Basics of Psychotherapy: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians

In today’s diverse psychotherapeutic landscape, clinicians from various disciplines – psychiatry, psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and counseling professions – unite under a common goal: delivering effective therapeutic services to those in need. While many psychotherapy texts focus on specific methodologies or survey multiple treatments, clinicians often require a deeper understanding of the core principles, ideas, and practices that underlie and unify the hundreds of therapies in current use.

Meeting the Need for Effective Psychotherapy

Basics of Psychotherapy meets this need by providing a thorough examination of the common elements that promote successful outcomes. With the demand for psychotherapy services often outstripping supply, and external pressures driving the need for efficient and effective therapeutic results, successful practitioners must understand the fundamental principles that underpin their practice.

Fundamental Topics in Psychotherapy

Each central chapter delves into a crucial topic, providing in-depth exploration and analysis:

• What is psychotherapy, and what is its purpose?
• The psychotherapy relationship: understanding its significance and importance
• Conducting an initial evaluation: key considerations and best practices
• Formulation and treatment planning: the essential steps to successful therapy

In addition to these core topics, the book reviews the essential technical aspects common to any psychotherapy, offering valuable advice on how to navigate typical clinical challenges.

The Therapeutic Alliance: The Key to Success

Throughout the book, Dr. Richard B. Makover emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance – what it is, what supports it, how to maintain it, and how to repair it when necessary. This collaborative partnership between therapist and patient is crucial to successful therapy, and clinicians who understand its significance will be more efficient and effective in their practice, regardless of the approach they employ.

Career Development and Self-Directed Learning

The book concludes with a discussion on career development and the importance of self-directed learning in building a collection of skills and capacities that will meet every practice challenge. By understanding the foundations of psychotherapy covered in this book, clinicians can enhance their skills, improve their practice, and provide better services to their clients.

By Richard B. Makover, MD

American Psychiatric Association Publishing

Published: April 26, 2017

Language: English

ISBN: 9781615370764, 9781615371327