Brief Therapies series – serie

`This book, edited by Keith Tudor (who is also one of the ten contributors) is excellent reading for a number of reasons: for those who know nothing about TA, it is a highly informative and readily accessible introduction. For those who read or studied it some time ago, it is an excellent refresher.

I am impressed by the diversity of people and applications of TA, and the developments outlined in this book are, certainly for me, cause for hope because, as well as offering frameworks for making 'simple' sense of humans in action – and human inaction – TA is a complex and profound system that offers people a way of solving the problems of the present, re-evaluating the struggles of the past, and reshaping the future with permission and power based on a greater sense of self' - Nurturing Potential

`I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all therapists as enriching and interesting reading' - European Association for Transactional Analysis Newsletter

`It is a book which would offer helpful introductions to both the practice of transactional analysis, and the attitude needed when planning brief therapy of any kind' - The Jounal of Analytical Psychology

Of all the approaches to therapy, transactional analysis is arguably one of those most suited to time-limited work. At a time when short-term therapy is increasingly dominant as a form of practice, Transactional Analysis Approaches to Brief Therapy provides an insightful guide which both informs and challenges.

Rather than a single theory, TA has developed as a group of four schools which share a common philosophy, but place different emphasis on what occurs during the therapeutic process. Written by therapists at the leading edge of developments in TA, the book presents and differentiates each of these four approaches. Through transcripts and commentaries, it shows how theory applies to practice, for example in treating post-traumatic stress or in achieving a one-session cure. The book also includes a useful glossary of TA terms, as well as an appendix of Eric Berne's short script-questionnaire.

In some ways critical of the zeitgeist of short-termism and the commercial pressures for therapy to be brief, the book seeks a balance between the challenge TA offers as an actionistic approach to quick and efficient therapy and the importance of relationship in therapy which is time-conscious. It will be enlightening reading for all those training and those already trained as therapists and counsellors in TA.

`This book, edited by Keith Tudor (who is also one of the ten contributors) is excellent reading for a number of reasons: for those who know nothing about TA, it is a highly informative and readily accessible introduction. For those who read or studied it some time ago, it is an excellent refresher.

I am impressed by the diversity of people and applications of TA, and the developments outlined in this book are, certainly for me, cause for hope because, as well as offering frameworks for making 'simple' sense of humans in action – and human inaction – TA is a complex and profound system that offers people a way of solving the problems of the present, re-evaluating the struggles of the past, and reshaping the future with permission and power based on a greater sense of self' - Nurturing Potential

`I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all therapists as enriching and interesting reading' - European Association for Transactional Analysis Newsletter

`It is a book which would offer helpful introductions to both the practice of transactional analysis, and the attitude needed when planning brief therapy of any kind' - The Jounal of Analytical Psychology

Of all the approaches to therapy, transactional analysis is arguably one of those most suited to time-limited work. At a time when short-term therapy is increasingly dominant as a form of practice, Transactional Analysis Approaches to Brief Therapy provides an insightful guide which both informs and challenges.

Rather than a single theory, TA has developed as a group of four schools which share a common philosophy, but place different emphasis on what occurs during the therapeutic process. Written by therapists at the leading edge of developments in TA, the book presents and differentiates each of these four approaches. Through transcripts and commentaries, it shows how theory applies to practice, for example in treating post-traumatic stress or in achieving a one-session cure. The book also includes a useful glossary of TA terms, as well as an appendix of Eric Berne's short script-questionnaire.

In some ways critical of the zeitgeist of short-termism and the commercial pressures for therapy to be brief, the book seeks a balance between the challenge TA offers as an actionistic approach to quick and efficient therapy and the importance of relationship in therapy which is time-conscious. It will be enlightening reading for all those training and those already trained as therapists and counsellors in TA.

