Short-Term Psychotherapy ― A Psychodynamic Approach

The days when clients would spend years "on the couch" as therapists pieced together minute memories to reveal the roots of neuroses are nearly over. Insurance limits and the impatient desire of the client for resolution have led to the development of short-term psychotherapy. Corem (psychodynamic, University of Oxford) has updated his 2001 book on the topic, including new techniques. He emphasizes assessment as to the benefit of short-term therapy and gives a brief history of therapy from Freud on before devoting chapters to the process. Added to assessment are activity, focus and an understanding of the client's personal idiom as important guides to a successful short-term session. The length of the therapy is not as important as predetermining that the therapy is structured to end at a certain time. To achieve this end the therapist is more proactive than in open-ended therapies. The book has many case studies and suggestions for therapists to help clients within a stipulated time. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)