Theories of Psychotherapy: Origins and Evolution

by Paul L. Wachtel (Editor), Stanley B. Messer (Editor)

This text examines the five theoretical approaches to psychotherapy that have been most significant in helping psychotherapists understand and treat their clients. These theories have not been static but have continued to evolve. The authors lay out the major tenets in several enduring theories of psychotherapy, discuss the ideas of the authors who have expanded them, and describe the evolution of these concepts over time. The number of theories is kept to a minimum in order to focus on those that are important historically and that continue to be central in guiding research and practice today.

300 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

Paul L. Wachtel, PhD, is CUNY Distinguished Professor in the doctoral program in clinical psychology at City College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Yale University and is a graduate of the postdoctoral program in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy at New York University, where he is also a faculty member. Dr. Wachtel has lectured and given workshops throughout the world on psychotherapy, personality theory, and the applications of psychological theory and research to the major social issues of our time. He has been a leading voice for integrative thinking in the human sciences and was a co-founder of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration. Dr. Wachtel is a recipient of the Hans H. Strupp Memorial Award for psychoanalytic writing, teaching, and research; the Distinguished Psychologist Award from Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association (APA); and the Scholarship and Research Award from Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) of APA.