`Of the many books on NLP, few deal with it specifically as psychotherapy and none so well as this one. All the usual strategies are there plus considerations on such matters as how the therapist benefits from using NLP, some excellent examples and case reports, written in a manner that is admirably suited to a professional readership. Top class' - NLP World

Neuro-Linguistic Programming has evolved as an effective approach to therapeutic work which originated in the study of excellence in communication. With its focus on enabling clients to find their own solutions and achieving their full potential, NLP is of increasing interest to many counsellors and psychotherapists.

Brief NLP Therapy provides a much-needed guide to the core concepts underpinning NLP practice. Each concept is explained clearly in terms of its theoretical and historical development and its practical application within brief therapy. Each chapter also features a `skill-builder' aimed at helping the reader develop the therapeutic techniques which stem from the theory. The application of NLP skills is demonstrated throughout with examples selected from practice and by two extended case studies at the end of the book which draw together the themes developed throughout.

Ian McDermott and Wendy Jago present NLP as an approach not only to therapeutic work, but to life in general. Brief NLP Therapy will resonate with the many therapists who are looking to enhance their practice, but who are also interested in developing their own personal efficacy in all arenas.

`Of the many books on NLP, few deal with it specifically as psychotherapy and none so well as this one. All the usual strategies are there plus considerations on such matters as how the therapist benefits from using NLP, some excellent examples and case reports, written in a manner that is admirably suited to a professional readership. Top class' - NLP World

Neuro-Linguistic Programming has evolved as an effective approach to therapeutic work which originated in the study of excellence in communication. With its focus on enabling clients to find their own solutions and achieving their full potential, NLP is of increasing interest to many counsellors and psychotherapists.

Brief NLP Therapy provides a much-needed guide to the core concepts underpinning NLP practice. Each concept is explained clearly in terms of its theoretical and historical development and its practical application within brief therapy. Each chapter also features a `skill-builder' aimed at helping the reader develop the therapeutic techniques which stem from the theory. The application of NLP skills is demonstrated throughout with examples selected from practice and by two extended case studies at the end of the book which draw together the themes developed throughout.

Ian McDermott and Wendy Jago present NLP as an approach not only to therapeutic work, but to life in general. Brief NLP Therapy will resonate with the many therapists who are looking to enhance their practice, but who are also interested in developing their own personal efficacy in all arenas.

Illustrated throughout with clinical vignettes, this book is a comprehensive guide to psychodynamic brief counselling and psychotherapy. It is ideal for those looking for a practical introduction to the subject.

Following a summary of the roots and development of psychoanalytic theory, psychodynamic models of brief, short-term and time-limited work are described. The author describes their differences and similarities in terms of duration, technique and the contexts for which they were developed. Gertrud Mander then examines the basics of brief therapeutic practice from a psychodynamic perspective, starting with assessment, contracting, structuring and focusing. The active stance of the brief therapist is emphasized, and the importance of beginnings and endings, and of supervision and training, are particularly stressed.

`On a scale of 0-10 I would give the Handbook of Solution Focused Therapy a nine - it met my best hopes in terms of an insight into the theory and mechanics of SFT, and gave me ideas for extending my current use of the therapy. I found it engaging, readable and well-presented, with useful reference lists within each chapter to guide further reading' - Solution News

`This collection of fifteen chapters, each written by a different specialist in the SFT field, is a valuable contribution to the Solution-Focused therapist's bookshelf. A must-read for any informed SF therapy practitioner - Mark McKergow, The Solutions Focus

`This book has 14 chapters on diverse applications of Solution-Focus, between introductory and closing chapters by Bill O'Connell. The book relates to work being done in the UK and in Ireland, excepting Alasdair MacDonald's piece on research in SFT, which is an up-to-date and welcome review of research findings world-wide. All the chapters are succinct and they convey a clear impression of the lightness and excitement of this approach, for service-users and therapists alike. The book is a good read for any therapist, professional helper or service manager' - Robert Cumming , Nurturing Potential

Solution-Focused therapy is an increasingly popular approach, used by practitioners in a wide range of contexts and settings. Illustrating the breadth and depth of contemporary practice, the Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy brings together contributions from leading practitioners in fields such as social work, education and health care to show how solution-focused techniques can be effective in many different situations.

