Description
Book SynopsisJames Overholser approaches cognitive therapy through the interactive dialogues of Socrates, aiming to reduce the gap between theory and practice. Clinicians and students will appreciate the flexibility and creativity that underlie effective psychotherapy sessions when guided by the Socratic method as an innovative approach to self-exploration.
Trade ReviewAs core strategic interventions in cognitive behavioral therapy, Socratic methods of dialogue and questioning are often neglected or poorly understood philosophically and historically. Overholser beautifully and clearly describes how valuable the Socratic method is for enhancing the therapeutic relationship. This is a must read volume for any mental health professional. -- Aaron T. Beck, University of Pennsylvania
I have long followed James Overholser's work on the use of the Socratic method in psychotherapy. I have always wondered why he had not written a book on the subject. Now he has and it is well worth the wait. It should be read, digested, and acted upon by all therapists. -- Windy Dryden, Goldsmiths University of London
Overholser provides foundational conceptual knowledge of Socratic methods, which is often missing in purely technical descriptions of the procedure. He artfully combines this theoretical material with very practical clinical guidelines for scaffolding Socratic dialogues. This is a complex, intricate subject presented in an extraordinarily accessible manner. -- Robert Friedberg, Palo Alto University
This is a stimulating, creative statement and guide for all manner of psychotherapists: psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and students . . . A must-read for clinicians at any stage in their training or career. * Choice *
Table of ContentsPreface
1. Introduction to the Socratic Method
2. Psychotherapy as Therapy of the Mind
3. Integrating Science and Practice . . . and Philosophy?
4. Systematic Questioning: If You Do Not Know, Just Ask
5. Inductive Reasoning: Learning from Personal Experiences
6. Universal Definitions: What Do You Mean by That?
7. Socratic Ignorance: Accepting What You Do Not Really Know
8. Guided Discovery: Searching Together as a Team
9. Self-Improvement: Helping Clients to Grow and Mature
10. A Focus on Virtue Ethics in Psychotherapy
11. Wisdom: Can You See the Big Picture?
12. Courage: Are You Brave Enough to Be Yourself?
13. Moderation: Learning to Tame Your Desires
14. Justice: Is It Possible to Be Fair to Everyone?
15. Piety: Do Spiritual Beliefs Have a Place in Psychotherapy?
16. Psychotherapy from a Socratic View
17. Conclusions: Where Do We Go from Here?
References
Index
