Opening gambits : the first session of psychotherapy / Peter S. Armstrong.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Armstrong, Peter S.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Psychoanalytic counseling.

Psychoanalysis.

Physical Description:

xvi, 235 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Northvale, N.J. : J. Aronson, [2000]

Summary:

This book offers guidelines to enhance the clinician's ability to conduct an effective first session. The therapist's stance and its implications for first session technique are discussed (e.g., first words, therapist anxiety, subtle directives, etc.), as well as handling issues of scheduling, fees, and cancellations. Armstrong identifies eight essential tasks of the first session (e.g., an atmosphere of safety, assessment, contract, and transition), and demonstrates with rich clinical detail the steps he takes to accomplish them. This book guides therapists through the many issues that arise in the initial session.

Contents:

1 The First-Session Experience 1

2 The Therapist's Stance 9

3 The Contract

First Negotiations 65

4 The Contract

Fees and Legal Issues 83

5 Assessment 123

6 Transition to the Opening Phase 179

7 The Phone Call 187

8 My First Session with a Patient 193

9 Special Cases 207.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [225]-228) and index.

ISBN:

076570241X

OCLC:

42022304