A half-century of psychotherapy research has shown that the quality of the therapeutic alliance is the most robust predictor of treatment success. This unique book provides a systematic framework for negotiating ruptures and strains in the therapeutic alliance and transforming them into therapeutic breakthroughs. Cutting-edge developments in psychoanalysis and other modalities are synthesized with original research and clinical wisdom gleaned from years of work in the field. The result is a practical and highly sophisticated guide that spells out clear principles of intervention while at the same time inspiring therapists toward greater creativity.

A combination of social and economic factors have led to the current surge of interest in brief psychotherapy. But how do the time limitations affect the central relationship between therapist and client? How do therapist and client determine the focus of their work together? How does the therapist deal with ruptures in the working alliance and the pressure of termination issues?

Following on the success of the bestselling Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond, this groundbreaking book from Judith S. Beck addresses what to do when a patient is not making progress in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Provided is practical, step-by-step guidance on conceptualizing and solving frequently encountered problems, whether in developing and maintaining the therapeutic alliance or in accomplishing specific therapeutic tasks. While the framework presented is applicable to a range of challenging clinical situations, particular attention is given to modifying the longstanding distorted beliefs and dysfunctional behavioral strategies of people with personality disorders. Helpful appendices include a reproducible assessment tool, and the Personality Belief Questionnaire.

Introduction : Pressure in the therapeutic relationship -- The Science of performance under pressure -- The Science of the therapist under pressure -- From emotion to rupture -- From emotion to repair -- The Way to Therapist Training -- The Way to therapist Self-care -- Conclusion : In the pressure cooker.

In the past decade, the working alliance has emerged as possibly the most important conceptualization of the common elements in diverse therapy modalities. Created to define the relationship between a client in therapy or counseling and the client's therapist, it is a way of looking at and examining the vagaries and expectations and commitments previously implicit in the therapeutic relationship, explaining the cooperative aspects of the alliance between the two parties.

Working Alliance Skills for Mental Health Professionals is intended for students in counseling and for professional level practitioners interested in learning how to establish and maintain the working alliance. The book can also be targeted to the broader mental health care community, including seasoned clinical psychology professionals, training programs in counseling and clinical psychology, and students in social work.

What makes therapy work? Clearly, the therapeutic alliance is an important component of a successful relationship between therapist and client, but how does it fit into the relationship more broadly conceived? A better question might be "What works with whom and in which circumstances?' In this unique book, master clinicians and psychotherapy researchers examine how technique and the therapeutic relationship are inseparably intertwined. Using a variety of theoretical and research "lenses" and drawing on various models of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and brief family therapy, the contributors discuss the factors affecting client outcomes. The link between relationship processes and technique is bought to life in a rich array of engaging case studies that demonstrate how successful therapists negotiate the relationship, make key moment-to-moment decisions, and promote positive change in their clients.