistock Institute and Routledge & Kegan Paul (RKP) in the 1950s to produce a series of major contributions across the social sciences. This volume is part of a 2001 reissue of a selection of those important works which have since gone out of print, or are difficult to locate. Published by Routledge, 112 volumes in total are being brought together under the name The International Behavioural and Social Sciences Library: Classics from the Tavistock Press. Reproduced here in facsimile, this volume was originally published in 1961 and is available individually. The collection is also available in a number of themed mini-sets of between 5 and 13 volumes, or as a complete collection.

"This is a superb book, rich in understanding of human behavior and creative in helping clients grow and change....If you aspire to be great in this profession, you will use up a highlighter on this book." -Kevin Elko, PhD Author of The Pep Talk and True Greatness "It is rare for a book in counseling to enlighten its readers and enable them to see the profession, themselves, and their clients in an original, enhanced, and productive wayÖ. Conte is a master storyteller, a clear communicator, an innovative thinker, and a creative therapist." Samuel T. Gladding, PhD Chair and Professor, Department of Counseling Wake Forest University This book presents advanced techniques, concepts, and models that have proven to be both practical and readily usable for counselors who work with individuals, couples, families, and children. Dr. Conte provides in-depth coverage of a wide array of therapies, including metaphor, creative, projective, and classic. This collection of advanced, creative techniques, each accompanied with detailed case studies, will prove useful for both health professionals and counseling students. Key Features: Provides guidelines for some of the basics, such as active listening, empathizing, self-disclosure, and dealing with resistance Guidelines for using classic techniques include Adler's Push-Button technique, the ABC Model, and eye integration therapy Includes introductions to the author's original models such as the "Five Errors of Communication" and the "Four C's of Parenting" Using lucid, engaging prose, this book contains all the essential, creative, and advanced techniques that every counselor, psychotherapist, and educator should know.

You’re feeling sad, anxious, or angry all the time, and you’re thinking about seeing a therapist. But there’s one problem: You don’t know the first thing about therapists or whatever it is they get up to in those dimly lit offices. You ask your friends, your HMO, you thumb through the phonebook—but there are as many opinions as there are MFTs, LCSWs, and Ph.D.s waiting to add you to their appointment books. What are you, the curious and confused, to do? Don’t panic! Therapy 101 can guide you through the twists and turns of the mental health maze. You’ll learn about the different kinds of mental health professionals and the services they offer. You’ll explore the various kinds of therapy and learn which therapies are best for which problems. Filled with curious and entertaining tidbits about the colorful history of psychology, Therapy 101 is as entertaining as it is informative. With this book in your back pocket, you’ll be able to make the most of your time on the couch.