A Short Introduction to Psychotherapy
- Christine Lister-Ford - Northern Guild for Psychotherapy, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Mapping the development and dimensions of contemporary practice, the book explores
- The origins of psychotherapy
- Its applications in terms of modalities, settings and client populations
- Central theoretical concepts
- The nature of training and career paths for qualified practitioners
- Main critiques, both from within and outside psychotherapy
A team of well-known and highly-regarded contributors examine issues which have particular bearing on psychotherapy today. This includes the changing roles for psychotherapists working in primary and secondary care and the demand for practice to be more "evidence-based". A useful summary is provided of existing research into the efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy. Looking ahead, the book also examines the future of psychotherapy and considers the effect that the proposed statutory registration will have on the field.
An easy to read/understand guide. The book provides an interesting background read that allows the student to gain an understanding of this area - whilst not intended to be a definitive guide to psychotherapy, this book explains why therapy came into being and so explains why students do what they do!
Perhaps chapters dedicated to specific therapies may help - then again, there are many books that do that