Beginning with an introduction to the origins and theory of the approach, the book examines different areas of practice, explaining how and why the solution-focused approach is applicable and highlighting the issues specific to each context. Each chapter features a case-example, which demonstrates the practical advantages and difficulties, involved in using the solution-focused approach.

The Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy is an ideal text for training courses in solution-focused therapy and a source of new ideas for practitioners trained in other approaches who want to integrate solution-focused techniques with their existing practice.

Bill O'Connell is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling at University of Birmingham and author of Solution-Focused Therapy (SAGE 1998) and Solution-Focused Stress Counselling (Continuum 2001).

Professor Stephen Palmer is Director of the Centre for Stress Management and the Centre for Coaching, London. He has written and edited over 25 books.

`On a scale of 0-10 I would give the Handbook of Solution Focused Therapy a nine - it met my best hopes in terms of an insight into the theory and mechanics of SFT, and gave me ideas for extending my current use of the therapy. I found it engaging, readable and well-presented, with useful reference lists within each chapter to guide further reading' - Solution News

`This collection of fifteen chapters, each written by a different specialist in the SFT field, is a valuable contribution to the Solution-Focused therapist's bookshelf. A must-read for any informed SF therapy practitioner - Mark McKergow, The Solutions Focus

`This book has 14 chapters on diverse applications of Solution-Focus, between introductory and closing chapters by Bill O'Connell. The book relates to work being done in the UK and in Ireland, excepting Alasdair MacDonald's piece on research in SFT, which is an up-to-date and welcome review of research findings world-wide. All the chapters are succinct and they convey a clear impression of the lightness and excitement of this approach, for service-users and therapists alike. The book is a good read for any therapist, professional helper or service manager' - Robert Cumming , Nurturing Potential

Solution-Focused therapy is an increasingly popular approach, used by practitioners in a wide range of contexts and settings. Illustrating the breadth and depth of contemporary practice, the Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy brings together contributions from leading practitioners in fields such as social work, education and health care to show how solution-focused techniques can be effective in many different situations.

Beginning with an introduction to the origins and theory of the approach, the book examines different areas of practice, explaining how and why the solution-focused approach is applicable and highlighting the issues specific to each context. Each chapter features a case-example, which demonstrates the practical advantages and difficulties, involved in using the solution-focused approach.

The Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy is an ideal text for training courses in solution-focused therapy and a source of new ideas for practitioners trained in other approaches who want to integrate solution-focused techniques with their existing practice.

Bill O'Connell is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling at University of Birmingham and author of Solution-Focused Therapy (SAGE 1998) and Solution-Focused Stress Counselling (Continuum 2001).

Professor Stephen Palmer is Director of the Centre for Stress Management and the Centre for Coaching, London. He has written and edited over 25 books.

`Anybody with the slightest interest in brief therapy should read this book. Now that the initial controversy over brief therapy has begun to subside it is great to see how brief therapy works in practice. Gaie Houston's book is part of a series published by SAGE which sets out to do this - and hers is particularly illuminating and accessible.

As she points out Gestalt is better equipped than many mainstream therapies to be applied to situations with extreme time constraints because it is both flexible and it acknowledges the part that can be played by other therapies. But what propels Houston's book out of the hum drum - or indeed the defensive (or offensive) diatribes about short therapy which have appeared over the past few years - is her vivid accounts of real-life sessions, both one to one and group, which punctuate the text' - Amazon Review

Brief Gestalt Therapy demonstrates how the Gestalt approach can be used effectively in brief interventions with clients. Gestalt's distinctively integrative nature and emphasis on a highly co-operative working alliance, make it particularly suited to brief work.

The book sets out the basic theory and principles of Gestalt and looks at each phase of the therapeutic process from initial assessment through the beginning and middle stages to the ending of the work. It presents clear, practical strategies for therapists to follow and in particular examines:

} aspects of Gestalt which are especially relevant to brief work

-} the elements of successful therapy

-} ways of improving skills.

