The Transforming Power Of Affect: A Model For Accelerated Change

by Diana Fosha

A groundbreaking examination of the transformational power of affect and a technique for harnessing it in the psychotherapeutic setting The first model of accelerated psychodynamic therapy to make the theoretical why as important as the formula for how, Fosha's original technique for catalyzing change mandates explicit empathy and radical engagement by the therapist to elicit and harness the patient's own healing affects. Its wide-open window on contemporary relational and attachment theory ushers in a safe, emotionally intense, experience-based pathway for processing previously unbearable feelings. This is a rich fusion of intellectual rigor, clinical passion, and practical moment-by-moment interventions.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Counselling

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2000

Reviews

[Jon Frederickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana Fosha is a compelling presenter and her book reveals the basis for her work: affects not attuned to by the caregiver are repressed. That repression causes presenting problems. Thus, the therapist's warmth and attunement will "melt" the patient's defenses, allowing feelings to be revealed and worked through. She links her theory to the attachment researchers and offers a compelling theoretical foundation for a psychodynamic therapy based on attachment theory. I give the book only four stars because only the last three chapters actually address how to work with patients, showing different ways she approaches clinical problems. Thus, although the theory is compelling, I found myself wanting to see on a clinical level how this theory translates into therapeutic action. In addition, although she believes defenses will "melt" in response to the therapist's warmth, this pathway of cure does not work with all patients. We are left at a loss when asked to think how she would work with this model with more resistant patients. However, that said, the last three chapters are terrific and well worth studying. Co-Creating Change: Effective Dynamic Therapy Techniques

[Rinie Altena · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the end quite technical but very thorough.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

Thought this book had a lot of excellent insights that were demonstrated by useful role plays to highlight these insights. In fact, my biggest complaint is that some of the core concepts were confusing to understand when explained but became easier when demonstrated through the role plays. As a therapist who values experiential work, this book has given me a lot to think about in how to do it better. In particular, the role of defenses is already proving to be useful for me in trying to navigate the experiential work in therapy.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il libro tratta della psicoterapia dinamico-esperienziale accelerata ( AEDP). Il testo è per addetti ai lavori che abbiano fatto un corso di specializzazione . Personalmente ne ho ricavato solo alcune informazioni teoriche interessanti . D'altronde non sono una addetta ai lavori.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book about psychotherapy I've read in a very long time.