Constructive psychotherapy : a practical guide

This is a book about how to do psychotherapy--how to apply the science of change to the complexities of helping people develop new meanings in their lives. Michael J. Mahoney's integrative perspective, clinical wisdom, and engaging, personal style make this a vital resource for everyone from students to seasoned professionals. Beyond providing a clear exposition of constructivist principles, Mahoney illuminates what a skilled therapist actually does in day-to-day practice. Guidelines are presented for assessing clients and implementing a variety of interventions, including centering techniques, problem solving, pattern work, meditation and embodiment exercises, drama and dream work, and spiritual exploration. Illustrated with rich case examples, the book highlights ways to nurture the therapeutic relationship and support the therapist's own self-discovery and growth. Appendices feature reproducible client forms, handouts, and other useful materials.

An invaluable teaching text and clinical resource, this is a book about how to do psychotherapy--how to apply the science of change to the complexities of helping people develop new meanings in their lives. Explaining constructivist principles and illuminating what a skilled clinician actually does in day-to-day practice, Michael J. Mahoney shows how to nurture the therapeutic relationship while implementing such creative interventions as centering techniques, problem solving, pattern work, meditation and embodiment exercises, drama and dream work, and spiritual exploration. Appendices feature reproducible client forms, handouts, and other useful materials.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description:This book presents a pragmatic approach to constructive psychotherapy, a theoretical approach to therapy based on various traditions including cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and systems.
Purpose:According to the author, his goal is to summarize what I have learned in more than 30 years of research, teaching, training, and practice. He continues, This book addresses the personal side of psychotherapy -- what it feels like to change. Change is often a distressing experience. So is its absence. People may feel frustrated by how hard it is to change. They may also feel overwhelmed by how suddenly and sweepingly their life is changing. Sometimes these feelings exist in the same person simultaneously. A constructive therapist -- a therapist who appreciates the complexities of human change -- helps her clients to honor such puzzling experiences. Such a therapist respects the courage required by everyday life. Personal problems and life crises require even more than everyday courage. They also demand resourcefulness, relatedness, persistence, and patience. These worthy objectives are met by the book.
Audience:The book is intended to deepen the understanding and enhance the skills of therapists of any theoretical orientation, as well as students and trainees. It will serve as a valued primary or supplemental text in graduate-level psychotherapy courses. I agree with the author on the target audience. The author, Distinguished Consulting Faculty at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center (San Francisco), Distinguished Professor at the Institute for Post-Rationalist Psychology and Psychotherapy (Rome), and Professor of Psychology at the University of North Texas (Denton), is certainly a credible authority who has published extensively.
Features:The book lives up to its title as a practical guide. It begins with a theoretical introduction and then gives the nuts and bolts of the approach, from assessment to basic techniques. The author discusses techniques such as centering, problem solving, dream work, and spiritual skills. He provides clinical examples to highlight the material. The appendixes include consent forms, assessment tools, and narratives for certain exercises.
Assessment:This is an excellent book because it is so practical. The author writes in a very understandable fashion and has real feeling for his clients, which comes through loud and clear. This approach will interest many therapists because it is somewhat eclectic, combining elements from various orientations. The clinical examples are poignant. Best of all, the appendixes provide consent and assessment forms, as well as narratives for some of the techniques. This is an excellent how-to manual, written by an expert who is passionate for his work. His concern for people is clear, that they may ultimately fulfill their dreams and goals.

"A thorough guide from a master practitioner, this book will deepen the understanding and enhance the skills of therapists of any theoretical orientation, as well as students and trainees. It will serve as a valued primary or supplemental text in graduate-level psychotherapy courses."--Jacket