The Presenting Past

"This book is a wonderfully readable overview of the developmental principles underlying psychodynamic counselling. Theories of Freud, Klein, Winnicott, Kohut and others are organized into three broad developmental themes - dependency, autonomy and interdependence, and illuminated with rich clinical examples. 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, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Edith Cowan 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 "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 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.

Table of Contents:
Preface to the fourth edition The relevance of the past Trust and attachment: foundations Trust and attachment: towards ambivalence Trust and attachment: in adulthood and in therapy Authority and autonomy: internalizing parental authority Authority and autonomy: a matter of control Authority and autonomy: in adulthood and in therapy Cooperation & competition: gender, sexuality and sexual relations Cooperation & competition: Oedipal configurations Cooperation & competition: related issues Glossary

About the Author :
Michael Jacobs was for many years director of the counselling and psychotherapy programme at the University of Leicester, UK. Since retirement he has continued to teach in universities and to professional organisations, and to have a small independent practice for therapy and supervision. He is a Fellow of BACP and an accredited member of the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association.