Seminars in the Psychotherapies

Description

This comprehensive and highly readable book outlines the main psychological therapies used in contemporary clinical practice. It clearly describes the underlying theoretical principles and techniques and with vivid case examples, demonstrates the central role of these treatments in mental health care. The contribution of psychological and psychodynamic ideas to different psychiatric presentations is outlined, including mood disorders, psychosis, self harm and suicide. Other chapters specifically address recent developments, including neuropsychoanalysis, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and Open Dialogue. As the chapters unfold this book illustrates how a psychologically informed approach to mental disorder can enrich psychiatric practice by providing a holistic and meaningful understanding of the symptoms of psychological distress. Bringing together ideas from psychiatry and psychotherapy, this is the go-to text for trainees, experienced psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals interested in the psychological and psychodynamic aspects of psychiatry. An essential resource for preparation for the MRCPsych examinations.

Rachel Gibbons is a Consultant Psychiatrist, Medical Psychotherapist, Psychoanalyst and Group Analyst based in London, UK. She has worked in the NHS for the past 20 years in various psychiatric and psychotherapeutic settings. Up until February 2020, she also worked as the National Director of Therapies for the Priory Group. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Medical Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She is the Chair of the new RCPsych working group on the Effect of Suicide and Homicide on Psychiatrists, and the Patient Safety Group. She has been working on suicide over the last 12 years and is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group. Jo O'Reilly is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Psychotherapist working in Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and a member of the British Psychoanalytic Society. During her 16 years in her current NHS role, she has developed a keen interest in the application of psychoanalytic ideas to psychiatric care and how this can enrich clinical understanding and support staff. She is a member of the Executive Committee of the Medical Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and vice chair of the Specialist Advisory Committee contributing to curriculum development and training nationally. She has extensive experience in supervision, consultation and reflective practice within mental health care, developing activities locally and nationally which contribute towards a more psychotherapeutic approach to psychiatry.

'This is a wonderful book which covers the depth and breadth of psychotherapy in a single, easily digestible, evidenced-based book. The authors' expertise shines through as we move from an introduction covering the 'greats' in psychoanalysis to more detailed discussions in areas such as self-harm, therapeutic communities and group analysis. The range and breadth of the various chapters means that there is something for everyone - for me, as a general practitioner trying to understand how to manage medically unexplained symptoms, for psychiatrists trying to grabble with the existential issue of why people take their own lives and through to those in leadership positions trying to make sense of organisational and team dynamics. I enjoyed this book immensely and commend it very highly to anyone interested in unconscious processes in the lives of our patients, our colleagues and our society.' Dame Clare Gerada, General Practitioner, and Medical Director, Practitioner Health 'This comprehensive guide is immensely useful to trainees and qualified clinicians alike as an essential orientation to psychological and psychodynamic thinking, as applied to a range of psychiatric conditions. It valuably contextualises psychotherapy amongst the range of treatment approaches available to the working clinician engaged in making a thoughtful and potentially helpful recommendation to the patient in a consultation. It is uniquely valuable as a reflection of the significant expertise of the chapter authors, whose depth of knowledge and extensive experience in the clinical field is evident throughout. An essential text for all clinicians working in mental health.' Alan Colam, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Psychoanalyst and Chair of the ethics committee at the British Psychoanalytic Council 'This edition of the Seminars in the Psychotherapies goes a long way to providing psychiatrists and health and care professionals at all stages of their career with key and relevant knowledge which applied wisely will help many attempting to solve problems inherent in being human. I will be recommending it wholeheartedly.' Kate F. Lovett, Dean, Royal College of Psychiatrists 'The field of psychotherapies has become increasingly complex with the development of new therapies and the development of the evidence base in relation to more established approaches. How refreshing, then, to find a book that lays this out so clearly for the reader. Not only does it cover all of the major psychological therapies, it looks at their application within a more psychiatric framework and introduce the reader to novel areas of development. I found the inclusion of the section on organisational dynamics especially welcome given that it is an area in which we often fail to attend to sufficiently in training. Understanding the impact of the work at both individual and organisational level is essential to the delivery of high quality care. In summary I recommend this volume highly.' Matthew Patrick, Chief Executive, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust