Trusting in Psychotherapy: A Groundbreaking Book on the Foundation of Psychotherapy

Trusting in Psychotherapy, a seminal work by Jon G. Allen, fills a critical void in the psychiatric literature by exploring the often-overlooked concept of trust in psychotherapy. The author, with five decades of experience, posits that cultivating a trusting therapeutic bond is essential for successful treatment, particularly for patients who have experienced developmental trauma in close relationships.

The Complexity of Trust in Psychotherapy

While therapists often focus on patients’ trust issues, Allen argues that trust cannot be separated from trustworthiness and that therapists must prioritize becoming trustworthy to their patients. By integrating developmental science and ethical thought, Allen provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of trust and trustworthiness in psychotherapy.

Key Concepts and Topics

• The multifaceted nature of trust and trustworthiness in psychotherapy
• The significance of attachment relationships, including secure and insecure attachment styles
• The pivotal role of hope in building trust
• The ethical and moral foundations of trusting and trustworthy therapeutic relationships

A Broadly Developmental Perspective

The book offers a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic process, highlighting the profound impact of attachment trauma on severe psychiatric disorders and the subsequent obstacles to developing therapeutic connections. Allen emphasizes the need for psychotherapists to prioritize building trust and trustworthiness to facilitate effective treatment.

The Book’s Features and Benefits

• Accessible to both mental health professionals and non-experts, including patients and families interested in understanding the therapeutic process
• Conversational, non-technical style makes the book an engaging and thought-provoking read
• Key points summarized at the end of each chapter to facilitate easy understanding and retention
• A valuable resource for psychotherapists seeking to develop expertise in conducting psychotherapy

A Call to Action: Shifting the Focus to Developing Trustworthy Therapists

Allen’s work persuasively argues that the focus of mental health research and thought leadership should shift from developing new therapies to developing trustworthy therapists. This paradigm shift has the potential to revolutionize the field of psychotherapy and improve treatment outcomes.

Published by the American Psychiatric Association Publishing on June 22, 2021, Trusting in Psychotherapy is a must-read for anyone invested in the art and science of psychotherapy.

Language: English

ISBN: 9781615373918, 9781615373925