A Brief Guide to Brief Therapy

by Brian Cade, Bill O'Hanlon

"With brief therapy finally getting deserved interest, the time is ripe for an overview. Cade and O'Hanlon state that they 'decided to collaborate on a book that would summarize the main elements, the ideas, principles, attitudes, and techniques associated with brief therapy.' Read this work--you'll be glad they did, and you did." --John H. Weakland

Genres: Psychology

222 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[Samantha Chapnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapters 3-11 are the most valuable parts of the book. These chapters are pragmatic (if compact) overviews of particular techniques useful to anyone who works with clients seeking change. I didn't give 5 stars only because there are some elements I find perhaps a bit dated or maybe the word is idealistic--a section on the effectiveness of hypnotism. It was a bit too out there and could have been left out.

[Tiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to be so open-minded to this approach. The anecdotes used by the authors really impressed my understanding of the application. While I am not too sure the lasting effects of using brief therapy with minors living with their families - the conclusions of the examples were compelling enough to satisfy my doubts. I definitely think I picked up some of the questions and techniques I hope to implement in my own practice soon!

[Michael Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not recommended for a layman. A background in philosophy and the history of psychotherapy will help a lot. Indulges in a fair bit of polemics and assumes a background in brief therapy on the part of the reader.

The discussion of technique is insightful and useful. Many quoteable quotes.

[Bret Legg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book for Therapists (and more brief, behavioral therapists at that.) A fairly easy read, if you’re interested in the topic.

[Lone Meineche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as it in a very basic way tell about the strategic psychotherapy. It contains a lot of basics and have a lot of useful info that you can use directly if you assist people in their personal development. It includes a lot of practical examples.

[David Teague · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction and guide to Brief Therapy. It was a good and relatively easy read covering much of the brief therapy process including identifying problems, keeping the client as the primary driver for therapy, using analogies and parables, and, of course, the Miracle Question.