First Steps in the Clinical Practice of Psychotherapy: A Practice-Oriented Psychodynamic Approach
The beginning psychotherapist, regardless of discipline, will find this eminently clear and readable primer an invaluable source of wisdom and support in the process of getting started in this difficult field. The author's presence as mentor is strongly palpable. She describes with sparkling clarity the main 'how-to's' governing setting of the frame, fees, addressing clients' seductiveness, cancellations, hospitalization, and many more. This book is practical in the extreme. The reader will use it as a reference repeatedly as difficult situations are encountered. (Bernard Brickman, M.D., Ph.D., Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute)Maxa Ott's book is a one-of-a-kind, sorely needed, comprehensive introduction to the many complicated and difficult facets of being a psychotherapist. Everything is spelled out and defined with numerous clarifying examples.First Steps in the Clinical Practice of Psychotherapyshould be required reading in every graduate school and training program where, all too often, students are plunged into material far beyond their ability to understand, integrate, or apply. For many others already in practice, this book will make up for much of what they missed in their formal training and will enhance their competence as psychotherapists. (Althea J. Horner, Ph.D., author, Object Relations and the Developing Ego in Therapy)