Beyond Empathy: A Therapy of Contact-in-Relationship(Routledge Mental Health Classic Editions)

Written by leaders in the field of relational integrative psychotherapy, this book offers trainees and experienced therapists a methodology for assisting people in rediscovering their ability to maintain genuine relationships and, thus, better psychological health. This classic edition includes a new preface by Richard G. Erskine that reflects on changes in the field since the book’s first publication. Drawing from Rogers' client-centered therapy, Berne's transactional analysis, Perls' Gestalt therapy, Kohut's self-psychology, and the work of British object-relations theorists, this book accessibly introduces the authors’ Keyhole theory while using real life interchanges between therapists and clients to illustrate key concepts. The second part of the book details the application of this method in therapy work and provides transcripts from seven therapy sessions. These include examples of relational psychotherapy, psychotherapeutic regression, working with a parental introject, couple psychotherapy, as well as detailed explanations of the therapeutic methods. An undoubtable classic, the book’s conversational style makes the theory and methods of a relationally based integrative psychotherapy come alive. This versatile approach to therapy promises to be effective across a wide range of therapeutic situations, making this a valuable book for both students and practicing clinicians throughout the spectrum of mental healthcare providers.

Table of Contents:
1. Basic Concepts 2. Inquiry 3.Attunement 4. Involvement 5. Relational Needs 6. Through the Keyhole 7. Greta: "Mother, Come Home" 8. Sarah: Therapy With a Regressed Client 9. Edward: Exploring the Function of Defenses 10. Loraine: Therapy With an Introjected Other (Part I) 11. Loraine: Therapy With an Introjected Other (Part II) 12. Integrative Psychotherapy With Couples 13. The Keyhole Revisited .

About the Author :
Richard G. Erskine, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and psychoanalyst, originally trained in client-centred and gestalt therapy, a certified integrative psychotherapist, transactional analyst, and group psychotherapist. He is the Training Director of the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy. Janet P. Moursund earned her PhD from the University of Wisconsin and taught at Michigan State University before joining the faculty of the University of Oregon. She has authored or co-authored books on child development, research design, personality theory, and counseling and psychotherapy, and was the founder of the Center for Community Counseling in Eugene. Rebecca L. Trautmann, MSW is the former co-director of the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy. She is the author of several articles published in the Transactional Analysis Journal.

Review :
"This book is a classic in the field. It is a must read for both new and seasoned clinicians in all psychotherapeutic modalities, including the expressive/creative arts therapies, with its foundational and clear understanding of our need for meaningful connection with others throughout our lives." Carol Merle-Fishman, President, International Integrative Psychotherapy Association "Beyond Empathy is a rich resource for psychotherapy trainees and experienced therapists alike, and one to keep dipping into, for with each reading it is possible to discover layers unnoticed before. The authors provide a compendium of key concepts and techniques from a wide range of approaches using accessible language and ably drawn together in their Keyhole model. The excerpts from sessions and detailed commentaries feel like having a master class with a senior practitioner and being given insight into the working of his or her mind." Sue Wright, relational-integrative psychotherapist and supervisor, working with survivors of complex trauma. "What you’re holding in your hands is a foundational guidebook to the therapeutic relationship; an instant classic that borrows from the legacy of past giants (such as Perls and Berne) to help the therapists of both today and tomorrow navigate the complexities and the joys of the in-session experience. Almost without effort, Dr. Erskine gives language to the complex therapeutic dance, breaking it down step-by-step, so that you too can join in the celebration of life that is psychotherapy." Carl R Nassar, Ph.D., LPC, CIIPTS "Beyond Empathy has been designated as a core text for integrative psychotherapy training programs, around the world, since its first publication 1999. This seminal work will continue to be essential reading for psychotherapists who wish to develop a respectful and compassionate way of working with people suffering from emotional distress and relational disruptions. I believe that it is a true classic within psychotherapy literature." Lynn Martin, International Integrative Psychotherapy Association trainer and supervisor "In training psychotherapists, youth workers, and clergy, this text has been so powerful in teaching what empathic attunement and working deeply in pastoral contexts is really all about. The text gives such a clear demonstration of the integration of the self in relationship and is the first and foremost explanation of integrative relational psychotherapy. Its application is entirely relevant to so many areas of work and life where pastoral care is a key feature." Rev Rachel Hudson, former psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer; Bishop's Adviser in Counselling & Wellbeing, Diocese of Newcastle, UK