This engaging and accessible textbook introduces psychodynamic theory in a way that helps readers better understand complex theories and how these can enrich their practice. Five chapters on classic theorists explore their life stories and the ideas, and are illustrated with captivating case studies. Contemporary developments relating to psychodynamic theory are explored, such as the links with neurobiology and how attachment shapes a baby's brain, and how to make sense of the anxieties contained in the organisations of hospitals and day care nurseries. It also examines psychodynamic evidence based theory and practice An insightful introduction to core psychodynamic theory, this refreshingly clear book is invaluable reading for all students, trainees and practitioners in counselling and psychotherapy, and of interest to those studying and working in the fields of nursing, social work and counselling psychology.

Rob Leiper explores the nature of psychodynamic perspective and describes the process through which clients can be helped to come to terms with painful experiences and develop new ways of relating.

Written by practicing social workers and social work educators, this text analyzes modern psychoanalytic and psychosocial approaches to social work and relates them to current practices and values. Focusing on working with children and families, the text covers salient issues in social work practice including risk assessment, dealing with parents with drug and alcohol problems, supervision and management of emotional stress. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on the realities of frontline practice, and looking at what can realistically be achieved. It also addresses the research evidence for this approach. With psychoanalytic and psychosocial approaches becoming increasingly popular, this text will be a welcome addition for professionals, students and social work educators.

Margaret Arnd-Caddigan helps clinicians to expand their understanding of intuition by introducing mind-centered dynamic therapy (MCDT), providing them with the tools to incorporate this approach into their practice. Written accessibly for clinicians new to MCDT, the book presents this powerful method to help clients alter their thinking and overcome suffering. Divided into two parts, the book begins by clearly exploring the origins of intuition in philosophical thought, covering ideas such as panpsychism, cosmopsychism, and depth psychology views of mind, before examining how problems arise in psychotherapy from a Relational Perspective and how MCDT can help. Chapters then demonstrate how MCDT can be used in practice by exploring specific issues and treatment implications, clearly explaining how clinicians can define and develop general intuition, what the difference between clinical intuition and intuitive inquiry is, and how clinicians can help clients develop their own intuition during sessions. Filled with practical examples, key points, and creative activities such as journaling and body work throughout, this book helps both clinicians and clients attune to and trust their own intuition in the process of healing. Rooted in empirical research and clinical practice, this book is essential reading for counselors, psychotherapists, and clinical social workers looking to incorporate intuition in their therapeutic approach.

While transference has been fully described in the literature, countertransference has been viewed as its ugly sibling, and hence there are still not as many reflective accounts or guidance for trainees about how to handle difficult emotions, such as shame and envy and conflict in the consulting room. As a counterpoint, this book provides an integrative guide for therapists on the concept of countertransference, and takes a critical stance on the phenomenon, and theorising, about the "so-called" countertransference, viewing it as a framework to explore the transformative potential in managing strong emotions and difficult transactions. With an explicit focus on teaching, this book informs therapeutic practice by mixing theories and case studies from the authors' own clinical and teaching experiences, which involves the reader in case studies, reflection and action points. Countertransference is explored in a wide range of clinical settings, including in reflective practice and in research in the field of therapy, as well as in art therapy and in the school setting. It also considers countertransference in dream interpretation, in the supervision and teaching environment and in work with groups and organisations. Introduction to Countertransference in Therapeutic Practice offers psychotherapists and counsellors, both practicing and in training, a comprehensive overview of this important concept, from its roots in Freud’s work to its place today in a global, transcultural society.

'It was the author's own experience of fictional autobiography that led Celia Hunt serendipiditously to appreciate that such writing could be therapeutic. She noticed, for example, and this was subsequently echoed in many of her students' experiences, a beneficial psychological change - and increased inner freedom, greater psychic flexability (perhaps the key to creativity and psychological health), a stronger sense of personal identity. This book tells us about the hows and whys of such therapeutic change.' - AutoBiographyJournal.com 'A critical examination of the therapeutic possibilities of autobiographical fiction that draws on perspectives from both psychoanalytic and literary studies.' - The Journal Of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy Therapeutic Dimensions of Autobiography in Creative Writing brings together theory and practice from psychoanalysis, literary and cultural studies and the growing field of creative writing studies. It highlights the importance of autobiographical writing not only as an opening into fiction writing, but also as a powerful therapeutic tool. Celia Hunt discusses how autobiographical fiction can be used in therapeutic work by art therapists, psychotherapists and creative writing tutors, as well as in personal development by writers of any kind. She draws up guidelines for a successful course on autobiography and creative writing, and presents case studies and practical ideas for writing about the self. She shows how writing autobiographical fiction can help people to explore significant events and relationships in their lives. Finding a writing voice in this way clarifies and strengthens the writer's sense of identity, leading to a fuller realisation of his or her potential in life.

Current therapeutic practice is grounded in traditional theories of psychotherapy, such as the theories that underlie cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and person-centred practice. But none of these approaches has been proven to be more effective than any other, leaving the therapist with an ethical and professional dilemma: how do you advocate and practise one theory with your clients, when a completely different theoretical approach is being successfully practised down the road? In this book Campbell Purton argues that psychotherapy and counselling theories fail to provide adequate justification for their practice. Part 1 highlights the weaknesses and dangers that underlie traditional counselling theories and their derivatives, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, existential and neuroscience approaches. Having unpicked these theories, Part 2 goes on to develop an exciting new way of thinking about therapy that does not rely on theory - one that can be likened to a 'common sense' approach to therapeutic practice. This book poses important questions and offers unique insight for anyone studying or practising in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

Based on clinical work, this book presents a discussion on the use of art in counselling sexually abused children,their families and sex offenders. Current theoretical models such as the "trauma model" have been effective in therapy. The author's clinical experience will provide valuable insight to therapists using art therapy techniques.

Competence in any profession depends upon an understanding of the theory that underlies it. This concise and practical text for students and practitioners bridges the gap between occupational therapy theory and clinical practice, offering highly practical advice on using theory in practice in a wide range of settings. It considers the nature of professional practice and the need for a sound theoretical basis from which to plan, implement and justify interventions, and investigates the practical use of occupational therapy theory and the issues such use raises in health and social care settings from a European perspective. Every occupational therapy student worldwide needs to know about the underlying theory of their profession and its application to practice. The book particularly debates the nature of the theory of occupational therapy via the introduction of the concept of models of the profession as an umbrella for practice, all of which is brought to life via case studies incorporating expert advice, reflection exercises and assessment and evaluation forms.

Resonant learning allows students to develop and fine-tune their therapeutic competencies through first-hand experiences: being in client roles themselves, being in preliminary therapist roles with co-students in client roles and reflecting on those experiences. These resonant learning processes are preparatory steps in developing a professional music therapist identity through internship and later employment positions and continuing supervision. Outlining the Aalborg model of resonant learning, developed at Aalborg University, Denmark, Resonant Learning in Music Therapy discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 'tuning the therapist' and encourages its integration into music therapy courses around the world. The book sums up research on resonant learning and presents core exercises, directives and vignettes from the training processes of the Aalborg model. Explaining how students' self-agency is enhanced by long-term personal experiences in group- and individual therapy, observing work with clients in an institutional setting, working with clients themselves, and undergoing close group and individual supervision, the editors and contributors also explore the benefits of implementing resonant learning within other therapist training programs and healthcare professions.