Joseph Wolpe [Paperback]

Joseph Wolpe brought about a revolution in psychotherapy. He provided the first clear alternative to therapy as an esoteric exploration of mental forces and presented, instead, clearly specified procedures and documented outcomes - a practical technology based on a fundamental science of learning.

Roger Poppen, who witnessed some of this revolution first hand as a doctoral student, describes the major impact Wolpe's theories had on psychotherapy, compelling it to address issues of effectiveness and accountability. He assesses the criticisms that Wolpe's work has attracted both from outside and within the behavioural school, and describes the development of Wolpe's ideas and his continuing role in the theory, practice and evJoseph Wolpe brought about a revolution in psychotherapy. He provided the first clear alternative to therapy as an esoteric exploration of mental forces and presented, instead, clearly specified procedures and documented outcomes - a practical technology based on a fundamental science of learning.

Roger Poppen, who witnessed some of this revolution first hand as a doctoral student, describes the major impact Wolpe's theories had on psychotherapy, compelling it to address issues of effectiveness and accountability. He assesses the criticisms that Wolpe's work has attracted both from outside and within the behavioural school, and describes the development of Wolpe's ideas and his continuing role in the theory, practice and ev`I particularly enjoyed Roger Poppen's approaches to the behavioural psychotherapy disciplines and the life of one of its major contributors. Moving smoothly from broad topics towards more complicated matters, the author accomplishes a great amount of information in a succinct and well-written style, making the book easy to habituate to and free of anxiety-provoking stimuli. I would encourage anyone interested in behavioural sciences or actively ilã"