William Schofield presents a classic analysis of mental illness, of professional psychotherapists and their training, and of the elements of psychotherapy. He asserts the need for more rigorous selection of candidates for therapy and for a properly focused training of a new professional specialist: the psychotherapist. In his new introduction to this important critique, Schofield shows why his pleas for a rational training program are still appropriate. Psychotherapy is a pioneering critique of modern psychiatric practices. Far too many people see psychotherapy as a cure for every ill from tormenting self-doubt to lack of zest of life. Through failure to attend to careful assessment of the presenting problem, and the nature (and neglect) of the applicant's social resources, the psychotherapist can fall unwittingly into the role of moral counselor or morale coach, and can be seduced into the chronic role of best friend. Schofield argues that today's overburdened experts-psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric social workers-are not specifically trained to administer therapy through conversation. This book, first published in 1964, is an urgent call for a new specialist, a psychotherapist trained as a specialist in therapeutic conversation. This book is also a call for a more realistic public attitude toward mental disorder-one which distinguishes emotional illness from unhappiness and discontent. Everyone interested in the growth, clarification, and evaluation of psychotherapy and counseling will be challenged by Schofield's arguments.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Inc
ISBN-13
9780887386596
eBay Product ID (ePID)
95945195
Product Key Features
Subject Area
Clinical Psychology
Author
William Schofield
Publication Name
Psychotherapy: the Purchase of Friendship
Format
Paperback
Language
English
Publication Year
1986
Type
Textbook
Number of Pages
456 Pages
Dimensions
Item Height
229mm
Item Width
152mm
Item Weight
363g
Additional Product Features
Title_Author
William Schofield
Country/Region of Manufacture
United Kingdom
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