Overview
This volume offers clinicians an inside view of the new perspectives that are transforming the field of psychotherapy. Unlike traditional therapies that focus on deficit or dysfunction, these new approaches amplify and build upon clients' resources and strengths. Within this context, the clinician acts as a facilitator who helps the client generate new stories that engender hope and optimism - alternatives to the problem-saturated stories that have dominated the client's life and relationships. Meanings and understandings are co-constructed rather than imposed by the therapist, and the client is given the lead in determining the goals and focus of the therapy. By taking seriously the client's request, therapy becomes time-effective as well. The book's major sections explore paths to solution: the clinician shifts attention toward the client's resources, successes, and unexamined exceptions to the problem; narratives of liberation: the clinician helps the client to become free of oppressive constraints and limitations and to generate new, more liberating life stories; reflexive conversations: the clinician and client engage in a recursive interchange of talking and listening that opens space for the emergence of new perspectives; the postmodern era - a universe of stories: the dilemmas of the postmodern world are examined in a narrative framework. Throughout the book, transcripts of clinical interviews translate theory into practice and demonstrate the application of these models to complex, longstanding problems. Questions posed by the editor to the authors at the end of each chapter elicit intriguing personal views of the therapeutic process rarely found in professional books. This pioneering effort, assembling the innovations of highly creative clinicians, will enrich the practice of psychotherapy. For psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and psychiatric nurses, the book is an enlightening resPresents paths to solution, narratives of liberation, reflexive conversations, & the postmodern era.
Synopsis
This volume offers clinicians an inside view of several new competency-based approaches that are transforming the field of psychotherapy. Unlike therapies that focus on deficits and dysfunction, this book describes approaches that build on client successes and strengths. Seen as a collaborative process in which therapist and client co-construct meaning in therapeutic conversation, the clinician acts as a facilitator who joins with the client to generate narratives of strength, hope, and optimism as alternatives to the dominant problem-saturated story. In-depth clinical examples demonstrate the application of these ideas. In addition, at the end of each chapter is an illuminating question-and-answer exchange between the editor and the chapter author, providing the reader with a uniquely personal view of the process of therapy.
Booknews
Innovative clinicians share their perspectives and ideas about the therapy process, and show how their thinking translates into practice. Chapters are grouped into solution-focused, narrative, and reflexive approaches, with ample cross-fertilization. Discussion follows each chapter, wherein the author(s) answer questions posed by the editor. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)