Description
This book provides students and novice clinicians with nuts-and-bolts advice about the process of doing therapy, starting with the first contact with a new patient. Suzanne Bender, at the time a junior clinician, and Edward Messner, a seasoned practitioner and supervisor, provide a unique, combined perspective on how therapy is conducted, what works and what doesn’t work in treatment, and how to take care of oneself as a clinician. Organized around the treatment of one fictitious patient, with other case examples brought in as needed, the book speaks directly to the questions, concerns, and insecurities that beginning therapists typically face. Written with candor and empathy, it offers authoritative guidance for understanding and resolving common clinical dilemmas.
Wonderful book for new therapists! It has been an extremely helpful resource!
I really liked this book. I got it when I was feeling unprepared to start see psychotherapy patients during my psychiatry residency. This book was relevant, answered so many of my questions, provided example conversations, was easy to read and understand, and made me feel more confident going in to see my first patient. Before my first patients, I was spinning around in my head with a thousand “what ifs”, and I was so grateful to have help sorting through some of those contingencies that were not addressed in my classes. A year later, I still reference the book occasionally. When we started seeing our therapy patients a few weeks later, one of our highly respected faculty members actually recommended everyone in my class read this book as we were getting started! I recommend this book to anyone who wants help figuring out what in the world to do during those difficult situations that come up in therapy.
Lots of good information
Its a great text for beginners.
I really enjoy the writing style of the author. She relates so well to her readers and is honest when she talks about herself and her experiences. I haven’t finished the book but the few chapters I have read were intriguing and helpful.