Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal
explaining IPT concepts and issues to pa-
cludes with a look at “The Future of IPT”
Psychotherapy
tients. As an IPT supervisor, I find that
clinicians new to IPT thirst for practical,
how- to ways to conduct the therapy. Sug-
gested scripts were available in the 1984
Comprehensive Guide more than an up-
riches this section as a training manual.
The Comprehensive Guide also provides
more clinical vignettes than the 1984 IPT
Reviewed by Gregory A. Hinrichsen,
crete examples of how specific issues are
stages of the therapy. I surmise that the
book and to New Applications. Sections II
he book Interpersonal Psychotherapy
witz’s and Weissman’s own experience of
of Depression1 was the original state-
conducting IPT in the last 15 years. Some
New Applications, which was an edited
of the clinical material reflects contem-
mat to these sections enriched with clini-
psychological ramifications of HIV infec-
book. It is a refreshingly clear, clinically
tion. Section I also provides updated ef-
duct IPT. The fact that the book has been
man as one of the co-authors of this book.
Mood Disorders,” and Section III, “Ad-
last 15 years attests not only to the in-
creasing popularity of IPT but also to the
ders,” correspond to the last two sections
quality of the book itself. In short, it’s a
of New Applications. The variety of prob-
clinician’s sensitivity and intuition with a
Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal
tifies to the therapeutic versatility of this
researcher’s hard-headed search for the
Psychotherapy is an effort to supplement
facts. I found the dedication of the book
particularly touching: “To Gerald L. Kler-
IPT book and the Comprehensive Guide
positive patients, and others. These sec-
one finds love, wisdom, and clarity.
an updated version of New Applications of
tions of the Comprehensive Guide offer
Interpersonal Psychotherapy.2 The latter was
more clinical vignettes than found in New
a review of research and clinical efforts
Applications and, of course, provide con-
Dr. Hinrichsen is Associate Director of Psy-chology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center,and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Albert
agnoses. Is the Comprehensive Guide more
Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
search updates brief and straightforward,
wish to pursue the details. Section III also
book. What I best liked about this section
Progress,” which gives a glimpse of novel
ville BJ, et al: Interpersonal Psychother-
apy for Depression. New York, BasicBooks, 1984
cially useful to clinicians who are learn-
der and for body dysmorphic disorder.
ing this modality for the first time.
Suggested scripts for inquiring about in-
other countries and of its flexible adap-
The Process of Group
relationship patterns), and colors (various
Psychotherapy: Systems
with this for decades. Certainly it will be
for Analyzing Change
and psychiatric residents, as a researcher
each measure was linked to particular pa-
believe this book is the next step on our
Reviewed by Sally H. Barlow, Ph.D.
fault in the inability to link them to out-
not stated directly enough to provide theframework to establish this link. In ad-
clear descriptions from the group process
experts regarding their particular process
tion to the session. Most exciting is the
with expertly rated behavioral systems.
research, they noted: “Missing here are
Dr. Barlow is Professor of Psychology,
three most likely overlies the dynamic in-
Brigham Young University, and Adjunct As-sociate Professor of Psychiatry, University of
functioning surely calls for increased in-
difficult to learn though data-dense; those
measures that leave out an important part
lidity and reliability, and ability to link
of this triad are superficial, although easy
Expressing Emotion:
tently in the research to sustain their vi-
Myths, Realities, and
ability in linking process to outcome. Therapeutic Strategies
allows us a peek into this process. These
authors gave identical transcripts of one
often sacrificed for ease of learning and
Lewis. If anything, they have clearly il-
cess measures. As each representative as-
field of research. Their complex handling
closer to establishing the link from pro-
therapy; and expression-related interven-
perienced practitioners in the field, but
also so well written as to be easily under-
disguises genuine feelings, it is notrelated to emotional insight. In
just beginning their work. In ExpressingEmotion, the authors have produced just
such a work. Their writing style is clear
for the evaluation of other ideas as they
presented in their work as their own.
