Book Review
Psychotherapy
Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy:
A Basic Text Glen O Gabbard. Arlington (VA): American Psychiatric Press; 2004.
210 p. US$33.95.
Reviewer
rating*: Excellent
Review by: Daniel Greben, MD, FRCPC
Toronto, Ontario
It is a pleasure to review this book. This compact text is the first in the series Core Competencies in Psychotherapy, of which Dr Gabbard is also series editor. The book is intended specifically as an introductory text, and as such it excels. From an educator’s perspective, this is a most noteworthy achievement, as texts well suited to the needs of novices beginning their psychodynamic training are hard to come by.
This text is characterized by a balanced, flexible, modern approach informed by wisdom and depth of knowledge on the practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy. It is these overall qualities, so difficult to impart in a book this short, that set it apart. This is important, in that early readings recommended to trainees represent an opportunity to influence their developing attitudes.
The book addresses a range of topics relevant to its stated purpose. I particularly appreciated certain sections, including those entitled “The Nuts and Bolts of Psychotherapy: Getting Started,” “Therapeutic Interventions: What Does the Therapist Say and Do?,” “Goals and Therapeutic Action,” and “Working Through and Termination.” These chapters deal explicitly with specific issues of concern and interest to aspiring psychodynamic therapists. They are handled in a straightforward way that avoids imprecise use of theoretical jargon. The balanced perspective noted above is apparent in the approach taken to this material.
A strength of the book is the use of well-selected, illustrative clinical examples throughout. Many of these speak directly to situations faced by trainees and therefore should be meaningful to the intended audience. An interesting feature of the book is its inclusion of a neurophysiologic perspective in addition to theoretical understandings of certain psychodynamic phenomena. Two final chapters on supervision and evaluation consider only briefly other aspects of the educational endeavour of which the book is meant to be part.
Dr Gabbard is eminently suited to authoring a book of this nature. His deep knowledge of psychodynamic psychotherapy and his extensive writing experience have allowed him to convey this material in a concise, articulate fashion accessible to the beginner. The book is laid out clearly, with appropriate use of tables and figures. The total length is in keeping with its intended use, as is its price.
The limitations one encounters in reviewing this text are primarily a consequence of its focused, introductory approach to a highly complex clinical domain. Many issues are necessarily addressed in a manner that more experienced readers will find cursory. In the “Introduction,” Dr Gabbard acknowledges some of the space-related limitations. Nonetheless, he succeeds in imparting a great deal of clinical wisdom on a wide range of core issues, given the format which has been chosen for this series. All told, the book’s content and approach will provide a valuable complement to the education provided through supervision. I strongly recommend that psychodynamic psychotherapy supervisors and educators with a programmatic interest in psychotherapy training consider this text.
*Reviewer
Rating Scale/ Échelle d’évaluation du réviseur
Excellent / Excellent
Very Good / Très bon
Good / Bon
Fair / Passable
Not recommended / Pas recommandé
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