Brief Gestalt Therapy includes vignettes and detailed case studies which bring the theory alive. It will contribute much to both existing literature on Gestalt therapy and also brief therapy, and will be invaluable to trainee and practising Gestalt therapists.

`Anybody with the slightest interest in brief therapy should read this book. Now that the initial controversy over brief therapy has begun to subside it is great to see how brief therapy works in practice. Gaie Houston's book is part of a series published by SAGE which sets out to do this - and hers is particularly illuminating and accessible.

As she points out Gestalt is better equipped than many mainstream therapies to be applied to situations with extreme time constraints because it is both flexible and it acknowledges the part that can be played by other therapies. But what propels Houston's book out of the hum drum - or indeed the defensive (or offensive) diatribes about short therapy which have appeared over the past few years - is her vivid accounts of real-life sessions, both one to one and group, which punctuate the text' - Amazon Review

Brief Gestalt Therapy demonstrates how the Gestalt approach can be used effectively in brief interventions with clients. Gestalt's distinctively integrative nature and emphasis on a highly co-operative working alliance, make it particularly suited to brief work.

The book sets out the basic theory and principles of Gestalt and looks at each phase of the therapeutic process from initial assessment through the beginning and middle stages to the ending of the work. It presents clear, practical strategies for therapists to follow and in particular examines:

} aspects of Gestalt which are especially relevant to brief work

-} the elements of successful therapy

-} ways of improving skills.

Brief Gestalt Therapy includes vignettes and detailed case studies which bring the theory alive. It will contribute much to both existing literature on Gestalt therapy and also brief therapy, and will be invaluable to trainee and practising Gestalt therapists.

Struggling with the intricacies of Solution-Focused theory, skills or practice? Wanting to learn more about providing brief, practically-based solution-focused interventions across many therapeutic settings? As part of the popular Brief Therapies Series, this long awaited third edition will tell you all you need to know about Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and more!

This popular introduction takes you step-by-step through the counselling process, providing insight into how to structure and manage your therapeutic work in ways that are grounded in Solution-Focused principles.

This book includes:

- a detailed introduction to the theory and practice of 'brief' therapy

- a discussion of the foundations of SFT

- exercises to use with clients and/or trainees

- brand new case examples relating theory directly to practice

- an insightful reflection on the journey of the practitioner

From leading Solution-Focused expert Bill O'Connell, this book will not only provide practical guidelines and theoretical background for the beginner but support and inspiration for the more experienced.

Bill O'Connell is Director of Training for Focus on Solutions Limited in Birmingham. He was previously Head of the Counselling Department at Westhill College of Higher Education, Birmingham, and is co-editor of Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy (SAGE, 2003).

Struggling with the intricacies of Solution-Focused theory, skills or practice? Wanting to learn more about providing brief, practically-based solution-focused interventions across many therapeutic settings? As part of the popular Brief Therapies Series, this long awaited third edition will tell you all you need to know about Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and more!

This popular introduction takes you step-by-step through the counselling process, providing insight into how to structure and manage your therapeutic work in ways that are grounded in Solution-Focused principles.

This book includes:

- a detailed introduction to the theory and practice of 'brief' therapy

- a discussion of the foundations of SFT

- exercises to use with clients and/or trainees

- brand new case examples relating theory directly to practice

- an insightful reflection on the journey of the practitioner

From leading Solution-Focused expert Bill O'Connell, this book will not only provide practical guidelines and theoretical background for the beginner but support and inspiration for the more experienced.

Bill O'Connell is Director of Training for Focus on Solutions Limited in Birmingham. He was previously Head of the Counselling Department at Westhill College of Higher Education, Birmingham, and is co-editor of Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy (SAGE, 2003).

This timely new edition describes how to use cognitive behaviour therapy successfully with clients in a brief, time-limited way. After reading this book therapists will be able to provide effective help to clients suffering from a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress, or those who are suicidal.