pressed to oneself and to others create a
lay public than professionals, that letting
emotions “hang out” is all that is needed
tion to our understanding of the roles of
therapeutic effects of ventilation, but they
for students in all aspects of the field of
lack of insight. For instance, whenexpression involves perseverative
Dr. Hanin is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry,New York Medical College, and Senior At-tending, St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Cen-
expressions of ‘I feel bad,’ it indi-
so that it is always clear what the authors
are talking about. In addition, the orga-
Beyond Individualism: Toward a New Understanding of Self, Relationship, and Experience
cal to the practical implications of the au-
of emotion are interesting and necessary,
but for me, the most useful part of their
work is their section on the treatment im-
plications. Here they are very liberal in
Reviewed by John Gladfelter, Ph.D,
of emotional expression or nonex-pression in contributing to or cor-
recting a lack of emotional insight.
the role of the self, although again not as
clearly and strongly as this book. Current
alistic self, pointing to the limitations of a
provocative and much that is affirming.
for a point of view that will challenge, as
this book believes that the individual self
as historically viewed precedes and tran-
scends relationship and social conditions
this is a book well worth reading because
Dr. Gladfelter is a faculty member of theFielding Institute, Santa Barbara, CA.
self in relation to society. Wheeler takes
reader through a set of experiential chap-
Group Psychotherapy for
cepts that invite and challenge the reader
Psychological Trauma
the concepts of the social field, contact,
self in relation to the world. As the author
suggests, this means a significant shift in
ences of thinking, feeling, and imaging to
our traditional views of self and suggests
that a concept of relational self is well
descriptive feedback of the self. The se-
suggests writing this down) would go “I
thor. This is perhaps one of the problems
pist’s experience. There is, however, of-
the self. I would also have liked a tradi-
tional subject index for the book because
there are so many ideas that call for fur-
in this text represents an attempt to close
ing outer and inner social supports in re-
lation to the experiences of the first step
While the term trauma has found its
individualistic model many operate from.
health practitioners, it is used loosely and
often does not mean the same thing to all
from another person to enable one to talk
much that is already congruent with their
book is that it takes the time to clearly
psychological trauma and its specific psy-
a view of the self that is relational, al-
chological manifestations. The book is di-
though perhaps not as clearly as this au-
Theories, and Strategies” and “Special
Dr. Spitz is Clinical Professor of Psychiatryand Director of Group Therapy Training, Co-lumbia University College of Physicians and
trauma literature, an analysis of the im-
which describes group therapies for vari-
ous subsets within the trauma spectrum. Scientific Foundations of
point of view, and a rationale for the ad-
Cognitive Theory and
medical illness, the impact of trauma and
Therapy of Depression
theoretical material into language that is
disaster, political torture and ethnic per-
secution, dissociative disorders, and se-
book’s journey from theory to practice in
a chapter that explicates the “nuts and
points for this part of the book. Although
highlight issues of screening and evalua-
Reviewed by Michael E. Thase, M.D.
mention for the model it offers of a lead-
clear on boundary issues, and for the em-
in discussing their prior traumatic expe-
one-dimensional identity as “survivor”
and clarity of exposition apparent in this
used to address the broad range of issues
view of the many faces of dissociative de-
point that practitioners need to move be-
with detailed evaluations of the literature
yond a global view that all trauma and its
specific theoretical position, the “group-
for the cognitive therapy neophyte. It is
as-a-whole” model, and applies it to work
specific treatment plans, thereby risking
rather lengthy and detailed. Moreover, as
still serves as a good review of the work
chapter clearly explicates the unique as-
cate this orientation to group dynamics.
ond section of the book will be invaluable
follows is particularly noteworthy. It is a
contradictory data. Nevertheless, it pro-
thoughtful, sensitive, and clinically wise
terested in conducting groups for individ-
presentation of the critical dimension of
groups. The use of their personal “field
and colleagues (Cognitive Therapy of De-
journals” describing their ongoing reac-
book. It is an invaluable contribution to
pression) and the excellent how-to book
a rapidly emerging field and is likely to
by Dr. Judith Beck, Cognitive Therapy: Ba-
pressive for both its honesty and the ease
sics and Beyond, which was published in
with which clinicians will be able to rec-
chapter focus the reader’s attention and
after all, expert cognitive therapists.
