Is it possible to effect deep, lasting, meaningful psychological change in a short period of time?

Arguing that research shows that short-term treatments can be just as useful for many disorders and problems as long-term methodologies, the authors outline a system that incorporates cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and psychoanalytically derived expressive and supportive treatments. The system rests on four pillars of practice briefly summarized as consisting of the conceptualization and formulation of patients' problems, the setting of realistic treatment goals, the technique of knowing what to say to patients, and the maintenance of a positive therapeutic alliance. The authors also address the issue of medication and its integration with psychotherapy, and present research finding regarding combined treatment. c. Book News Inc.

Short-term psychotherapy has become more and more popular in recent years and there is an increasing need for therapists to be able to offer help without entering into many years of therapy. This practical volume is an introductory text and a quick reference guide to short-term therapy, by an experienced therapist and teacher of psychodynamic short-term therapy. It is based on lectures given on the topic to experienced therapists wanting to familiarise themselves with short-term therapy. In a clear and concise manner, the author explores the basics of this approach and moves on to discuss such topics as the importance of the first session; the timescale of the therapy, the different techniques; and ending of analysis. Full of useful tables and bullet points, this volume is an indispensable guide to short-term psychodynamic therapy for experienced therapists as well as laypeople who are interested in learning more about this method of therapy.

Brevity: rigidity and length of time frame - Treatment focus: the patient in the outside World - Therapist activity: focusing on (or away from) the unconscious - Patient selection: in sickness and in health - Brevity revisited: when less means more.

This book evolved from the First International Meeting of the Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Association on intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy. It will help readers to make use of the conscious working alliance with the patient to increase the unconscious part of the working alliance.

Waiting lists in psychiatric clinics and increasing numbers of patients in long-term psychotherapy have highlighted the need for shorter methods of treatment. Existing forms of short-term psychotherapy tend to be vague and uncertain, lacking as they do a clearly formulated rationale and methodology. The bold and challenging technique for brief psychotherapy designed around the factor of time itself, which Dr. Mann introduces here, is a method he hopes will revolutionize current practice. The significance of time in human life is examined in terms of the development of time sense as well as its unconscious meaning and the ways these are experienced in both the categorical and existential senses. The author shows how the interplay between the regressive pressures of the child's sense of infinite time and the adult reality of categorical time determine the patient's unconscious expectations of psychotherapy.

This hands-on manual from Leigh McCullough and associates teaches the nuts and bolts of practicing short-term dynamic psychotherapy, the research-supported model first presented in Changing Character, McCullough's foundational text. Reflecting the ongoing evolution of the approach, the manual emphasizes "affect phobia," or conflict about feelings. It shows how such proven behavioral techniques as systemic desensitization can be applied effectively within a psychodynamic framework, and offers clear guidelines for when and how to intervene. Demonstrated are procedures for assessing patients, formulating core conflicts, and restructuring defenses, affects, and relationship to the self and others. In an easy-to-use, large-size format, the book features a wealth of case examples and write-in exercises for building key clinical skills. The companion website (www.affectphobiatherapy.com) offers useful supplemental resources, including Psychotherapy Assessment Checklist (PAC) forms and instructions.