Doing Psychotherapy

by Michael Franz Basch

Here is a practical guide to doing psychotherapy which, unlike most other manuals that present an idealized view of the therapist-patient relationship, shows what the therapeutic encounter is really like. Using detailed excerpts from clinical protocols, and without omitting the inevitable mistakes that a therapist will make, Dr. Basch draws the reader into the therapeutic dialogue as a way of experiencing what actually happens in the course of treatment with cases of varying complexity. The author focuses on the treatment of the kind of patients who, though likely to make up the majority of a therapist's practice, are generally ignored in training guides -- those who are not acutely disturbed, whose pathology is minimal, but whose personal relationships are usually troubled, unsatisfying, and frequently destructive. Dr. Bausch's approach, developed over twenty years of practicing and teaching psychotherapy, is dynamic and analytic in that he considers the management of the transference relationship as basic to the treatment process. however, he avoids the rigidities often associated with the classical psychoanalytic position and does not hesitate to incorporate into his teaching methods techniques associated with other "schools" of therapy. Throughout, he stresses building on the patient's strengths rather than searching for pathology. This wise and useful book not only will prove invaluable to all beginning psychotherapists -- whether their background is one of psychiatry, psychology, or social work -- but will also serve as an ideal refresher for those more experienced in clinical work.

Genres: Psychology, Psychiatry, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 1980

Reviews

[John Hsieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in psychotherapy, case based, even people who are not familiar with therapy would enjoy reading this book also. A classic text/ must have for those of us who are interest in counseling/ therapy. I have enjoyed reading this book more than once.

[Marelena Halikias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me know how this 188 page book taught me more about psychodynamic therapy than the whole first year of my psychodynamic grad program. Basch's demystification of psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy is a gift to anyone looking to practice in this way or simply trying to deepen the therapeutic encounter. It has the clearest definition of transference that I have ever come across, as well as what it means to work within it. Basch is both honest and humble when using case examples, which is honestly rare to find with this type of literature.

[Ceara Rickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Doing Psychotherapy. Whilst it is showing its age (especially in some of the language use), it was still a very useful read. I liked the case vignettes and discussions, and found it a very good introduction to more psychoanalytic approach. I liked the contrast between this and the more CBT/behaviouralist oriented texts that tend to be the focus of psychology education in Australia.

[Zachary Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good text, though a little dense for an introductory book. Requires a pretty significant background knowledge of psychodynamic theory. Any definitions the author offers are usually pretty basic, which requires the reader to look elsewhere for a better understanding. This being said, it casts a wide net over the multitude of issues that you’ll run into as a psychotherapist.

[Cecilia Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was a bit challenging to read but I like a good challenge it kept me interested until the very end. so I was looking forward to getting to the end of the book. very good read. really recommend it.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, though at times outdated.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic therapy guide

[Laine Cathryn Ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed gaining an understanding of the clinical application of psychoanalytic ideas. However, I felt like the author tended towards a false dichotomy of healthy vs. unhealthy or those not in need of psychotherapy vs. those in need. Wanted him to at least acknowledge the middle ground between those. Also thought I detected undertones of him thinking he could "fix" things pretty quickly and I am resistant to the notion of a quick-fix.

[Shana Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, coherent clinical vignettes for beginning therapists.

[Hanne G · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far excellent and useful.

[Esmael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, thought-provoking, and practical guide for interns, new therapists, and even those who like to re-visit some major concepts in psychotherapy.