
Cambridge Guide to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Cambridge University Press
Published on 10. August 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
350 pages
978-1-009-10850-8 (ISBN)
Description
A unique and accessible guide to contemporary psychodynamic therapy and its applications. Introduced with a foreword by Nancy McWilliams, an author line-up of experienced educators guide the reader through the breadth of psychodynamic concepts in a digestible and engaging way. The key applications of psychodynamic psychotherapy to a range of presentations are explored, including anxiety, depression, problematic narcissism as well as the dynamics of 'borderline' states. Specific chapters cover the dynamics of anger and aggression, and working with people experiencing homelessness. A valuable resource for novice and experienced therapists, presenting a clear, comprehensive review of contemporary psychodynamic theory and clinical practice. Highly relevant for general clinicians, third-sector staff and therapists alike, the authors also examine staff-client dynamics and the development of psychologically-informed services underpinned by reflective practice. Part of the Cambridge Guides to the Psychological Therapies series, offering all the latest scientifically rigorous, and practical information on a range of key, evidence-based psychological interventions for clinicians.
Reviews / Votes
'Unlike psychoanalytic authors whose writing is oriented mainly toward colleagues with extensive analytic training, these contributors intend their chapters to reach audiences that may be new to a psychoanalytic frame of reference, or sceptical of it, or confused by it. Somehow, they have also made the book interesting and clinically relevant to experienced psychoanalytic readers ... I know from experience that it is not easy to produce a multi-authored compendium whose final product embodies an overall continuity and integration, and so I am impressed that the authors of this volume have managed that feat. I urge readers of all mental health disciplines, professional involvements, and theoretical orientations to spend time with this worthy and important book. I think you will find it as fascinating and clinically helpful as I did.' Nancy McWilliams, Ph.D., Distinguished Retired Professor, Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology 'I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it accessible and informative. The various authors conveyed the principles, practices, research, theories, and history of psychoanalysis in a way that was engaging and easy to understand, even for those such as myself, from outside the field. For clinicians (specialists and generalists alike) understanding the unconscious processes taking place in the consulting room can be invaluable in delivering effective care to our patients, and this book was able to provide insights into this important area.' Dame Clare Gerada, President, Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), PRCGP FRCPsych FRCP (Hons) 'This excellent book does exactly what it says it will; to be a guide to what psychodynamic psychotherapy is, how to do it well and for whom it works best. For too long, psychodynamic psychotherapy has been plagued by what we now might call 'deep fakes'; first, that the idea that psychological therapists who think this way holds strange and esoteric sets of beliefs about how the mind works, and second, that there is no evidence that treatments based on this paradigm might be helpful. This helpful book outlines why both ideas have been conclusively proved wrong. I have no doubt that the future of psychiatry needs to be psychodynamic, and this book shows why psychodynamic thinking applied to psychiatry not only makes it more interesting, but makes us as psychiatrists more human and more effective.' Gwen Adshead, Consultant forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Broadmoor Hospital, Berkshire 'The book demonstrates the ways in which psychodynamic psychotherapy can be applied with different diagnostic conditions. It describes important techniques and explains their use in clinical examples. Readers will not be disappointed with this wonderful publication.' Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody's Reviews 'It is a daunting task to undertake an intensive guide to the whole history and practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy. It is to the great credit of the authors and editors involved in the creation of this book that this has been carried out to such a high standard. It is not a textbook, despite being a comprehensive account of the field. It is not didactic or prescriptive enough for that, despite the clarity of presentation. The reader is introduced to the ambiguities and contradictions inherent in the work in a readable way, with many illuminating case histories and anecdotes. The comprehensive references and cross-referencing throughout the book provide the reader with opportunities to explore particular issues further should they wish to ... I found this book to be a clear, thoughtful text which sets out the methods and scope of the general psychodynamic principles that underpin psychotherapy in all settings. I therefore recommend it to you.' Sandra Grant, International Journal of Forensic Psychotherapy 'Where the book excels is in its ability to bridge the theoretical and the practical. The chapters on technique are a treasure trove for clinicians... This guide changed the way I think about psychotherapy. It reminded me that beneath the observable symptoms and diagnoses lies a deeper narrative - of relationships, conflicts and unconscious patterns - waiting to be understood. It is not a book to be read passively; it is a conversation with a tradition, a call to engage with the emotional and relational complexities of human experience. For that, it deserves a place not only on the shelf but in the mind of every reflective practitioner.' Vullong Kwarkas, The British Journal of PsychiatryMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
532 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-10850-8 (9781009108508)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Adam Polnay | Rhiannon Pugh | Victoria Barker
Cambridge Guide to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
E-Book
08/2023
Cambridge University Press
€45.99
Available for download
Persons
Adam Polnay is a Consultant Medical Psychotherapist and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist at The State Hospital (Carstairs) and leads the Edinburgh Psychotherapy Department at Royal Edinburgh Hospital. He is also affiliated with Edinburgh University and leads the psychodynamic training for psychiatrists in South-East Scotland.
Author
The State Hospital, Carstairs and Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
East London NHS Foundation Trust, London
British Psychoanalytic Society
Royal College of Psychiatrists, London
Rivers Centre, Edinburgh
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter
Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh
Foreword
Content
Foreword Nancy McWilliams; Preface Adam Polnay and Rhiannon Pugh; Part 1. An Overview of the Model: 1. An Historical Overview of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Allan Beveridge; 2. The Supporting Theory of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Adam Polnay and Rhiannon Pugh; 3. A Brief Description of the Empirical Basis of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Victoria Barker and Adam Polnay; 4. An Outline of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Rhiannon Pugh and Adam Polnay; Part 2. The Model of Psychodynamic into Practice: 5. Framing a psychodynamic space Adam Polnay; 6. The Goals of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Rhiannon Pugh; 7. The specific Techniques of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Rhiannon Pugh and Adam Polnay; 8. The overall Structure of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Adam Polnay; 9. Psychological Assessment and Formulation in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Victoria Barker; 10. Some Reflections on the Supervisory Process David Bell; Part 3. Application for Mental Health Presentations; Applications of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with accompanying Case Study description for each presentation: 11. Psychodynamic approaches to anxiety Lauren Wilson; 12. The psychodynamics of depressing/depressed states Adam Polnay; 13. Dynamics of borderline states of mind Victoria Barker; 14. Narcissistic difficulties, a transdiagnostic presentation requiring a system-wide approach Susan Mizen; Part 4. Application of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Different Populations and in Different Settings; Beyond 1:1 therapy- working psychodynamically with clinicians, teams and organisations Adam Burley and Adam Polnay: 15. Applications of psychodynamic theory and principles outside of specialist psychotherapy settings; 16. An introduction to the dynamics of anger, aggression and violence; 17. Psychologically informed organisations and services; 18. Psychodynamic reflective practice groups; 19. Psychodynamic consultation to clinical teams; Other forms and settings of psychotherapeutic work; 20. A psychodynamic approach to working with people experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness Adam Burley; 21. Psychodynamic psychotherapy online and by phone Lauren Wilson; 22. Group analysis and its applications Allyson Lumsden; Glossary of Terms Adam Polnay.