Integrative Therapy
A Practitioner's Guide
- Maja O'Brien - Private Practice, Oxfordshire
- Gaie Houston - Gestalt Centre, London
The authors describe an adaptable framework for integrative practice, based on their analysis of how therapy works coupled with theories of human development. They draw together research and case material from all areas of therapy to pinpoint what is common as well as what is different in various approaches, making comparisons throughout between the three major models: psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, and cognitive-behavioral.
Central to the framework is an understanding of the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the process of change or, in other words, 'how to be with clients' as opposed to 'what to do'. Linked to this, a method for assessing therapeutic effectiveness is outlined, which does not presuppose stages of therapy or suggest content, but which focuses on therapeutic skill and attitude. Fully revised and updated, this Second Edition includes new material on neuroscientific advances in psychotherapy as well as research methodology.
Integrative Therapy, Second Edition is an ideal introduction for trainees and for practitioners trained in a single approach, who are looking to work integratively. The book also features suggested exercises to support its use on courses.
`Throughout the book it is assumed that we can learn from each other and that we need to, whatever orientation we were trained in, in the service of the client. I find this pragmatic approach open and refreshing in a period when some of us have polarised around the 'what works best' debate. Both authors are experienced practitioners and trainers and their commitment to integrative counselling and psychotherapy shines through' - AUCC Journal
The book helps practitioners of single modalities to think about how they could see their client’s presentations from different angles. The three main approaches are discussed and their key contributions and distinctive concepts are highlighted. Case study vignettes are used to illustrate the usefulness of integration for both practitioner and client.
The book is also a good resource for trainees wanting to understand how to integrate the three modalities.
This book gives students a good overview of therapy and research. The writers aim to bring clarity for the student, be corrective in a fragmented field, by uniting therapeutic theory and practice.
It is an accessible book, exploring therapy in context with clear explanations of how different approaches define different goals. Chapter 5 gives a clear comparison between the three major approaches. Chapters 6, 7 and 8 outline stages and tools of therapy and explore the therapeutic alliance. Chapter nine provides certain guidelines for trainers of therapists whilst chapter 4 integrates what we have learnt as practitioners with research findings.
Chapter three places therapy in context of what we know about human development, especially from the field of neuroscience and other disciplines, where research provides evidence of the benefits of therapy. Chapter 2 gives the reader research evidence of how therapy works. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the book and warns against the dangers of clinging to one therapeutic approach and ignoring others.
I feel this will provide students with food for thought and help them to establish the benefits of research and continuing professional development in a field that is evolving rapidly.
The book is an excellent source for students on our Advanced Diploma in Integrative therapy.
The book is presented in a user-friendly format. The content provides the reader adequate knowledge on Integrative Therapy
A very good overview of the nature of therapy and the therapist's task. I didn't feel as though the book grappled with its own title enough. That is, I would like to have seen much more explicit discussion of integration both at a philosophical and practical level. The practical exercises in the latter part of the book were excellent and a really important contribution.
This book provides very much the appropriate level of theoretical rigour and practical guidance for the Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling which I teach. It should prove very useful.
