Relational Theory and the Practice of Psychotherapy

Paul L. Wachtel

Guilford Publications, Dec 14, 2007 - Psychology - 338 pages

This important and innovative book explores a new direction in psychoanalytic thought that can expand and deepen clinical practice. Relational psychoanalysis diverges in key ways from the assumptions and practices that have traditionally characterized psychoanalysis. At the same time, it preserves, and even extends, the profound understanding of human experience and psychological conflict that has always been the strength of the psychoanalytic approach. Through probing theoretical analysis and illuminating examples, the book offers new and powerful ways to revitalize clinical practice.

See also Wachtel's Therapeutic Communication, Second Edition: Knowing What to Say When, an integrative, practical guide for therapists of all orientations.

About the author

Paul L. Wachtel, PhD, is Distinguished Professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at The City College of New York. Dr. Wachtel has been a leading voice for integrative thinking in the human sciences and is a cofounder and past president of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration. He is a recipient of the Hans H. Strupp Memorial Award; the Distinguished Psychologist Award from Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association (APA); the Scholarship and Research Award from Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) of APA; and the Sidney J. Blatt Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychotherapy, Scholarship, Education and Practice.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Relational Theory and the Practice of Psychotherapy
• Author: Paul L. Wachtel
• Publisher: Guilford Publications, 2007
• ISBN: 1593856148, 9781593856144
• Length: 338 pages
• Subjects: Medical / Nursing / Psychiatric & Mental Health; Medical / Psychiatry / General; Psychology / Movements / Psychoanalysis; Psychology / Psychotherapy / Counseling; Social Science / Social Work