Description
Book SynopsisHelping therapists navigate the complexities of emotional interactions with clients, this book provides practical clinical guidelines. Master clinician Karen J. Maroda adds an important dimension to the psychodynamic literature by exploring the role of both clients' and therapists' emotional experiences in the process of therapy. The book discusses how to become more attuned to one's own experience of a client; offer direct feedback and self-disclosure in the service of treatment goals; and manage intense feelings and conflict in the relationship. Specific techniques are illustrated with vivid case examples. Maroda clearly distinguishes between therapeutic and nontherapeutic ways to work with emotion in this candid and instructive guide.
Trade ReviewMaroda clearly describes how the psychotherapist's emotional responses to the patient's communications are essential to the change processes that lie at the core of the therapeutic relationship. Her clinical model for working more deeply in the affective realm is solidly grounded in interpersonal neurobiology. This extraordinary book is filled with practical information and rich case vignettes. I highly recommend it.--Allan N. Schore, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
Maroda's proven skill at highly instructive use of courageous self-disclosure is superbly displayed in this revealing work on that rarest of topics: specific elucidation of technique in dynamic therapy. Full of practical advice and illuminating case material, this book is a godsend for therapists.--Thomas G. Gutheil, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
Maroda brings such a wealth of seasoned clinical experience and wisdom to this book that it inevitably will be an invaluable resource. She offers a treatment-oriented presentation that is sophisticated yet lucid and pragmatic.--Edgar A. Levenson, MD, William Alanson White Institute, New York City
Though intended primarily for inexperienced clinicians, this book has much to offer therapists at every level of practice. It is in equal turns scholarly and eminently practical, and imparts the clinical wisdom of a senior therapist who is willing to discuss the intricacies of clinical process with emotional and professional candor. The multidimensional clinical illustrations are evocative and elegantly crafted. Highly recommended.--Jerrold R. Brandell, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Wayne State University School of Social Work; Editor-in-Chief, Psychoanalytic Social Work With this engaging, readable book, Maroda answers a long-standing need for a primer on psychodynamic technique. In her characteristic melding of professional and personal experience, theoretical sophistication, research findings, and plain-spoken common sense, Maroda serves up a banquet of good advice that will nourish not only students and beginning therapists, but also experienced practitioners. She keeps the focus on the practical and generously illustrates her points with clinical vignettes that exemplify the emotional honesty she so consistently recommends. I look forward to assigning this welcome text to my graduate students in clinical psychology.--Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey This is an outstanding contribution by a master clinician. Maroda takes the reader on an intimate tour of becoming a good psychotherapist. Her generous use of case examples allows the reader to enter into her consulting room, and illustrates the nuances of various dynamic methods. This book should be mandatory reading for graduate students facing the trepidation and uncertainty of immersing oneself in clinical practice.--Jon Mills, PsyD, PhD, ABPP, private practice, Ajax, Ontario, Canada -
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. Emotional Engagement and Mutual Influence: Basic Issues as Therapy Begins
2. Mutuality and Collaboration: Influencing Each Other
3. Redefining Regression: Facilitating Therapeutic Vulnerability
4. Evaluating Interventions: Tracking the Client's Response
5. Self-Disclosure and Advice: Understanding How and When the Therapist's Disclosures Are Therapeutic
6. Managing Emotion: Affective Communication and the Role of Interaction
7. The Special Problem of Affect Management in Treating Borderline Personality Disorders
8. Confrontation and Countertransference Anger: Overcoming the Therapist's Aversion to Conflict
9. Erotic Feelings: How They Help or Hinder the Therapeutic Process
10. Empowering the Client: The Road to Independence
Conclusion
Glossary
