"This text is characterised by the insight and authority of practice based evidence rather than being primarily theory applied to practice ... It is also written accessibly, with sometimes difficult psychodynamic concepts rendered into plain but elegant prose ... Convincing case studies are used throughout and summaries helpfully link practice issues with theory." Therapy Today, May 2013 "This new edition of The Presenting Past is a wonderfully readable overview of the developmental principles underlying psychodynamic counselling. Theories of Freud, Klein, Bowlby, Winnicott, Kohut and others are organized into three broad developmental themes: trust and attachment; authority and autonomy; and cooperation and competition. It is illuminated with rich clinical examples which bring alive how theory is helpful to understanding clients. Jacobs' lucid, lively style makes the connection between theory and practice clear and accessible. This outstanding book will appeal to established clinicians as well as students training in counselling and psychotherapy." Jan Grant, Associate Professor, Counselling Psychology, Curtin University, Western Australia "Michael Jacobs is a free spirit who roams purposefully in the often contentious world of the rival psychoanalytic traditions." Professor Brian Thorne, Centre for Counselling Studies, University of East Anglia, UK "An original and reliable approach to the development of personality that every therapist and student therapist should possess. Jacobs, one of the founders of psychodynamic therapy and counselling, avoids the twin perils of unimaginative, meaningless causality on the one hand and indifferent, irresponsible reference to fate on the other." Andrew Samuels, Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex, UK "In this fourth edition of what is a seminal text on psychodynamic ways of working, Michael Jacobs has managed to take the reader through the complex and intricate ways of thinking about what it is to be human from a psychodynamic view of the world. This text has been recommended reading for undergraduates that I teach who are studying the world of counselling and helping and it continues to be a text that they draw on when faced with a difficulty in understanding the ideas and concepts of the psychodynamic approach. Michael Jacobs has that rare ability to make complicated ideas and concepts seem understandable and yet leave the reader in no doubt that they are complicated. The use of case material brings the theory to live and mirrors Michael's commitment to practice that is informed by theory. This is a vade mecum and Michael has 'done the job'." Sue Sully, Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Brighton, UK A person's past is ever present, from infancy to old age, and it affects the dynamics of therapy and the therapist-patient relationship. Written by a key founding figure of psychodynamic counselling and one of most-cited counselling authors in Europe, the bestselling The Presenting Past gives practicing therapists and students keen insight into the subject. The theories of Freud, Winnicott, Klein and attachment theorists are organized into three main categories: trust and attachment; authority and autonomy; and cooperation and competitiveness. In this new edition, Michael Jacobs gives psychodynamic counselling and therapy a truly human face. He brings practice to the forefront in a new three-part structure. This is realized through the swift introduction of the themes in the therapeutic relationship throughout the book, making integration of theory and practice clearer than ever. Looking at what the client presents as troubling them, what the therapist experiences about the client and their relationship in therapy and exploring theories to throw light on these themes now lies firmly at the core of the book. Fully updated with new references, The Presenting Past stays wonderfully readable. The book shows Jacobs at his best and is a testimony to his lifetime of experience.

The Presenting Past maintains its clear approach to the core of psychodynamic counselling by focussing upon three central areas trust and attachment, authority and autonomy and cooperation and competition. This book reflects Michael Jacobs' assertion the development of the text reflects the dynamic part of the term 'psychodynamic'.

Presenting a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to conducting psychodynamic therapy, this engaging guide is firmly grounded in contemporary clinical practice and research. The book reflects an openness to new influences on dynamic technique, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology. It offers a fresh understanding of the most common problems for which patients seek help -- depression, obsessionality, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, panic, and trauma -- and shows how to organize and deliver effective psychodynamic interventions. Extensive case material illustrates each stage of therapy, from engagement to termination. Special topics include ways to integrate individual treatment with psychopharmacology and with couple or family work.

“This book provides a very good introduction to the key concepts and theories that inform and frame the current psychotherapeutic and counselling landscape. Each author has written on a selection of basic concepts as they are approached in their preferred therapeutic modality, resulting in an exciting and inclusive overview of both old and contemporary psychotherapeutic thought. In addition, each author is mindful of the importance of a critical appraisal of the various concepts and theories. Thus, this book will be extremely useful both for trainees and practitioners.” Dr Anastasios Gaitanidis, Senior Lecturer, University of Roehampton, London, UK “As well as being an invaluable source of knowledge about all aspects of counselling and psychotherapy, this book is a real pleasure to read. The authors have been able to capture the essence of ideas, traditions and key figures in a way that is accessible and a consistent source of delight and illumination. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to expand their psychotherapeutic horizons.” John McLeod, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of Abertay Dundee, UK “This book does what it says on the tin, it highlights the key concepts and theories in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. It is a systematic and encyclopaedic voyage of all the central constructs in the field. It is very well written, snappy and thorough, but more important, it serves a vital need of putting in one place all the theories and concepts needed by anyone interested in counselling and psychotherapy.” Cary L. Cooper, CBE, Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health, Lancaster University, UK and President of BACP “This is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting easily accessible information about counselling theory and practice. It will be as useful to trainees sitting as counsellors, as to experienced practitioners wanting to update their knowledge on the latest thinking.” Tim Bond, University of Bristol, UK This helpful book offers a concise overview of core concepts within the four dominant approaches to counselling and psychotherapy: psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioural and integrative. The book aims to assist you in developing your critical thinking and essay writing skills and includes: Over 140 entries, each between 500 and 1200 words Critical and engaging discussions of core concepts Biographical sketches of leading theorists, including: Freud, Jung and Rogers Using the popular alphabetical format, Key Concepts in Counselling and Psychotherapy is an ideal first source for students with an essay on counselling theory to write, a case study to analyse, a belief or assumption to challenge, or a question to explore. It will also appeal to practitioners or academics wanting to refresh their knowledge of theory and research.

This volume presents 12 highly instructive case studies grounded in the evidence-based psychodynamic therapy model developed by Richard F. Summers and Jacques P. Barber. Bringing clinical concepts vividly to life, each case describes the patient's history and presenting problems and takes the reader through psychodynamic formulation, treatment planning, and the entire course of therapy, including the challenges of termination. The cases address a variety of core psychodynamic problems, with outcomes ranging from very successful to equivocal. The emotional experience of the therapist is explored throughout. Commentary from Summers and Barber on every case highlights important points and key clinical dilemmas. See also the authored book Psychodynamic Therapy: A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice, in which Summers and Barber comprehensively describe their therapeutic model.