Following an explanation of brief therapy and the theory behind cognitive behaviour therapy, the authors outline strategies for helping clients overcome unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns through all stages of counselling. Using illustrative case material throughout, the updated book includes:

extra practical material for the client and therapist to use during the counselling processa brand new chapter on brief CBT in groupworkexpansion of discussion on counselling suicidal clients within a brief CBT framework.

Every trainee psychotherapist should own a copy of this book, and it is important reading for all new health professionals working in the NHS and private practice.

This timely new edition describes how to use cognitive behaviour therapy successfully with clients in a brief, time-limited way. After reading this book therapists will be able to provide effective help to clients suffering from a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress, or those who are suicidal.

Following an explanation of brief therapy and the theory behind cognitive behaviour therapy, the authors outline strategies for helping clients overcome unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns through all stages of counselling. Using illustrative case material throughout, the updated book includes:

extra practical material for the client and therapist to use during the counselling processa brand new chapter on brief CBT in groupworkexpansion of discussion on counselling suicidal clients within a brief CBT framework.

Every trainee psychotherapist should own a copy of this book, and it is important reading for all new health professionals working in the NHS and private practice.

`Solution-Focused Groupwork (2001) was a major contribution to the literature on groupwork. It has been one of this author's most influential books. The Second Edition contains much new material including the uses of 'problem talk', an activity normally avoided by solution-focused therapists. Preparation for groups, client motivation and collaboration are all explored in detail. The role of (or necessity for?) social time to be built into the therapy model is an interesting and novel idea. Suggestions are made for client evaluation and for creative exercises to enhance the group process. All in all, the result is a valuable and readable new edition' - Dr Alasdair J Macdonald

`Enlightening, clearly written, and helpfully presented...The book echoes what Solution-Focused Groupwork is all about - being practical and optimistic about human potential' - David Jaques, Author of Learning in Groups

`A fund of practical wisdom which will give confidence and encouragement to everyone trying to run groups along solution-focused lines' - Bill O'Connell, Focus on Solutions Limited, Birmingham

`John Sharry has drawn on a combination of extensive experience in running groups and a thorough understanding of current developments to produce an inspiring and practical guide to this powerful way of helping people to change. I have recommended the first edition many times and have been sharing the good news of this new edition ever since I knew it was under way' - John Wheeler MA, UKCP Registered Family Therapist, Social Worker and Independent Trainer.

`Sharry's book offers a persuasive alternative to traditional methods of group practice. The new edition enhances the applicability of an already major contribution to solution-focused practice. It is obviously written from a real practitioner who understands the process and elements of group work. He offers excellent case material throughout to help demonstrated the skills and values of this approach and does so in a readable and engaging manner suitable for students and professionals at all levels of expertise' - Professor Robert Blundo, Ph.D., LCSW, Strengths Collaborative, Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC. U.S.A.

`This slim tautly written volume disguises an enormously practical treasure store to help group facilitators. Solution-Focused Groupwork should be essential reading' -

Barbara Wilson, Family Mediation in Practice

Solution-Focused Groupwork, Second Edition is a highly practical guide for all professionals who use groups to help people. For those new to the solution-focused approach it provides a clear, step-by-step introduction, while for more experienced practitioners it presents ideas and techniques which can be readily integrated into existing practice.

Using carefully selected case studies, John Sharry takes readers through the various stages in the therapeutic process, from getting started to the final session.

He also provides:

"creative exercises for use in practice,

"guidance on evaluating the outcomes of group work and

"a new model for group supervision.

A real strength of the book is in showing practitioners how to create a constructive, positive and solution-focused group culture and how to maintain this culture in spite of the challenges, tensions and difficulties that naturally arise within groups.

John Sharry is a Principal Social Worker in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Mater Hospital, and part-time Director of the Brief Therapy Group (Private Practice and Consultancy).

