Applying Psychoanalytic Thought to Contemporary Mental Health Practice

Book excerpt: Advances in psychoanalytic theory and technique can be usefully applied in virtually all psychotherapeutic settings, as well as in the management of patients in many nonmental health settings, to enhance understanding of patients. In this book, Steinberg reviews a collection of his own essays, incorporating developments in psychoanalytic theory and new ideas since his essays were published. Chapters clearly describe the evolving psychoanalytic approaches to treatment and illustrate how to use psychoanalytic concepts when working with patients. A variety of clinical situations are covered, including group psychotherapy, partial hospitalization, and individual psychotherapy. This book provides the foundation of analysis and offers varied clinical experiences appealing to a wide range of practitioners and case examples offering descriptive details and interventions. This book will be essential reading for all mental health professionals wanting to improve their working relationships with patients.