How Psychotherapy Works

Jeffery Smith’s work as a psychiatrist, therapist, teacher, and international leader is driven by a mission to improve the field of psychotherapy by combining science with the humanism clients need.

“With a rare combination of clinical wisdom and testable scientific clarity, therapists at every level of experience will find in these pages a compassionate guide for the real work of change, one that may also help move the field beyond brand loyalty and toward process-based knowledge.”Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno, and originator of acceptance and commitment therapy“Brilliant.”Marvin R. Goldfried, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology (ret.), Stony Brook University“In this highly engaging and unifying guide, Dr. Jeffery Smith distills decades of wisdom into clear principles that demystify the therapeutic process. Bridging across schools of thought, he offers therapists from beginner to experienced practitioner both confidence and practical direction. A must read for anyone seeking to understand how psychotherapy truly fosters healing and growth.”Dilip Jeste, MD, past president of the American Psychiatric Association, president elect, World Federation for Psychotherapy“The future of psychotherapy depends upon people like Jeffery Smith. This is an important book.”Mark Solms, PhD, director of neuropsychology, University of Cape Town“Few have been as dedicated as Dr. Smith to the work of bringing together rival schools of psychotherapy. This invaluable book will help therapists of all stripes understand more clearly what they are doing and how it works as they also find common ground.”Eric M. Plakun, MD, past Medical Director/CEO, Austen Riggs Center, founder of the American Psychiatric Association Psychotherapy Caucus

• Introduction: How We Got Here And Why The Time For Change Is Now 1. A Foundation for Success 2. Psychotherapy Treats Entrenched Maladaptive Patterns 3. EMPS Come in Layers 4. Inner Selves, the Authors Of EMPs 5.The Plan 6. Inside Every EMP 7. Five Key Questions: A Method For Seeking Accurate Empathy 8. Three Mechanisms Of Change 9. Bring Affect into the Room 10. The Art of Disconfirmation 11. Hope, Motivation, and Development 12. Boundaries and Pitfalls 13. How This Framework Supports Many Therapies 14. The End of of a Voyage and the Beginning of a New One Appendix: Biology Meets Psychology – Some Notes