go public with his problem—particularly
4. Scott AIF, Freeman CPL: Edinburgh Pri-
since it is a problem that occurs both psy-
copyediting is not infallible (e.g., influ-
outcome, patient satisfaction, and cost af-
ential early behaviorist Charles Ferster is
referred to as “Fester” in both the text
al: A component analysis of cognitive-be-
and the reference list), typographical er-
havioral treatment for depression. J Con-
6. Markowitz JC, Kocsis JH, Fishman B, et
to the problem to add to the methods that
appointed that the authors did not devote
at least one chapter to reviewing the com-
these authors’ approach is that it is “in-
parative outcome research studies of CT.
lem is viewed in terms of its individual,
aspects of the scientific foundation of CT
interactional, and intergenerational com-
for nearly 25 years.1 This is a shortcom-
ponents. In addition, the individual com-
ing, particularly in view of work linking
early evidence of CT’s superiority (over
other therapies) to strong allegiance ef-
authors also imply that almost every sex-
Erectile Dysfunction:
these factors and that the most effective
treatment approach is to be sophisticated
Integrating Couple
“neutral”3,4 or even potentially “alle-
giance-disadvantaged”5–7 conditions. Ul-
Therapy, Sex Therapy, and
timately, the most pragmatic benefit of an
Medical Treatment
erectile dysfunction via medication: oral
psychopathology is the ability to translate
during benefits for our patients. In this
medicine found in MUSE and Caverject.
regard, it is not yet clear that the elabo-
ily in the area of the psychological treat-ment of this problem, and they give very
Dr. Thase is Professor of Psychiatry, Univer-
Thisbriefvolumegivesagoodsum- specific recommendations as to how to
sity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pitts-
“reframe” the problem, develop a thera-
peutic alliance with the couple, and deal
of erectile dysfunction in particular. Drs.
with the therapy in an incremental way.
They comment on the common pitfallsencountered in dealing with couples and
doctorates in psychology, have collabo-rated in writing a very readable book that
ment and the psychological treatment.
The illness they are approaching is erec-
giances: a “wild card” in comparisons of
3. Elkin I, Shea MT, Watkins JT, et al: Na-
the few deficiencies in this slender vol-
ume: most of the references are to the se-
gives to the first responder: an easy way
to conceptualize patients’ problems and
differentiation. Cognitive therapy is also
ual. He is on the faculty of the Baltimore-
scattered in many places in the book. The
ment. The next four chapters cover issues
authors have been very sensitive in show-
ing that its use is not invariably a simple
tient. The degree of therapist’s expressed
positive response and that it affects all as-
a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the
pects of the relationship of the couple.
changed her husband into “an animal.”
erage of therapeutic alliance and the role
these deal with the resistances of the cou-
differs from the first in the addition of a
he gives the beginning therapist a candid
“homework”. (the mutual sensate focus
illustrated fits within the context of the
look at some of his early follies and dif-
ficult patients. Recounting confrontations
narratives. At times his short descriptions
treatment of erectile dysfunction in par-
create such a vivid picture that chuckles
and outright laughter are unavoidable.
