Psychodynamic Therapy : A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice

This is a wonderful book. It is a unique collaboration written by two authors both at the University of Pennsylvania, one a psychiatrist who is a practicing psychoanalyst and the other a psychologist who is a well known psychotherapy researcher. It is highly readable and practical in its approach. This is not your typical psychoanalytic book, filled with difficult and dense jargon. The writing is practical and hands on with plenty of clinical examples. The book uses evidenced based ideas from psychotherapy research in a way that is somewhat unusual: it integrates these findings into a sensible approach to dealing with patients. Positive psychology, family systems therapy, and behavioral and cognitive approaches are given respect and even integrated into their approach without feeling forced. I cannot think of another psychodynamic text that does this- the authors obviously have respect for other psychotherapies and are unashamedly practical in their approach to treating patients and seeing the limits of their approach. This is a good book for beginners who are learning "the ropes" of psychotherapy of any kind, or for experienced psychoanalysts or psychodynamically trained clinicians who want an evidence based contemporary approach to treating their patients in psychotherapy. Highly recommended.

Presenting a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to conducting psychodynamic therapy, this engaging guide is firmly grounded in contemporary clinical practice and research. The book reflects an openness to new influences on dynamic technique, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology. It offers a fresh understanding of the most common problems for which patients seek help—depression, obsessionality, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, panic, and trauma—and shows how to organize and deliver effective psychodynamic interventions. Extensive case material illustrates each stage of therapy, from engagement to termination. Special topics include ways to integrate individual treatment with psychopharmacology and with couple or family work.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description:This book describes the stages of psychodynamic therapy, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, combining research with the latest clinical ideas. Written by a psychiatrist and a psychologist, it provides a healthy balance between the two disciplines.
Purpose:According to the authors, "in this book we describe a contemporary psychodynamic therapy model that we believe is practical, effective, and easily integrated with other treatment modalities, such as family and systems interventions and psychopharmacology," adding, "Our emphasis is on a new pragmatic technique, rather than a new theory.
Audience:Intended for mental health practitioners and students of all kinds, the authors note it is appropriate for graduate-level courses in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, and social work. Both authors are from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where Richard Summers, MD, is clinical associate professor and Jacques Barber, PhD, is professor of psychology.
Features:The book begins with an introduction to pragmatic psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is defined as "based on a developmental and conflict model of mental life and involves a clearly defined psychodynamic diagnosis and formulation, a focus on education and transparency, integration with other synergistic treatment modalities, and an active, engaged therapeutic stance. It differs from classical psychodynamic psychotherapy, which has tended to be open ended, hierarchical, not diagnosis specific, inadequately integrated conceptually and technically with psychopharmacology and other concurrent treatments, less active and less focused." Next, the book describes the three basic phases of treatment: opening, middle, and ending. The opening phase includes the therapeutic alliance, basic psychodynamic problems, and setting goals. The discussion of the middle phase explores how change occurs as well as attachment and engagement in therapy. The ending phase includes termination and its meaning for both patient and therapist. Numerous tables help clarify the text and helpful case vignettes show how the theory is applied. The book is easy to read and practical, walking readers through the therapeutic process, which makes it perfect for novice clinicians.
Assessment:This is an excellent and practical book that details the phases of psychotherapy and includes wonderfully instructive clinical examples. It addresses common problems such as depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. The authors have not created a new theory, but have packaged psychodynamic therapy in a way that new and seasoned therapists will appreciate.

Presenting a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to conducting psychodynamic therapy, this engaging guide is firmly grounded in contemporary clinical practice and research. The book reflects an openness to new influences on dynamic technique, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology. It offers a fresh understanding of the most common problems for which patients seek help--depression, obsessionality, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, panic, and trauma--and shows how to organize and deliver effective psychodynamic interventions. Extensive case material illustrates each stage of therapy, from engagement to termination. Special topics include ways to integrate individual treatment with psychopharmacology and with couple or family work. See also Practicing Psychodynamic A Casebook , edited by Summers and Barber, which features 12 in-depth cases that explicitly illustrate the approach in this book. This book has been replaced by Psychodynamic Therapy, Second Edition, ISBN 978-1-4625-5407-2.