Essential Psychotherapies, Third Edition: Theory and Practice

by Alan S. Gurman (Editor), Stanley B Messer (Editor)

The leading survey text for basic psychotherapy courses, this book offers authoritative, engaging presentations of the 12 most important forms of psychotherapy practiced today. Prominent experts cover traditional treatments as well as influential models that have been developed relatively recently, giving students and practitioners a solid grasp of foundational theories, techniques, and research. Each chapter follows a common set of organizational guidelines; features illustrative vignettes and a full case example; and concludes with readings and resources to guide further study. y New to This Edition Incorporates the latest clinical developments and research. Chapter on "third-wave" behavior therapies. Each chapter has expanded discussions of the role of the therapeutic relationship and the use of evidence-based practices. Concise chapters make the book even more instructor and student friendly."

Genres: Psychology, Social Work

516 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overview of a dozen major styles of psychotherapy, comparing different aspects of each. The book is very academic and in general very dry. It's abstract and academic feel does not give a good feel for the style; even still, it gives a good overview of each style in technical terms.

I have the first edition text, which differs from the second in that it includes Gestalt therapy as an independent therapy. In the introduction to the second edition Messer explains that in the time since the first edition Gestalt therapy has waned and is hardly ever practiced as an independent therapy style; instead elements have been incorporated into other styles. Also other therapies have been added, including "Post-modern therapy," which I have never heard of as a therapy in any other text. Once again, I never read the second edition, but at first glance it seems the first edition is superior.

[s_evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for class.

+ Good break down of the various theroretical orientation.
+ Covered all the big ones

- Repeated itself WAAAAAY too much in each chapter. I suppose that got the point in, but repition is not a strong tool in my book.
- Not queer-friendly (I think they call it "gay affirming" at all, esp in the "marriage therapies" section - damn heterocentrics, when will you learn?!

Overall: I'd reccommend as a text book unless you have one that doesn't do the above (-) things, and use the above caveats.

[Tonya Vander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book enables a new therapist to gain insight into different theories and how to put them into practice by using easy to read language.