American Psychiatric Publishing Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Basic Text

How Does Psychotherapy Work? Many factors contribute to the effectiveness of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis; this will be only a brief overview. In part, analytic psychotherapy and analysis work through an individual gaining increased self-understanding. In this, analysis follows the wisdom that goes back thousands of years even to Socrates, who advised "Know Thyself," and "The unexamined life is not worth living." The analytic process is not merely intellectual or cognitive, however. Equally essential is that psychoanalytic self-understanding is achieved in the context of a uniquely beneficial relationship with the therapist or analyst. As the American Psychoanalytic Association has writen in its pamphlet, 'About Psychoanalysis', "Analytic therapy can be viewed as an intimate partnership, in the course of which the patient becomes aware of the underlying sources of his or her difficulties, not simply intellectually, but emotionally as well - in part by re-experiencing them with the analyst. From the beginning of therapy, patient and analyst work together to build up a safe and trusting relationship that enables the patient to experience aspects of his or her inner life that have been hidden because they are painful, embarrassing, or guilt-provoking." Often, it has been the individual's unconscious struggle over many years with these same uncomfortable feelings, urges, memories, or thoughts that has issued in symptoms or unfortunate patterns of behavior or relationships. It is these symptoms and patterns that have made him suffer anxiety or depression, or that have interfered with intimacy, created low self-esteem, inhibited optimal functioning, or prevented adequate pleasure and satisfaction in life. Becoming aware of what one has been struggling with, and how one has carried out that struggle, eventually allows the person to see himself more clearly and objectively, and to gain mastery over aspects of himself that previously were problematic. One thereby gains inner freedom, confidence and self-respect, enabling one to realize his or her inner creative potential, take new steps, and try out different approaches which offer greater hope for happiness and success. This text by Glenn Gabbard I have found quite useful in teaching to psychiatric residents the basic concepts and techniques of dynamic psychotherapy Samuel T Goldberg, MD. Using the Transference in Psychotherapy

This is a "must read" book for beginning psychodynamic therapists, and a "should read" for those who are more advanced. "A basic text" is probably a misnomer, in my view. Perhaps something like "A Practical Guide" would be better. Yes, the book emphasizes the basics, and in an uncommonly comprehensible style at that, but it guides the practitioner well past those basics. Most introductory books on the subject are too theory bound, doing too little to show how theory might manifest in the consulting room. The real value of this book is 1. it's clear explanation of central constructs that are 2. brought to life with illustrative clinical examples, then 3. uniquely demonstrates a variety of ways dynamic therapists might respond / intervene with their cases. A lot of the psychoanalytic literature is very confusing, owing, in my estimation, mainly to two problems: 1.It's hard to know where it is coming from and, 2. It's hard to know where it is going. This book, like no other I have seen, provides a coherent foundation that will serve the reader well as a solid anchor and a base on which to build through further experience and reading. I am confident this book will greatly help to both ease and guide the journey.

A very solid introduction to psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Glen Gabbard provides us a very useful and practical textbook about longterm psychodynamic psychotherapy. Many levels, including resistance, counter-transference, use of dreams, termination, are clearly described. A good and useful textbook for students and psychiatric residents.

Glen Gabbard is a wonderful teacher, psychoanalyst and writer. He knows the subject so well that he can make a very complex and subtle science and art easy to understand. The DVD demonstrating psychodynamic treatment is perfect!