Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy

Reviews / Votes

'In this updated, version of this now classic volume, Patricia Coughlin, Ph.D. one of the leading practitioners of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDO) shows the reader how the psychotherapist moves from assessment to termination. At each stage of treatment case examples are provided to demonstrate the process and techniques of change. It has been my privilege to witness Dr. Coughlin's work (APA, Psychotherapy Video Series) and explore with this master clinician what makes ISTDP effective, even with some of the most challenging patient presentations. In addition to her reputation as a master psychotherapist, Dr. Coughlin is a rare clinician who is also recognized for her ability to teach and explain the complexity of this treatment in a digestible way for new and seasoned psychotherapists.'

Jeffrey J. Magnavita, Ph.D., ABPP, CEO/Founder of Strategic Psychotherapeutics, LLC, President Elect, Society for Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI), Glastonbury, CT

'There is no better introduction to ISTDP than Patricia Coughlin's text, a true classic, now reissued with startling follow-up data revealing the remarkable effectiveness of this treatment approach. In this book, newcomers will learn basic principles of therapy that can enhance the effectiveness of any clinician from any perspective. Her clinical vignettes make therapy come alive, and her clear explanations make complex concepts immediately understandable. I cannot recommend this book enough. There is a reason it remains a classic test after thirty years.'

Jon Frederickson, MSW, Faculty, New Washington School of Psychiatry and Author of Co-Creating Change

'Patricia Coughlin's work has always been something of a north star for those of us practicing psychodynamic psychotherapy. Her ability to balance theoretical and technical precision with the deepest empathy for her patients has made her books sources of inspiration and edification. Here she has taken her first book--one of the definitive references in the field--and enriched it by adding new research, depth and touching follow-up data with the many patients whose lives she has transformed. As with all her books, this volume manages to communicate complex ideas in simple, immediate terms so that they provide real benefit for the practicing clinician. For anyone learning dynamic therapy, this book is a gift!'

Jonathan Entis, Ph.D.

'Consistently producing lasting, transformational change transcends theoretical differences for me, so this important update of Patricia Coughlin's influential first book on ISTDP has my endorsement. Next to her superb therapeutic results, my qualms about the psychodynamic conceptual paradigm are secondary. There can be no doubt that her work induces memory reconsolidation, the only known brain mechanism that can end symptoms permanently.'

Bruce Ecker, MA, LMFT, co-director, Coherence Psychology Institute and co-author, Unlocking the Emotional Brain and the Coherence Therapy Practice Manual.

'This seminal work by a master clinician in dynamic psychotherapy remains essential reading for anyone serious about developing as a therapist. Long valued for its clarity, clinical richness, and vivid vignettes, the book makes a complex treatment model accessible without losing depth. Now updated with recent research and expanded content, it continues to serve as a vital and enduring guide to the practice of dynamic therapy.'

Michelle M. May, LPC, author of What I Couldn't Tell My Therapist and Chair, ISTDP Program, New Washington School of Psychiatry

'The new and updated edition of Patricia Coughlin's classic masterpiece Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy is a remarkable achievement. It gives us what is exceedingly rare in the psychotherapy literature: long-term follow-up of clinical results. Once more we get to accompany Coughlin's courageous clients as they struggle, with their therapist's expert aid, to process and free themselves from deep emotional pain that had kept them stuck in life. Here we meet them again, and witness the lasting, transformative results of the collaborative work they did all those years ago.

This book is a testament to the human spirit, "blossoming once again" as pain and loss are turned toward rather than away from, in the meeting of hearts and minds that is the true therapeutic encounter.'

Tor Wennerberg, Psychologist and Author