ogy, as well as sophistication in the area
of couple and family therapy. It is an ex-
that the feared situations, if encountered,
cellent introduction to the topic for any-
flow from beginning to end along the line
peutically. A brief chapter on termination
is included for the sake of completeness. Dr. Whitman is Emeritus Professor of Psychi-
before seeing their first patient. His first
atry, University of Cincinnati College of Med-
chapters are the equivalent of “Airway,
stress its importance but meant for noth-
therapy. This section gives the main ele-
A Primer for Beginning Psychotherapy, 2nd edition
neurotic, narcissistic, borderline, or psy-
there is never time to get bored with one
both for entering therapy. His directness
this book will have the tools illustrated for
tions for entering the field is unexpected
but well employed. In light of this initial
ings— and thus will be already far ahead
Thisvolumegivestopsychotherapy triage,hethendiscussesthebasiclifesup- oftherapistswithmoreexperiencewho
2) to self–other configuration (mode 3)
rate conceptualizations, this book is also
be used to explore clinical choices the an-
the variety of relational concepts pervad-
used throughout the book in each clinical
ing the recent analytic literature is best
therapist will come away feeling more se-
cure in his or her ability to conduct ther-
selves to different interwoven dimensions
apy and will be better able to do so. This
worth, and others and then offers clinical
through a month of introductory lectures. Dr. McDonald (Major USAF, MC FS) is Ad-
tool for fine tuning the clinical exchange. ministrative Chief Resident of the WrightState University Psychiatry Program, Dayton,
of the underpinnings of current relational
logical ideas, attachment theory, and psy-
emphasis on the significance of the exter-
nal object spoke to an early awareness of
Relationality: From
the inevitability of intersubjectivity. The
bairn’s work, seeing him as offering, for
his time, a rather radical view of relation-
Attachment to
for the curative effect was a sophisticated
ality that is now seen as quite significant. Intersubjectivity (Relational Perspective Book Series,
placed great importance on the relational
experience. Mitchell captures Loewald’s
“language transcends the distinction be-
earliest days of life.” He contrasts Loe-
ity, tackles the thorny issues of expres-
relationship. This chapter focuses on the
analyst’s “inevitable participation in the
Loewald’s contribution and his impact on
process” and is the most clinically prac-
ItwaswithconsiderablesadnessthatI currentrelationalthinkingispresentedin ticalinitsstraightforwardlookatthean-
alyst’s position vis-a`-vis the patient. He
vignettes offered in each chapter are clar-
minder of what he has offered us over the
ifying in that they capture Mitchell’s re-
past 20 years and a sad awareness that we
theoretical contribution not only of Loe-
original voice available to us. It has made
wald but also of Fairbairn and others.
patient. His clinical examples are both re-
a critical reading of the book rather dif-
erarchy,” he offers a relational frame-
work, a “heuristic device for locating,
it offers a brief look at the far-ranging ex-
kinds of explorations of different dimen-
ploration that has been so characteristic
sions of relationality,” which reflects or-
of Mitchell’s thinking. If there is a com-
plaint to be made, it is simply that at least
some of these chapters call for further ex-
pansion. This is particularly the case for
be an effort to awaken a field that the au-
themselves about the basic processes that
go on between therapists and clients.
examples are self-revealing and useful in
and discuss the issues of the field, Langs
has divided this book into four parts. In
expand and clarify the relational field is
talize our thinking about psychotherapy.
ideas will be expanded by others, just as
about scientific inquiry. Here Langs per-
stract issue. In a manner that rings true,
structures he has observed. Here he grap-
he writes: “the universal dread. . . . of a
confrontation with the most awful aspects
so many absurdly self-destructive ways. Dr. Segalla is the Director of the Institute of
of one’s relationships, self, life experi-
Contemporary Psychotherapy and Psycho-
ence, inner impulses and particularly, in-
that is so difficult to access (knowledge
analysis, Washington, DC, where she also
evitable demise carries over to a dread of
serves on the faculty. She is on the faculty of
close, Langs returns briefly to try to put
the Group Training Program of the Washing-ton School of Psychiatry. Her private practice
of closely related assertions about the na-
ing of emotionally charged information.
His presentation is dense and detailed. Psychotherapy and Science
He offers lists of numbered postulates.
his postulates or conclusions. Some of his
names such as the “perception-analyzing
points, though, seem unlikely to stand the
receiving system” and “output control
test of time. For example, he asserts that
center” to distinguish individual compo-
“the human brain is a Darwin machine”
cal basis of the denial of death. This may
and describes his personal tribulations as
iar with literature on the social construc-
psychotherapy is unlikely to survive as a
apy transcripts and then subject the data
distinct discipline without the “develop-
Langs tells us how he found in one series
ertheless, this is how science moves for-
tells us that to turn away from the rigors
of studies that the amount of time clients
of theory-building and the testing of as-
quently accept or reject what he purports,
actively lending energy to the interaction.
sets out to describe to us the quest he has
writes: “It is my fervent hope that this
need for science.” For myself, it was the
case that Langs’ work helped to revitalize
of this finding, including ones that draw
writing about Langs’ theories and his un-
Dr. Lysaker is a clinical psychologist and
Langs’ thoughts are nonetheless exciting
Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology,Indiana University School of Medicine,
best one for introducing the clinician to
the practice of group psychotherapy” and
1. Hermans HJM: Voicing the self: from in-
formation processing to dialogical inter-
junior colleagues.” Does that advice still
the disintegration of dialogical self-struc-
Systems Approach to Forming a Group.
The new title speaks to its reformulation.
A series of chapters in the second edition
Strategy for Research and Analysis. NewYork, Teachers College Press, 2001
First, there have been refinements in the-
ory and the infusion of intersubjectivity,
Psychodynamic Group
conceive of affect as the underpinning of
Psychotherapy, 3rd edition
group process. Throughout the text, clini-
swer is, yes, as well as can be expected.
at times the text is so rich in theory that
clinicians who know little theory may get
lost in its pages. The foregoing will indi-
group’s process and how he or she works
cate for whom this text is best suited. It
Since the first edition in 1984, this groundedinthetheoryandtechniqueof nicians can approach the same clinical
foremost in the field. It is the only non-
chotherapy. Certainly, Yalom’s textbook1
theory. But that allows the student to re-
work of others. Foulkes’s “group analy-
ference. These authors recognize that the
read the text and glean its richness as he
which events at one level affect another.
text adequately addresses the use of med-
ication. There is a small section on com-
the group as an organic entity and to his
insistence that the therapist take a less in-
trusive role, so as to become the group’s
conductor (as in music) rather than its di-
events, and the group’s history affect the
“quick fix” over the use of psychotherapy
process; and the relationship of affect to
content and process—all the while inter-
vening at a level that is near to experi-
but functions within a sociocultural con-
viewer stated that “this volume remains
Factors is extremely rich in theory. How-
a textbook nonpareil,” and that “it is the
ever, the level of sophistication is so high
that it might leave some novices behind.
In contrast, a later chapter on The Diffi-
to the advisability of engaging with man-
clear way and makes it clinically relevant.
difficulty with any of this. They can use
or sampled for relevant chapters. Illustra-
tive case vignettes are scattered through-
underpinnings, and its complexities.
skip that earlier chapter and not be dis-
whether, in their experience, using these
their level of understanding. This volume
scales helps secure support for treatment.
time, will come to appreciate its sophis-
tions” format, describes current devel-
tication, and will find fresh insight in its
throughout the work, but there is perhaps
likely aspects of its evolution. The refer-
the previous edition and raised its level
too little examination of the pitfalls await-
of excellence so that now reading the vol-
dant, the Strategic Guide admirably fulfills
Dr. Kibel is in private practice in Valhalla,
its stated task. Readers will find lucid,
NY, where he is also Clinical Professor of Psy-
aged care as these are reflected in inter-
practical guidance in the difficult task of
chiatry at New York Medical College.
chapter clarifies insurers’ conception of
world of managed mental health care.
sis on functional impairment and the lack
siderations on the part of care reviewers. Psychodynamic Practice in
cians is also relegated by default to other
a Managed Care
works. Its strength is greatest for the ther-
Environment: A Strategic Guide for Clinicians
the fray; and for such it is highly recom-
plans in the concise, “atheoretical,” func-
tional language likely to win approval of
Dr. Feldman practices in Mentor, OH, as partof University Mednet and is Clinical AssistantProfessor of Psychiatry at Case Western Re-
Sperlingandcolleagueshavewritten orate dynamic formulations are serve University School of Medicine, Cleve-
aged care the “just sufficient informa-
6D · WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2006 · USA TODAY www.usatoday.com Internet use grows in importance, time Online communities have become so vital that closeto half of those in the USA who participate — 43% —say their online friends and associates are as importantas groups they participate in face to face. That’s ac-cording to a wide-ranging report on Internet habitsand att
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