Mastering the Clinical Conversation

Language as Intervention

Steven C Hayes author Matthieu Villatte author Jennifer L Villatte author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Guilford Publications

Published:26th Sep '19

Should be back in stock very soon

Mastering the Clinical Conversation cover

This compelling book provides psychotherapists with evidence-based strategies for harnessing the power of language to free clients from life-constricting patterns and promote psychological flourishing. Grounded in relational frame theory (RFT), the volume shares innovative ways to enhance assessment and intervention using specific kinds of clinical conversations. Techniques are demonstrated for activating and shaping behavior change, building a flexible sense of self, fostering meaning and motivation, creating powerful experiential metaphors, and strengthening the therapeutic relationship. User-friendly features include more than 80 clinical vignettes with commentary by the authors, plus a "Quick Guide to Using RFT in Psychotherapy" filled with sample phrases and questions to ask.

See also two works by Paul L. Wachtel--Therapeutic Communication, Second Edition, which provides another vital perspective on language in psychotherapy, and Making Room for the Disavowed, which integrates psychodynamic thinking with ACT and other contemporary approaches.

"Beautifully written, this book imparts a deep understanding of language's relationship to psychopathology and its effective use in psychotherapy. The theoretical presentation is exceptionally rich and the many examples of clinical application are particularly informative. Chapters address the fundamental tasks of therapy, from conducting functional assessments to building the client's sense of self, fostering meaning and motivation, and enriching the therapeutic relationship. A 'must read' for psychotherapists and students."--Michelle G. Craske, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles

"A fascinating, very accessible account of RFT and its application to psychotherapy practice. The book offers a gorgeous balance of conceptual thinking and practical applications. It is a mind-expanding resource for psychotherapists of all orientations and levels of experience."--Jacqueline B. Persons, PhD, Director, Oakland Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center

"In this remarkable book, Villatte, Villatte, and Hayes bring to life the ways in which language and the use of symbols structure our experience. They explore how language shapes the therapeutic relationship and process, as well as clients' suffering, and how it can be a vehicle for igniting change. A cornerstone of this approach is RFT, beautifully articulated and described here. Clever, illuminating vignettes are sprinkled throughout. This book is a treasure trove of clinical wisdom with regard to the role of questioning, dialoguing, reflecting, and challenging in the therapy context. It is a gift to all psychotherapists."--Paul Gilbert, PhD, FBPsS, OBE, Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby, United Kingdom

“Villate, Villate, and Hayes recognize that the many, often wildly contrasting therapy approaches available today all rely on language as a major factor in therapeutic success. Using the theory of verbal behavior that underlies acceptance and commitment therapy this book provides ways for therapists of any stripe to use words to maximum effect. It offers a rich variety of examples that will make you a better practitioner, no matter what treatment approach you employ. This volume is a vital contribution to the increasingly important task of integrating the various approaches to psychotherapy to maximize their effectiveness.”--Robert P. Cohen, PhD, Psychodynamic Therapy Clinic, University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, and private practice, Ann Arbor, Michigan -A work of breathtaking scope and ambition….It is well written, the language used flows well, and the therapy dialogues are convincing, authentic, and warm--and resonate with my experience of therapy….At every turn I found myself immersed in the topic, trying to unpick many of the clinical interventions and training practices that I have come to know through tested experience and to rebuild them from a bottom-up understanding of why they are effective in influencing the listener….Some highlights of the book are its richness, depth, complexity, and inclusivity….Mastering the Clinical Conversation represents both a waypoint on a scientific and clinical journey and a compass heading for future progress.--PsycCRITIQUES, 9/26/2016

ISBN: 9781462542161

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 580g

406 pages