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Mastering Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: A Roadmap to the Unconscious

Author(s) : Josette ten Have-de Labije, Author(s) : Robert J. Neborsky

Customer Reviews

Our customers have given this title an average rating of 3 out of 5 from 2 review(s), add your own review for this title.

Melissa Jones on 08/04/2018 10:08:14

(1 out of 5)

A simplistic and disappointing depiction of ISTDP.

Dr S. Lewis, London on 25/02/2014 17:13:16

(5 out of 5)

Brilliant overview of theory and practice. Invaluable!

This book is a comprehensive overview of both theory and practice of ISTDP, an evidence based psychotherapy. Robert Neborsky and Josette ten Have-de Labjije have refined these techniques (building on the initial formulations of Davanloo & Malan) and then presented a clear strategy for specific approaches when dealing with different psychological disorders.

The first chapters in the book deal with theoretical background including: explanations of psychoneurosis and attachment trauma; regulation of anxiety; and the role of defences. In my view the approach taken by ISTDP in understanding and treating anxiety is groundbreaking and has added a powerful dimension to my own psychotherapy practice. The authors also describe an approach to dealing with resistance in treatment (or defenses) which has the potential to derail the therapy process. Their method is both active and respectful and encourages development of a partnership in the therapeutic relationship that allows the patient ot develop to their highest potential.

One word of warning: the theoretical chapters are extremely detailed and can feel overwhelming to absorb in one go even if you are familiar with the method. It may be useful to read these in "chunks" while skipping forward to the more active chapters on technique before returning to the earlier chapters as and when needed.

Later chapters deal with specific disorders, including: phobias, depressive disorders and somatisation. A final chapter deals with the phase of termination. What I found exceptionally useful about this book is that each chapter contains both a theoretical overview of the disorder, followed by detailed vignettes from clinical cases. There are examples of helpful interventions as well as common "errors". It is structured in such a way as to make it easy to dip in and out of these chapters when working with clients with similar presentations.

I would highly recommend this book to any clinician interested in the practice of dynamic psychotherapy.