The Heroic Client: A Revolutionary Way to Improve Effectiveness Through Client-Directed, Outcome-Informed Therapy

by Barry L. Duncan, Scott D. Miller, Jacqueline A. Sparks

In this controversial book, psychologists Barry Duncan and Scott Miller, cofounders of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, challenge the traditional focus on diagnosis, "silver bullet" techniques, and magic pills, exposing them as empirically bankrupt practices that only diminish the role of clients and hasten therapy's extinction. Instead, they advocate for the long-ignored but most crucial factor in therapeutic success-the innate resources of the client. Based on extensive clinical research and case studies, The Heroic Client not only shows how to harness the client's powers of regeneration to make therapy effective, but also how to enlist the client as a partner to make therapy accountable. The Heroic Client inspires therapists to boldly rewrite the drama of therapy, recast clients in their rightful role as heroes and heroines of the therapeutic stage, and legitimize their services to third-party payers without the compromises of the medical model.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[John Stinebaugh]

Another great entry in this groups focus on what is really important, our clients. Taking an honest look at therapy and practice I would call this a must read.

[Michelle]

The Heroic Client shines a light on the current issues holding the field back. It discusses the purpose of models and techniques, the common factors, and the greatest purpose for therapy: helping someone live a better quality of life. There is so much more power within the client that is often not recognized.

[Daniel Polansky]

If you get passed the horrible title, what you find is a scathing indictment of the modern mental health system, from its false identification with conventional medicine to its over-prescription of pharmaceuticals. Fascinating and insightful.

[Shelby]

While as most other books are, this book is somewhat dated, there is a lot to gain from reading this text. I found this to be a helpful read for understanding the therapeutic practice, theories, and methods, as well as how to empower the client in various ways. I think that all clinicians should read this at some point in their careers because there is a lot of information shifting away from the traditional focus and encouraging a more inclusive and client-specific approach to therapy treatment.

[Michael Morgan]

I loved the book, a little repetitive.

There were a few gems in this book that make it worth purchasing. However, it begins to be a little repetitive. This book will enhance your skills as a clinician.

[Mary Beth Kollar]

Also reading for a class...Will add more later