Beginnings: The Art and Science of Planning Psychotherapy

by Mary Jo Peebles

Utilizing a decade's worth of clinical experience gained since its original publication, Mary Jo Peebles builds and expands upon exquisitely demonstrated therapeutic approaches and strategies in this second edition of Beginnings . The essential question remains the same, How does a therapist begin psychotherapy? To address this delicate issue, she takes a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to the substance of those crucial first sessions, delineating both processes and potential pitfalls in such topics as establishing a therapeutic alliance, issues of trust, and history taking. Each chapter is revised and expanded to include the latest treatment research and modalities, liberally illustrated with rich case material, and espouse a commitment to the value of multiple theoretical perspectives. Frank and sophisticated, yet eminently accessible, this second edition will be an invaluable resource for educators, students, and seasoned practitioners of any therapeutic persuasion.

Genres: Psychology, Social Work

454 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Hanan AL-Raddadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a month to finish this book. I couldn’t read it fast because every line was written to promote thinking and reflecting on why this particular idea(whichever the chapter happens to be discussing)is very important in planning psychotherapy and how things could go wrong. The book has 27 chapters, each consists of approximately 10-15 pages and can be read separately if preferred. My favorite is chapter 22 because it discusses the functions served by the patient’s symptoms, or what is the patient gaining by his suffering that he can’t get any other way. I love it because it’s titled “ respecting the psychological costs of change” and because it was arranged before talking about modalities. But I loved it most because it was written with a humble tone and not disrespectful and judging like most books are. Peebles’s book is without doubt a classic book, one that is meant to be read and reread forever.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've ever read for grad school. In fact, I'll probably re-read it over and over again when I'm DONE with school because it's very useful! The only time I really feel inspired to want to do therapy is when I'm reading this book. The only problem is how frustrated I get thinking of how many years it would take to become as great of a therapist as the author.

[David Rope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Expertly crafted account breaking down the art and science of psychotherapy. Emphasizes understanding the patient and comprehensively mapping a treatment plan. Deemphasizes but incorporates major modalities of therapeutic techniques. Offers practical patient examples which clarify concepts. Highly recommend as an overview to understanding psychotherapy.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just good common sense.

[Emily St. Amant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t say this lightly, but I highly recommend this for all therapists, new and experienced alike. I read the first version in grad school ~16 years ago and finally got to the updated second version. I worked my way slowly through this over several months, to avoid just plowing through it, in hopes I’d get more out of it. This may be a lot of stuff I “already knew,” however, learning is life-long, and it’s important to revisit the fundamentals no matter how much experience one has in their field.

[Nicki Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

good. there are lots of good examples on how to and where to go with a client when certain questions come up, etc. glad i read it, good reference.