A superb, innovative contribution to the literature on time-limited dynamic psychotherapy, and one that is destined to become a classic. At the core of this volume is the assertion that therapeutic expertise consists of the ability to improvise and respond spontaneously and flexibly to the demands of the specific context, and Binder does a brilliant job of spelling out what he terms 'core competencies,' or the generic performance skills possessed by expert therapists. In the process, he also does the field an important service by updating the time-limited approach he developed with Hans Strupp, drawing on both developments in contemporary psychoanalytic theory and important findings emerging from psychotherapy research. The writing is lucid and masterful and the thinking is seasoned and clinically mature. This book will be of interest to a broad readership, and will make a valuable text for graduate-level courses in brief dynamic therapy or basic clinical skills. Reviews: "Combin[es] a refreshing recognition of the complexities of therapeutic work in critical practice, with a clear underpinning from psychological theory and recent research into psychotherapy....The competencies that Binder outlines will be of relevance and interest to those working with a wide variety of theoretical frameworks and his flexible and undogmatic approach will appeal to all those who feel discouraged by the certainties of some of those who argue for therapy to always be ''evidence-based'' (but who often ignore so much of the complexities and contradictions of that evidence."--Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy About the Author: Jeffrey L. Binder, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychology in the Clinical Psychology Program of Argosy University/Atlanta (formerly the Georgia School of Professional Psychology). Dr. Binder has served as the director of an outpatient community mental health clinic, helped to develop a private psychiatric hospital, and has had a private practice in psychotherapy. He has been actively involved in practicing and teaching brief psychotherapy since the early 1970s and has presented and published extensively on the topics of brief psychotherapy and psychotherapy training. The book that he coauthored with Hans H. Strupp, Psychotherapy in a New Key: A Guide to Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy, is a classic in the area of brief dynamic treatment. Dr. Binder is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
|
