Skills in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy »

'The book will be of especial use to trainees as well as to practising counsellors and others working in the welfare field. I recomment it highly.'

Larry O'Carroll, Goldsmiths College, University of London

'Well written and thoughtfully structured, this highly accessible, lively text offers the reader a contemporary and comprehensive introduction to psyhodynamic practice. Howard provides lucid explanations of core psychodynamic ideas and skills rooted in engaging clinical illustrations. It will be an invaluable companion both during and beyond traning.'

Professor Alessandra Lemma, The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and Visiting Professor, Essex University

This practical text is the first to systematically address the competencies and techniques identified as central to the delivery of effective psychodynamic practice. It provides a framework for the therapist to develop their skills and apply them to their practice by:

discussing the personal and professional growth which underpins a professional and ethical attitude to the therapist's work

linking specific competencies to the theory base underpinning them

describing competencies in a systematic way

including a chapter on how to use supervision

using case material to illustrate competencies and dilemmas

Addressing not only how to implement skills, but why they are being implemented, this book is a must-read for all trainees on psychodynamic counseling and psychotherapy courses. It is also useful reading for trained practitioners who want an accessible introduction to psychodynamic skills in practice.

Acknowledgements vi

1 The Psychodynamic Approach 1

2 Becoming a Therapist: The Personal Journey towards Skilled Practice 9

3 Becoming a Therapist: Other Ways to Enhance Personal Growth 20

4 Setting the Scene for Therapy: The Therapeutic Frame 27

5 The First Sessions: The Therapeutic Alliance 42

6 Working with Unconscious Communication 57

7 The Theory Underlying Technique: Transference and Countertransference 71

8 Types of Interpretation 82

9 Interpreting the Transference and Countertransference 91

10 Understanding and Working with Defences 103

11 Assessment and Formulation from a Psychodynamic Perspective 116

12 Managing the Therapeutic Process 127

13 The Real Relationship and Other Dilemmas 138

14 Skills in Using Supervision 148

References 160

Index 166