Second-order Change in Psychotherapy: The Golden Thread That Unifies Effective Treatments

by J. Scott Fraser

After more than 40 years of research, a substantial body of evidence has shown psychotherapy to be helpful in ameliorating psychological suffering. This is seldom questioned in professional circles, yet intense debate persists over how, when, and why therapy works. Those claiming to know the answers fall into two main camps, one arguing that some empirically supported treatments are therapeutic for specific problems, while others are less effective. The other camp posits that all approaches work equally well, as long as a strong therapist–client relationship and other common curative factors are present. Can both doctrines be correct? Second-Order Change in The Golden Thread That Unifies Effective Treatments asserts that they can, but what is needed is a unifying framework of change that underlies both positions. Drs. Fraser and Solovey identify that framework as second-order change in psychotherapy, or the “golden thread” that runs through the labyrinth of all effective therapies. To better elucidate this, first-order change refers to solutions that do not change the problem but that create stability, while second-order change transforms the first-order solutions, resulting in a resolution of the problem. In this fascinating and rich book written for researchers, practical theorists, and policy makers, the authors show how second-order change is at the core of all effective treatments and demonstrate how to creatively employ specific, targeted approaches in an interpersonal context of shared respect, empathy, and compassion.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2006

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers critical insight into how to work with people to affect change in a way that is lasting and meaningful to their lives. Many times a "first order" change may affect a behavior but not the thinking or motivation behind it. The writer provides examples and interventions across methods and offers a unifying lens to the field of therapy. Therapist will find this text helpful in fully understanding our roles as agents of change.

[Zeev Crombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really a great book

I have interested in second order change in therapy for many years and this book made sense of this and explained how this works. I would . Recommend this book to anyone interested in second order change.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best clinical guidebook I've read to date