Integrative Psychotherapy in Healthcare: A Humanistic Approach
Author: Tricia Scott
Palgrave pubs. 187 pages
ISBN 0333969154
Part of Basic Texts in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Series editor: Stephen Frosh
Tricia Scott is a UKCP registered psychotherapist with 20 years experience in public and private sectors. She also is a director and tutors on masters and diploma courses in Psychotherapy and Counselling.
This book describes the integrative approach that was developed for the Minster Centre's diploma and MA
programme in psychotherapy and counselling and, "reflects my experiences of trying to bring together the different worlds in which my practice developed" (p.6)
It is well organised, clear and easy to read.
The author has divided the book into eight chapters entitled: - Psychotherapy in Healthcare: Setting the Scene.
- Psychotherapy Integration.
- What Might Help a Person in Distress?
- Therapeutic Relationship: Core Concept.
-
Who Has Come For Help?
- Therapeutic Skills.
- Therapeutic Process.
- Ethical Practice.
Tricia Scott discusses issues of mental health and illness and ways that these are understood and responded to particularly in healthcare/ medical services and looks at current initiatives in Britain to improve service provision.
Definitions of psychotherapy are explored, humanistic and
integrative perspectives on the concepts of mental health and illness are offered and different ways of thinking about integrative psychotherapy are discussed.
Theoretical ideas that underpin this approach and the spiritual dimension of psychotherapy are considered. Conscious and unconscious elements of therapeutic relationships are explored. Referral issues in mental health services and a framework for organising clients' material in order to help focus and guide the therapeutic process
are discussed as are a variety of skills. There are useful sections on the therapeutic process and ethical practice.
She brings in ideas from many different sources including Rogers, Freud, Reich, Stern, Stolorow et al and Kohut and manages to weave them all very effectively into this book.
I particularly liked the way she used client case studies as illustrations. I was left wanting more depth at times but as the series is "Basic Texts" this book certainly provides at
least that and some more in parts.
Review by Francesca Hannah PTSTA © 2004
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