What keeps people from living in ways that satisfy their individual needs and priorities? In this book, noted clinical psychologist Robert W. Firestone sets forth the theory - synthesizing psychodynamic and existential approaches to the psyche - underlying his voice therapy methodology. From childhood, Firestone maintains, humans are prevented from experiencing an individuated life by the pressures of society and destructive interactions within the family. The goal of voice therapy is to uncover the insidious forces - represented by internal messages, called voices - that limit humans. Firestone's technique, grounded in clinical research, helps the client to reveal these voices quickly, recognize their detrimental source, and begin the path to a meaningful life.

After 25 years of research and clinical practice, the authors of this workbook reveal an ages-old truth: namely that the sworn enemy of mental health is one's own silent voice! The book includes dozens of exercises, questionnaires, self-assessments, and journaling activities.

This book is divided into four parts. In Part I, "Serendipitous Suggestion: An Introduction to the Wonderful World of Psychotherapeutic Techniques," a case example of a creative counseling technique implemented by the editor and a colleague is described. This section also discusses six key reasons why techniques can enhance therapeutic effectiveness, and describes the evolution of the book. Also included is a description of the techniques acquisitions process, samples of the information sent to the therapists, and a cautionary note concerning the utilization of the techniques discussed in Part III. In Part II, "The Dark Side of Techniques: Beware of the Milton H. Erickson Clone," more cautionary warnings are offered through the editor's descriptions of failures and successes with his patients along with a list of seven points for therapists to keep in mind when studying the various techniques offered. Part II concludes with comments from one of the therapists solicited to provide creative techniques. In Part III, "Techniques," creative counseling techniques are described from 51 therapists. Each entry names the therapists, gives his/or her affiliation(s) and major works, describes the population for which the technique is intended, provides cautionary notes, and finally, describes the technique. "Part IV: 15 Recommendations for Effectively Implementing Counseling and Therapy Techniques" is a brief list of tips. Of particular interest to school psychologist and counselors are: (1) "Using stories in Therapy with Children and Families" (Larry Golden); (2) "Memory Work with Children" (Linda Goldman); and (3) "Bibliotherapy" (Bea Wehrly).(MKA)

Insightful interviews with a Who’s Who of the world’s foremost therapists Therapy’s Best is a lively and entertaining collection of one-on-one interviews with some of the top therapists and counselors in the world. Educator and psychotherapist Dr. Howard G. Rosenthal talks with twenty of therapy’s legends, including Albert Ellis, arguably the greatest clinical psychologist and therapist of our time; assertiveness training pioneer Robert Alberti; experiential psychotherapist Al Mahrer; and William Glasser, the father of reality therapy and choice theory. Each interview reveals insights into the therapists’ personal lives, their observations on counseling, and the helping profession in general, and their thoughts on what really works when dealing with clients in need. The interviews found in Therapy’s Best uncover treatment strategies that are often missing from traditional textbooks, journal articles, courses, and seminars related to assertiveness training, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), marriage and family counseling, transactional analysis, psychoanalysis, suicide prevention, voice therapy, experiential psychotherapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Conversations with the “best and brightest” (including two recipients of the American Psychological Association’s Division of Psychotherapy’s “Living Legends” award) reveal why these therapists are such effective helpers, what makes their theories so popular, and most important, what makes them tick. This unique book lets you “rub elbows” with these consummate professionals and learn more about their theories, ideas, and experiences. Therapy’s Best includes interviews with: Dr. Albert Ellis—creator of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and APA Division of Psychotherapy “Living Legend” Dr. Edwin Schneidman—the foremost expert on suicide prevention, suicidology, and thanatology Richard Nelson Bolles—author of What Color Is Your Parachute? Dr. Dorothy and Dr. Ray Bevcar—husband and wife therapists who write textbooks on marriage counseling Dr. Al Mahrer—father of experiential psychotherapy and APA Division of Psychotherapy “Living Legend” Les Greenberg—father of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Muriel James—co-author of Born to Win and many more! Therapy’s Best is a must read for professionals who practice counseling and psychotherapy, students preparing to do likewise, and anyone else with an interest in therapy—and the people with provide it.

This detailed text contains case histories which provide an unparalleled depth of emotional reality in this invaluable guide to assessing risk and designing treatment for depressed and suicidal patients.

Describes the psychological techniques cults use to indoctrinate their members and discusses deprogramming.

Noted clinical psychologist Robert Firestone and his co-authors explore the struggle that all of us face in striving to retain a sense of ourselves as unique individuals.