A Psychodynamic Approach to Brief Therapy

Gertrud Mander works at the Westminster Pastoral Foundation, London, as a supervisor, tutor and course organizer, and in private practice as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. She has published numerous articles on psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy.

• Introduction and OverviewThe Psychodynamic Model and Its DevelopmentThe Historical Development of Brief Therapy ModelsAssessment and Diagnosis in Brief and Focal WorkThe Therapist′s Task and Role in Brief and Focal TherapyEnding Brief TherapyCase StudiesDifferent Contexts and Treatment Settings for Brief and Focal WorkSupervision and TrainingPost-Therapy IssuesQuestionnaires, Research, EvaluationConclusion and Summary

Although this is a useful text regarding a brief approach to this orientation of feedback there are at times an outdated style of writing with an out of date cultural perspective. E.g. on page 39 it is stated, "The focus must be quite concrete and specific to each patient, not general like "homosexuality" or "oedipal conflict..." . This statement is outdated and not fitting with current governing bodies and guidelines set by the BPS and HCPC, which do not support the use of reparative therapy.