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For many years, the general rule of thumb in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy has been to refrain from focusing too much on specific symptoms or problems so as to not interfere with free association or the effectiveness of the psychoanalytic approach.When Fredric Busch, M.D., and colleagues developed panic-focused psychodynamic therapy in the 1990's and subsequently psychodynamic approaches to depression, they emphasized the value of more active interventions, a focus on symptoms and associated dynamics, and occasional psychoeducation.In this new volume, he expands the scope of that work, articulating how a focused psychodynamic psychotherapeutic approach can be adapted for patients in general. Rather than one specific aspect of patients'difficulties, Problem Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (PrFPP) focuses on the set of problems (e.g., symptoms, relationship issues, behavioral difficulties) a particular patient brings into the consulting room.Through numerous tables and a wealth of case vignettes, this guide provides novice and experienced clinicians alike with a general template for working with patients to identify and address the overlapping and unique dynamics of various problems.It describes how to use psychodynamic exploratory techniques to make problem lists and examine the context and emotions surrounding each issue. It also discusses how to develop a psychodynamic formulation to provide a framework for identifying and addressing the dynamic contributors to the various problems.Therapist and patient can then undertake the'working through'process to identify how specific dynamics emerge in different contexts and overlap in contributing to problems.All of these approaches help spur patients'self-reflective capacities and the identification of their own dynamics—making it possible to more rapidly address core difficulties. The work also enables the continued use of these modes of managing problems after the treatment is completed.And because PrFPP is suitable for short- and longer-term interventions, it is valuable for patients who either cannot commit to long-term treatment or only have access to brief interventions.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapies have traditionally considered behavioral change as a secondary outcome, a beneficial byproduct of gaining insight and making the unconscious conscious.Though clinical evidence suggests that an increasing number of psychoanalysts are targeting behavioral change, strategic frameworks remain scarce. Psychodynamic Approaches to Behavioral Change addresses this deficiency.This guide demonstrates how, rather than being at odds with psychoanalytic treatments, targeting behavioral change can be part of the development and employment of psychodynamic therapy and can be used to enhance self-understanding. To that end, it offers readers a framework for behavioral change interventions, including: • Identifying problematic behaviors• Examining the context, affects, and meanings of problematic behaviors• Formulating contributing intrapsychic conflicts, defenses, and developmental factors• Identifying alternative behaviors• Elaborating feelings and fantasies about performing alternative behaviors• Addressing factors that interfere with alternative behaviors• Working with the impact of behavioral change• The use of homework Clinicians will also find a frank discussion of potential pitfalls in efforts to change behaviors and a description of interventions for sustaining behavioral change, which will help them avoid some of the complex challenges that targeting behavioral change can present, as well as aid them as they work with their patients to maintain new behavior.Throughout the book, vignettes illustrate how to apply these psychodynamic techniques in the clinical setting as clinician and patient collaborate to make practical changes in the patient's life. And because of its jargon-free tone, Psychodynamic Approaches to Behavioral Change will enable a broad range of mental health professionals -- whether psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or others -- who use a variety of treatments to be more effective in their approach.

Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression addresses the use of psychodynamic psychotherapy, both alone and in combination with cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and medication treatments, as a method for reducing the psychological vulnerabilities that may predispose patients to persistent symptoms or recurrence of depression. Thoroughly revised and with new material, the second edition reflects changes codified in the DSM-5 classification and is intended for use by students, residents, or clinicians who are trained in the practice of psychotherapy. The authors'extensive clinical experience is thoroughly mined to provide techniques for tailoring the psychodynamic psychotherapeutic approach to patients with depression, and important topics such as narcissistic injury and vulnerability, guilt, defense mechanisms, and suicidality are addressed. The book is written in an accessible style and structured logically to support the acquisition and enhancement of psychotherapeutic skills through the systematic exploration of the psychodynamic model of depression.The volume's noteworthy content and features are many: • Just as patients'responses to medications vary, responses to particular therapeutic interventions are different in different patients. Accordingly, the authors locate psychodynamic psychotherapy within the context of current treatments for depression, including indications and contraindications.• A multitude of detailed and compelling clinical vignettes clearly illustrate the dynamics and techniques and facilitate learning across diverse clinical roles and practice settings.• A chapter on psychodynamic approaches to depression with comorbid personality disorder has been added to the new edition, because these disorders have been found to have an adverse effect on treatment outcome, including diminished response to antidepressants, reduced adherence to treatment, and longer time period to achieve remission. There is a growing evidence base for the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy, both alone and in tandem with other treatment modalities. Psychodynamic Treatment of Depression offers a robust model of psychodynamic therapy for depression and the detailed strategies and techniques clinicians need to improve outcomes with this significant patient group.