A Consumer's Guide to Psychotherapy

by Larry E. Beutler, Bruce Bongar, Joel N. Shurkin

With over 400 types of psychotherapy available, ranging from the highly effective to the highly questionable to the downright fraudulent, the task of choosing a therapist can be daunting. Now, this work gives you all the information you need to get the most effective help and to know when your
therapy is working--or when it's time for a change.

Drawing on years of practical experience and the most up-to-date research, the authors give you expert guidance on all the issues you should consider, whether you're seeking therapy or uncertain about the therapy you're receiving: What questions should I ask my therapist about a recommended
treatment? What personal qualities and professional qualifications should I look for in a therapist? What do research studies say about the effectiveness of a particular therapy? How do I recognize when a therapist is not right for me? How can I tell when my therapist's behavior is unethical or
unprofessional? What strategies can I use to evaluate my progress? The authors also provide an overview of the main branches of psychotherapy and suggest which approaches are best suited to the most commonly occurring problems, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating
disorders, relationship and sexual difficulties, and many others. Finally, the authors stress that because therapies don't come with warning labels, and because a therapist will typically apply his or her theory to whoever walks through the door, regardless of their symptoms and circumstances, it is
essential to choose your therapist wisely, with as much forethought as possible.

Empowering you to make that choice with confidence and to be a knowledgeable participant in your own treatment, this book is essential for all those seeking or merely curious about psychotherapy.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2001

About the author

Dr. Beutler received his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska and subsequently served on the faculties of Duke University Medical Center, Stephen F. Austin State University, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, and the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). He currently is a Professor Emeritus at both UCSB and PAU. He is the previous Chair of the Faculty, and former Director of Clinical Training at Palo Alto University. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), a fellow of both APA and APS, a Past President of Division 29 (Psychotherapy) and of the Society for Clinical Psychology (Division 12--clinical of APA), and a two term Past President (international) of the Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR). Among his citations and achievements, he is a recipient of the Distinguished Career award from SPR, the Gold Medal Lecture from the American Psychological Foundation, and a Presidential citation for achievement from the APA. He has also been honored for his contributions by the States of Arizona and California. He has published over 450 scholarly articles and chapters and is the author or co-author of 25 books on psychotherapy, assessment, and psychopathology.