Brief or deep? There is a growing trend in the field of psychotherapy toward more short term, constructive, solution-based approaches to creating change. But what about the depth of experience offered by the Experientially oriented models? Is there room in the practice of psychotherapy to draw upon what works, combining the best of each approach? This book, based on twenty plus years of clinical and teaching experience, demonstrates an innovative therapy approach to integrating Solution Focused and Focusing Oriented Psychotherapy - SOFT (Solution Oriented Focusing Therapy). Providing clinicians with creative strategies and concrete tools to naturally weave an experiential style of working with clients into a brief therapy format, this thoroughly written and explicit guide offers readers a “hands-on” approach illustrating how to integrate and blend the fundamentals of both the Experiential and Brief traditions, with emphasis on honoring the clinician's own unique therapy style. Using many detailed case examples and specialized teaching, the author demonstrates: how the models are similar, different and compatible; the linguistic intricacies of each approach, and how to use language more effectively; which model works best when; and what to do when you don’t know what to do! Highlighting specific “integration spots” throughout, this book will spark the imagination of practitioners, new and seasoned alike, who strive to harmonize and facilitate change - both deeply and briefly - to get the most from the therapy hour. New to this edition…a highly creative and interactive pictorial explanation of the Focusing process; an expanded chapter on The Critic, outlining valuable strategies clinicians can use, both on their own and with clients, to counteract and transform its often debilitating effects; an extensive chapter simplifying the complex issue of Boundaries; more tips for clinical practice, and reflections on being an Integrated Therapist. This thoughtful, respectful and comprehensive work gently moves the reader toward new growth and unimagined possibilities - both in and out of the therapy room. --- from the publisher
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