Assessment & Treatment
Focused on the critical aspects of assessment and treatment in psychotherapy, this section offers resources, guidelines, and discussions on effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve client outcomes.
280 articles found
An Integrative Relational Point of View
Abstract This article, part of a special section on the Relational Foundations of Psychotherapy, describes a particular relational approach called cyclical psychodynamics. Cyclical psychodynamics is rooted both in the relational perspective in psychoanalysis and in an integrative melding of psychodynamic, cognitive–behavioral, systemic, and experiential points of view. Central to its theoretical structure is a focus […]
Paul Wachtel
September 6, 2014
Psychotherapists Face-to-Face with Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin
Dr. Smith talks about her experiences working with Harry Harlow, her thoughts and approach to understanding psychopathology from an interpersonal perspective, the role and power of mental representations of caregivers and siblings, and what psychotherapy can learn from the natural sciences. http://youtu.be/FUyP-Y6aNTU About Lorna Smith Benjamin, Ph.D. Dr. Smith is a Professor of Psychology at […]
Jeffrey J. Magnavita, Ph.D., ABPP
August 22, 2014
The Psychodynamic Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Overcoming the Narcissism of Small Differences Anxiety disorders represent a significant public health concern due to their prevalence, associated impairment and economic impact (Gustavsson et al., 2011; Wittchen et al., 2011). Various empirically supported methods of psychodynamic therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders are available (a review was recently given by Leichsenring, Klein, and […]
Falk Leichsenring, Dipl.-Psych. + 1 more
June 14, 2014
A Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Psychodynamic Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Abstract Although there is evidence for the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy (PDT) in anxiety disorders, results are not yet satisfactory, for example, if rates of remission and response are considered. To address this problem, a unified psychodynamic protocol for anxiety disorders (UPP-ANXIETY) is proposed that integrates the treatment principles of those methods of PDT that […]
Falk Leichsenring, Dipl.-Psych. + 1 more
June 7, 2014
Fostering New Relational Experience
Abstract One of the most critical goals for couple psychotherapy is to foster a new relational experience in the session where the couple feels safe enough to reveal more vulnerable emotions and to explore their defensive withdrawal, aggressive attacking, or blaming. The lived intimate experience in the session offers the couple an opportunity to gain […]
Cheri L. Marmarosh, Ph.D., ABPP, CGP
June 7, 2014
Using Technology Within the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Abstract The focus of this clinical practice review is to provide clinicians a framework for incorporating technology into the treatment of eating disorders (EDs). We detailed studies that were published within the past 11 years (2002–2012) and that included at least 10 participants. Our primary aims were to describe how technology has been used to […]
Rebecca M. Shingleton + 2 more
June 7, 2014
Recognition of Psychotherapy Effectiveness
Council voted to adopt as APA policy the following Resolution on the Recognition of Psychotherapy Effectiveness. Conclusion of the Resolution THEREFORE: Be It Resolved that, as a healing practice and professional service, psychotherapy is effective and highly cost- effective. In controlled trials and in clinical practice, psychotherapy results in benefits that markedly exceed those experi- enced […]
Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
June 7, 2014
Core Principles in Treating Suicidal Patients
Abstract The treatment of suicidal individuals requires special attention to therapist interventions that promote a viable treatment alliance in the context of shared responsibilities for patient safety. Three core principles in the treatment process (alliance building, enhancing curiosity about the function of suicidal thoughts and urges, as well as enhancing experience and expression of intense […]
James Christopher Fowler
June 7, 2014
Suicide Risk Assessment in Clinical Practice
Abstract This practice review focuses on the challenges of conducting sensitive and accurate assessments of the relative risk for suicide attempts and completed suicides. Suicide and suicide attempts are a frequently encountered clinical crisis, and the assessment, management, and treatment of suicidal patients is one of the most stressful tasks for clinicians. An array of […]
James Christopher Fowler
June 7, 2014
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis in Clinical Practice
Abstract Across two continents, Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P) has been endorsed as an adjunctive treatment for individuals who experience persistent positive symptoms of schizophrenia. The moderate effect sizes reported in early studies and reviews were followed by better controlled studies indicating more limited effect sizes. This article provides a review of the literature that […]
Harry J. Sivec + 1 more
June 7, 2014
A Meta-Analysis of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Outcomes
Abstract The aim of this research was to examine the extent to which the use of research-specific procedures in psychodynamic psychotherapy impacts upon treatment effectiveness and which variables moderate this potential relationship. Effects of audio/video recording of sessions, use of treatment manuals, and checks of treatment fidelity were examined. A meta-analysis was conducted on randomized […]
Joel M. Town + 5 more
June 7, 2014
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Abstract In the middle of the 20th century, Hans Eysenck reviewed studies of psychotherapy, which consisted primarily of psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and eclectic treatments, and concluded that psychotherapy (as opposed to behavior therapy) was not effective and was possibly harmful. In the inaugural article in Psychotherapy, Hans Strupp challenged Eysenck’s conclusions and discussed how psychotherapy research should […]
Bruce E. Wampold, Ph.D., ABPP
June 7, 2014