Gaining a Second Impression in Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: Integrating psychotherapy with psychoanalysis and philosophy, this text offers therapists a way to reframe a client’s understanding of their mental health issues through a holistic, dynamic lens. Drawing from theory, research and over fifty years of clinical practice, Dr. Gustafson analyzes a unique range of case stories from diverse clients with varying problems including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress and relationship conflict. This book pictures five different domains that make huge differences in the quality of psychotherapy. Part I offers a snapshot of what is possible for the patient during the initial patient study. Part II shows how the patient’s expectations can be subverted. Part III draws upon subconscious elements, mainly dreams, that can provide the patient with unique perspectives that the conscious mind is not capable of. In Part IV, the author looks at how the evolution of human emotions and relationships can have a negative impact on the individual patient. Part V examines the impact that large-scale issues such as religion and faith can have upon our daily lives. The author weaves together philosophical theory, psychoanalytic techniques and psychodynamic psychotherapeutic strategies, to provide clinicians and therapists with an innovative approach to healing their clients.