Psychotherapy in Independent Practice

Book excerpt: This enlightening new book provides insight into issues of major significance to practicing psychologists, educators, and psychologists in public service on the changing roles of psychotherapists. This collection of chapters is broad in scope and offers practical guidelines for clinicians to use in their own practice as well as discussions of important public policy issues. A wide range of topics are organized into six timely areas of concern: the role of psychologists in health care post-doctoral training for the specialty of psychotherapy psychotherapists in independent settings versus managed health care settings liability risks in treating dangerous and abusive patients eclectic uses of the metaphor in psychotherapy alternate treatment methods for reducing marital violence. Psychotherapy in Independent Practice not only describes the most current events relating to these issues, it also completely covers their implications for psychotherapists and gives specific guidelines and techniques for addressing these issues in private practice. Professionals will find comprehensive coverage of recent developments in the field as well as implications for the future of psychotherapy in this invaluable volume. The field of psychology is examined as a cost-effective and innovative component in health care including recommendations for the improved training and education of professional psychologists. Authoritative contributors debate the pros and cons of the psychologist's role in managed health care organizations. Cases and strategies for clinicians are presented relating to liability and confidentiality in psychotherapy with potentially dangerous patients. Also addressed is the duty to protect HIV-positive patients involved in high-risk behaviors. Innovative treatments are included such as the use of dreams and imagery in cognitive behavior therapy, guidelines for using meditation with abusive couples, strategies for treating battered women, and the use of metaphor in RET therapy. Psychotherapy in Independent Practice is a vital resource for today's practitioner.