Introduction to the Therapeutic Frame

Anne Gray has worked as a psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist for over thirty years, working in agency settings and in private practice as well as teaching at the University of Hertfordshire. Her particular interest in the concept of the therapeutic frame broadened to include every aspect of the relationship between therapist and patient and she now concentrates on ethical practice and the integration of theory with personal values.

• The Frame. Transference, Countertransference and Interpretation. The First Contact. First Meetings. Letters and Telephone Calls. Third-Party Communications. Ongoing Work. Money Matters. A Brief Intervention. Supervision. Ending and Evaluation.

"It has been a pleasure to re-read Anne Gray's book. It is beautifully written, admirably clear and exquisitely thoughtful. Gray's purpose is to demonstrate the value of containment of anxiety provided by the therapeutic frame and to illustrate, by a striking series of case studies, the values of the frame and the consequences of a failure to maintain it. With remarkable humility she describes mistakes she has made and their consequences. Absolutely the most engaging aspect of the book is Gray's authorial voice, which is not dogmatic or prescriptive, but on the contrary authoritative and facilitative. This is a book which has plenty of life left in it yet."Julia Buckroyd, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of Herfordshire and Fellow of BACP.'This is a rewarding and wise book offering a thoughtful approach to the everyday challenge of managing patient related correspondence, telephone calls, initial consultations, fees and endings whilst remaining vigilantly anchored in the transference when it comes to understanding what these activities might also mean to the troubled mind in search of competent help."Anthony Cantle, Psychoanalyst and Fellow of the Institute of Psycho-Analysis, London."This is an essential textbook for trainee therapists and experienced practitioners alike. Anne Gray conveys in accessible and human terms the fundamental significance of the frame in all our therapeutic endeavours. I wholeheartedly recommend this book." Dr Gill Popple, Professional Lead for Counselling Training Programmes, University of Hertfordshire.