The Value of Psychotherapy The Talking Cure in an Age of Clinical Science [Hardcover]

From a seasoned scholar, clinician, and teacher, this lively, highly readable text probes where the field of psychotherapy is now and where it may be headed in the future. Robert L. Woolfolk explores commonalities and differences among major therapeutic approaches, as well as their philosophical underpinnings. He critiques the growing medicalization of mental health care--in particular, the attempt to fit psychotherapy to the templates of evidence-based medicine. Students gain an appreciation of the enduring value of "the talking cure" for addressing perennial questions: “Who am I?” “What can I become?” “What kind of life is worth having, and how can I achieve it?” The book makes a strong case for the benefits of psychotherapy not only as a method for treating disorders, but also as a practice that can promote practical wisdom and human flourishing.

"Woolfolk has a triumph here. All psychotherapists--from the most experienced practitioners to fledgling apprentices--should read this book. It’s all about the therapeutic issues that no one ever tells you about, but you badly need to know."--Brent D. Slife, PhD, Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University

"Fascinating, provocative, and remarkably well written. Woolfolk's critique of some of the field's predominant conceptual, clinical, and scientific trends is destined to provoke sharp debates and foster new dialogues about how to practice and study psychotherapy. His elucidation of expertise and harmful effects sheds light on how psychosocial treatments work or fail to work. Also insightful is his depiction of psychotherapy as an enactment of humanism that respects the social context of human suffering and that has an impact on many aspects of life. This is a 'must read' for students, clinicians, and researchers who are willing to be challenged and inspired by a bold, daring, erudite, and ultimately optiml#