On Becoming a Better Therapist
Drawing on many years of clinical experience and research on evidence-based practice, Duncan (PsyD, director, Heart and Soul of Change Project) argues with conviction and humor that systematically monitoring client outcomes is advantageous to therapists as well as to clients. He offers lessons learned about clients being the best teachers and guidelines for what works in therapy. The guide includes a foreword by Michael J. Lambert (psychology, Brigham Young University), other pearls of wisdom, findings of the Norway Feedback Project, excerpts of therapy sessions, and information on career development tracking software (ASIST, MyOutcomes). --Reference & Research Book News (May 2010)This is a highly valuable and very readable book containing much for both the beginner and experienced therapist. It is grounded in the experience of counsellors either in private practice or in agencies who are required to deal with a wide variety of people and a range of issues on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis while also coping with increasing accountability to third party payers. Dr. Duncan focuses on the human encounter that is at the core of therapy emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic alliance and referring back to the seminal ideas of Carl Rogers such as empathy and unconditional positive regard...The points made in the book are illustrated with a rich collection of clinical examples. The client's contribution and wisdom is emphasized and it is always clear that we are talking about people rather than cases or examples of a DSM diagnosis. This is reflective of Dr. Duncan's work and for those who have not read any of his other books or papers this is an excellent piece to start. It is practice grounded in research and research grounded in practice. --Psychotherapy in AustraliaOverall, On Becoming a Better Therapist, written by one of the most perceptive clinicians of our day, is an excellent readand a helpful guide to becoming a more effective therapist. For those would like more information about Duncan and his work, the following sources are recommended: Duncan and Miller (2006); Duncan, Miller, and Sparks (2004); and Duncan, Miller, Wampold, and Hubble (2010). --Psychotherapy