`Solution-Focused Groupwork (2001) was a major contribution to the literature on groupwork. It has been one of this author's most influential books. The Second Edition contains much new material including the uses of 'problem talk', an activity normally avoided by solution-focused therapists. Preparation for groups, client motivation and collaboration are all explored in detail. The role of (or necessity for?) social time to be built into the therapy model is an interesting and novel idea. Suggestions are made for client evaluation and for creative exercises to enhance the group process. All in all, the result is a valuable and readable new edition' - Dr Alasdair J Macdonald

`Enlightening, clearly written, and helpfully presented...The book echoes what Solution-Focused Groupwork is all about - being practical and optimistic about human potential' - David Jaques, Author of Learning in Groups

`A fund of practical wisdom which will give confidence and encouragement to everyone trying to run groups along solution-focused lines' - Bill O'Connell, Focus on Solutions Limited, Birmingham

`John Sharry has drawn on a combination of extensive experience in running groups and a thorough understanding of current developments to produce an inspiring and practical guide to this powerful way of helping people to change. I have recommended the first edition many times and have been sharing the good news of this new edition ever since I knew it was under way' - John Wheeler MA, UKCP Registered Family Therapist, Social Worker and Independent Trainer.

`Sharry's book offers a persuasive alternative to traditional methods of group practice. The new edition enhances the applicability of an already major contribution to solution-focused practice. It is obviously written from a real practitioner who understands the process and elements of group work. He offers excellent case material throughout to help demonstrated the skills and values of this approach and does so in a readable and engaging manner suitable for students and professionals at all levels of expertise' - Professor Robert Blundo, Ph.D., LCSW, Strengths Collaborative, Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC. U.S.A.

`This slim tautly written volume disguises an enormously practical treasure store to help group facilitators. Solution-Focused Groupwork should be essential reading' -

Barbara Wilson, Family Mediation in Practice

Solution-Focused Groupwork, Second Edition is a highly practical guide for all professionals who use groups to help people. For those new to the solution-focused approach it provides a clear, step-by-step introduction, while for more experienced practitioners it presents ideas and techniques which can be readily integrated into existing practice.

Using carefully selected case studies, John Sharry takes readers through the various stages in the therapeutic process, from getting started to the final session.

He also provides:

"creative exercises for use in practice,

"guidance on evaluating the outcomes of group work and

"a new model for group supervision.

A real strength of the book is in showing practitioners how to create a constructive, positive and solution-focused group culture and how to maintain this culture in spite of the challenges, tensions and difficulties that naturally arise within groups.

John Sharry is a Principal Social Worker in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Mater Hospital, and part-time Director of the Brief Therapy Group (Private Practice and Consultancy).

`This is a book that the person-centered psychotherapy community has been waiting for ... this book opens a creative space in which the ongoing conversation about therapeutic efficacy in times of shrinking resources can be successfully engaged' - Professor Maureen O'Hara, Chair, Department of Psychology, National University, La Jolla, California

`A wide-ranging and scholarly book which shows that person-centred therapy is fully alive to the challenges of the twenty-first century and is breaking new ground both clinically and theoretically' - Professor Brian Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of East Anglia

"Likely to be of interest to anyone involved in counselling" -

Times Higher Educaton Magazine, May 2009

Can the person-centred approach work in time-limited psychotherapy and counselling? This is a question that many practitioners grapple with as demand for brief therapy increases - particularly in the public sector. Brief Person-Centred Therapies is the first book to tackle the subject, bringing together the experience and insights of a leading international team of person-centred therapists.

The book examines the philosophical and theoretical 'fit' between the person-centred approach and brief therapy. It also explores the issues which arise when working briefly in a range of different settings, including primary care, higher education, business, and prison, with couples and groups.

Brief Person-Centred Therapies is essential reading for all person-centred trainees and for practitioners who want to work in services where brief or time-limited work is required or favoured.

Keith Tudor is a UKCP registered psychotherapist, and has a private/independent practice in Sheffield offering therapy, supervision and consultancy.