Vaughan, Susan C., M.D. Many therapists and their patients find that the traditional talking therapy still offers the best hope for long-term relief from depression and other psychological ailments. This is especially true for people who worry about the side effects of Prozac and other similar drugs. Now Dr. Susan Vaughan offers compelling evidence, based on new scientific research, that the process of talking with a trained therapist actually alters the way the brain's neurons are connected and effects permanent, positive changes in how we interact with the world. Dr. Vaughan interweaves stories from therapy sessions with cutting-edge research results. She shows how interpreting dreams, free-associating, and attention to childhood experiences have an impact on the structure of our brain. Anyone who, for one reason or another, questions the value of long-term drug therapy will welcome the alternative approach presented here.

An in-depth look at a much misunderstood practice, offering a fresh viewpoint on how this science can be a universally effective route to our better selves.

Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognised as a priority public health problem and policy issue worldwide, with the effect on mortality comparable to risk-factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. From the Abyss of Loneliness to the Bliss of Solitude sheds much-needed light on a multifaceted global phenomenon of loneliness, and investigates it, together with its counterpart solitude, from an exciting breadth of perspectives: detailed studies of psychoanalytic approaches to loneliness, developmental psychology, philosophy, culture, arts, music, literature, and neuroscience. The subjects covered also range widely, including the history and origins of loneliness, its effects on children, the creative process, health, lone wolf terrorism, and shame. This is a timely and important contribution to a growing problem - greatly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic - that has serious effects on both life quality and expectancy. The book features contributions from a diverse host of leading international experts: Dominic Angeloch, Patrizia Arfelli, Charles Ashbach, Manfred E. Beutel, Elmar Brahler, Jagna Brudzinska, Michael B. Buchholz, Lesley Caldwell, Karin Dannecker, Aleksandar Dimitrejevic, Mareike Ernst, Jay Frankel, Gail A. Hornstein, Colum Kenny, Eva M. Klein, Helga de la Motte-Haber, Gamze Ozcurumez Bilgili, Inge Seiffge-Krenke, and Peter Shabad. The contributors address the developmental and communicative causes of loneliness, its neurophysiological correlates and artistic representations, and how loneliness differs to solitude, which some consider necessary for creativity. They also provide insights into how we can help those suffering from loneliness, as classical psychoanalytic papers are revisited, contemporary therapeutic perspectives presented, and detailed case presentations offered. From the Abyss of Loneliness to the Bliss of Solitude is essential reading for mental health professionals and those searching for a better understanding of what it means to be lonely and how the lonely can better voice their loneliness and step out of it.

The contemporary world currently faces multi-level challenges, including cross-border migration, economic crises and myriad health issues, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Within this wider context of ongoing fluidity, transition and diversity, qualitative research methodologies in psychology are rapidly evolving, featuring innovative ways to examine the dynamic interrelation of societal and psychological processes. The Routledge International Handbook of Innovative Qualitative Psychological Research sets the stage for cutting-edge debates on how innovative approaches in qualitative research in psychology can contribute to tackling current challenges in our society. The handbook depicts innovation in qualitative research in psychology with respect to methodological approaches like visual methods, arts-based research, discursive and narrative approaches, multimodal approaches, and pluralistic/mixed methodology approaches. It addresses a wide range of contemporary, challenging topics at the intersection of the psychological with the societal sphere, like globalization, climate change, digitalization, urbanization, social marginalization, gender and sexism, youth cultures, global mobility and global health risks. The book also includes contributions from various European countries across different fields of psychology, like clinical, health, social, educational, environmental, developmental, organizational, political and media psychology. This is a valuable text for anyone teaching qualitative research courses in psychology as well as in related disciplines like mental health, education and sociology. It will also be of great interest to any qualitative researcher in the behavioral and social sciences wishing to have an overview of the latest developments in the field.

Family therapist Terence Campbell provides a much needed critique of our therapy-happy society. He warns of the dangers that await the unwary, vulnerable client seeking answers for normal life problems. All too often, psychotherapy creates more harm than healing. Without condemning ALL therapy, Campbell takes a hard look at the destructive form psychotherapy has taken for many of its practitioners. In many cases, therapists encourage a sick, dependent relationship in which the client invests undue authority in the supposedly all-wise psychologist. "Many therapists act as if their charisma, & only their charisma, can alleviate a client's distress," Campbell writes. Millions of people are in "therapy" at any given time, at a cost of billions of dollars. The widespread result is not only a gigantic waste of money & time, but the actual loss of mental health & normal functioning, as clients are encouraged to see themselves as terribly traumatized & damaged. Among other things Campbell reveals how: * The majority of therapists routinely ignore scientific research in their field, & instead rely on what they "believe" is effective treatment. * Many therapists purposely alienate clients from close relationships & family while encouraging a greater dependence on the therapist. Beware the Talking Cure is timely & disturbing. Through compelling case histories, Dr. Campbell hammers home his points.