Description
Book SynopsisOnce a journey for self understanding has begun, there is inevitably a struggle against real change. Inner roadblocks on both sides of the couch impede the journey of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This book explores these resistances.
Trade ReviewIn this highly readable, richly informative book Jane Hall considers those inner forces in both patient and therapist that can impede the therapeutic action of psychoanlaytic treatment. She emphasizes the complexity of these inner resistances and elaborates on their multiple determinants, particularly on the way in which attachment to pain-inducing caretakers may block the therapeutic path. Through numerous detailed verbatim accounts of interchanges between therapist and patient, she shows how, by drawingon transference and countertransference manifestations, these roadblocks may be understood and modified, even in the treatment of severely troubled patients and even in once or twice-a-week therapy, although not always! Indeed, this volume reminds us ofhow difficult such work can be, how much it demands of the therapist, and how even with the best of efforts, it may be impossible to bring the treatment of certain indivdiuals to as satisfactory a termination as one would hope for. Readers will appreciateMs. Hall's candid accounts of a few of these less than successful therapeutic journeys that she or her colleagues have traveled . Roadblocks on the Journey of Psychotherapy should prove to be a valuable resource for experienced practioners as well -- Joyce Edward, CSW, BCD, co-editor of Fostering Healing and Growth
This book is an excellent introduction to analytic psychotherapy. In addition to providing a clear and comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic situation, it offers an informed and insightful discussion of the barriers in both patient and therapist to doing effective psychotherapy. This approach makes this a work that is both unique and immensely valuable for all those interested in the art of psychotherapy. -- Theodore Jacobs, MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
This book was clearly written by a seasoned, dedicated clinician who has a very clear and coherent approach to work with an entire spectrum of patients who—while trapped in enduring patterns of relating to self and others and who hang on to their familiar manner of being as if their lives depended upon it—still wish for something better. Hall has a strong, intelligent, sensible voice, and it is a voice of a veteran. The latter comes through loud and clear. Her explication of her work with (as she puts it) is the most difficult roadblock of all...the need to hold on to internalized sadomasochistic object relationships (p. 213) is exquisite. I have not seen elsewhere such a compelling presentation of theory (with succinct and illuminating references) and demonstrations of technique—and solid recommendations about technical approaches with specific aspects of s-m transference-countertransference—all hand-in-hand with case presentations that are written in the language of experience. And this: She clearly conveys her INTENTION to be helpful to your patients, and her judgment about technical approaches is clearly designed with what is best for the patient in mind—not just for what's best for the therapist (to modulate her anxiety). And what is b -- Fred L. Griffin, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alabama School of Medicine
Jane Hall's new book is a fine introduction to the psychotherapeutic process by a clear writer with a gift for teaching. While a major focus is on 'roadblocks' in therapy, the text and the examples range widely over all aspects of the process; and it is rich with these clinical examples. Written for the beginning therapist, the book nonetheless tackles complex issues of the practice of psychotherapy from the most traditional to the most contemporary. It is an excellent text for teacher and student alike.... -- Fred Pine, Ph.D., private practice, New York City
This book was clearly written by a seasoned, dedicated clinician who has a very clear and coherent approach to work with an entire spectrum of patients who—while trapped in enduring patterns of relating to self and others and who hang on to their familiar manner of being as if their lives depended upon it—still "wish for something better." Hall has a strong, intelligent, sensible voice, and it is a voice of a veteran. The latter comes through loud and clear. Her explication of her work with (as she puts it) is "the most difficult roadblock of all...the need to hold on to internalized sadomasochistic object relationships" (p. 213) is exquisite. I have not seen elsewhere such a compelling presentation of theory (with succinct and illuminating references) and demonstrations of technique—and solid recommendations about technical approaches with specific aspects of s-m transference-countertransference—all hand-in-hand with case presentations that are written in the language of experience. And this: She clearly conveys her INTENTION to be helpful to your patients, and her judgment about technical approaches is clearly designed with what is best for the patient in mind—not just for what's best for the therapist (to modulate her anxiety). And what is best for the patient is that a place may be created in the consulting room in which the life of the patient's internal object world has a chance to become animated with the analyst/therapist, so that he/she has the possibility of discovering the road to (and the universe of) that "something better." -- Fred L. Griffin, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alabama School of Medicine
Jane Hall's new book is a fine introduction to the psychotherapeutic process by a clear writer with a gift for teaching. While a major focus is on 'roadblocks' in therapy, the text and the examples range widely over all aspects of the process; and it is rich with these clinical examples. Written for the beginning therapist, the book nonetheless tackles complex issues of the practice of psychotherapy from the most traditional to the most contemporary. It is an excellent text for teacher and student alike. -- Fred Pine, Ph.D., private practice, New York City
In this highly readable, richly informative book Jane Hall considers those inner forces in both patient and therapist that can impede the therapeutic action of psychoanlaytic treatment. She emphasizes the complexity of these inner resistances and elaborates on their multiple determinants, particularly on the way in which attachment to pain-inducing caretakers may block the therapeutic path. Through numerous detailed verbatim accounts of interchanges between therapist and patient, she shows how, by drawing on transference and countertransference manifestations, these roadblocks may be understood and modified, even in the treatment of severely troubled patients and even in once or twice-a-week therapy, although not always! Indeed, this volume reminds us of how difficult such work can be, how much it demands of the therapist, and how even with the best of efforts, it may be impossible to bring the treatment of certain indivdiuals to as satisfactory a termination as one would hope for. Readers will appreciate Ms. Hall's candid accounts of a few of these less than successful therapeutic journeys that she or her colleagues have traveled . Roadblocks on the Journey of Psychotherapy should prove to be a valuable resource for experienced practioners as well as students and teachers. It offers guidance for the work at hand, while at the same time reminding us that each patient and therapist are unique and each therapeutic journey a one-of-a-kind experience in which the 'benign curiosity,' openess, empathy, flexible use of theory, creativity of the analyst and the provision of a safe therapeutic environment play an important role in the treatment outcome. -- Joyce Edward, CSW, BCD, co-editor of
Fostering Healing and Growth
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Transference: Its Ubiquity and Utility Chapter 2 Countertransference Chapter 3 Tracking Transference: Connecting Now and Then Chapter 4 Inner Roadblocks Chapter 5 Attachment to Abuse Chapter 6 The Many Faces of Rage Chapter 7 Professional Dilemmas Chapter 8 Stalemates and Beyond Chapter 9 Light at the End of the Tunnel
