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Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist
Putting together what you learned in grad school and beyond into a coherent voice that is both personalized and professional. As a new or seasoned therapist, it’s so hard to make transformational moments out of all that’s being thrown at you in sessions. You’re just winging it, but deep down you know there’s a way to make your sessions more dynamic and intentionally responsive. This book shows how to develop a keen ear and sharp eye for the many changes coming your way. Examples from music, movies, and literature will illustrate how the scientific principles of interpersonal neurobiology can help you claim your artistry as a therapist. This inspiring and informative book will help you find your voice and navigate the complexities and joys of the mysterious relationship that is therapy itself. Supervisors and new clinicians alike will be refreshed by the innovative vision of mental health practice as having a flexible and creative capacity.
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2022
17 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Michael Alcee
2 books14 followersMichael Alcee, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in Tarrytown, NY, and is a Mental Health Educator at the Manhattan School of Music.
In his first book, Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist, Michael demonstrated how all clinicians are artists, reading the changes like well-versed jazz musicians, finding the poetic turns in their client's stories like skilled writers, and reveling in the creative act that emerges in the humanistic encounter of psychotherapy.
In his forthcoming book, The Upside of OCD, Michael takes on the field's tilted view of OCD as merely a biological and behavioral condition. Instead, he claims that OCD is a misunderstood existential and empathic sensitivity that has served the life and work of notable OCD sufferers like climate activist Greta Thundberg, author John Green, record producer Jack Antonoff, biologist Charles Darwin, and innovator Nikola Tesla. Carrying on the relational work implied in Freud's case of the Ratman, Michael believes that OCD arises as an intriguing interplay of nature and nurture, one that can only be fully healed through an integrative approach that embraces meaning and feeling in equal measure alongside thoughts and behavior.
Michael has been a TEDx speaker and organizer and is a regular contributor at Psychology Today along with contributions to NPR, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times, among others.
In his first book, Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist, Michael demonstrated how all clinicians are artists, reading the changes like well-versed jazz musicians, finding the poetic turns in their client's stories like skilled writers, and reveling in the creative act that emerges in the humanistic encounter of psychotherapy.
In his forthcoming book, The Upside of OCD, Michael takes on the field's tilted view of OCD as merely a biological and behavioral condition. Instead, he claims that OCD is a misunderstood existential and empathic sensitivity that has served the life and work of notable OCD sufferers like climate activist Greta Thundberg, author John Green, record producer Jack Antonoff, biologist Charles Darwin, and innovator Nikola Tesla. Carrying on the relational work implied in Freud's case of the Ratman, Michael believes that OCD arises as an intriguing interplay of nature and nurture, one that can only be fully healed through an integrative approach that embraces meaning and feeling in equal measure alongside thoughts and behavior.
Michael has been a TEDx speaker and organizer and is a regular contributor at Psychology Today along with contributions to NPR, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times, among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 18, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book by the author. The book read like a love letter to the world of music, art and creativity in the context of a dance that occurs between therapist and client. I must admit, there were many cultural references that fell flat for me (beyond my time perhaps) to truly appreciate the author’s beautiful intention.
I was initially intrigued by the title as a new-ish therapist myself. What I can genuinely appreciate about this book is the emphasis on mindfulness and presence required to listen the music of one’s psyche in order to riff off each other to create new melodies and harmonies that otherwise may not have existed before. The book highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the bridge it builds to helping individuals create a new reality from a place of greater connectedness. I also like that there are exercises throughout the book to help embrace this right-brain approach to therapy.
I think my biggest takeaway was to get out of my head about if I’m asking the right questions or using the right intervention, and instead focus on being present with a client and following their lead just as much as they are following yours. There really is an art to therapy, and this book definitely hones in on that in a creative way.
I was initially intrigued by the title as a new-ish therapist myself. What I can genuinely appreciate about this book is the emphasis on mindfulness and presence required to listen the music of one’s psyche in order to riff off each other to create new melodies and harmonies that otherwise may not have existed before. The book highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the bridge it builds to helping individuals create a new reality from a place of greater connectedness. I also like that there are exercises throughout the book to help embrace this right-brain approach to therapy.
I think my biggest takeaway was to get out of my head about if I’m asking the right questions or using the right intervention, and instead focus on being present with a client and following their lead just as much as they are following yours. There really is an art to therapy, and this book definitely hones in on that in a creative way.
March 8, 2022
What a refreshing take on the therapeutic approach. Integrating our cultural mythology and scientific research Dr. Alcee clearly shows us how flexibility, spontaneity, creativity and attunement are essential in our work. I loved how accessible and engaging his writing is and how it can excite new and seasoned clinicians to think about our process through different lenses.
May 21, 2022
I wish I had written this book! It so captures the enormous potentials and rewards of being a therapist. Fortunately, I got to read it, and even after 45 years of doing this humbling and gratifying work, it helped me understand more deeply why I love what I do as part of a dynamic, creative endeavor. Michael Alcee introduces his book as “an artistic and neuroscientific manifesto” for the early-career therapist and supervisor, and so it is. Using the frame of left brain/right brain, in a chatty, “untextbooky” kind of way, readers are invited (cajoled, challenged, tantalized) to find and own their therapeutic voice. Alcee’s model speaks of learning how to use therapeutic authority (left brain) and therapeutic presence (right brain) in a yin and yang of improvisation with our patients. Through a deft interweaving of metaphors, poetry, humor, references to music, art, movies, etc., he shows and actually involves us in righting the left brain. --Hanna Levenson, PhD, Professor, Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA 94704
March 11, 2022
I received an advanced copy of Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist by Dr. Michael Alcee. In reading this book, Michael's passion for not only the profession of therapy, but also for life itself, drips off every page.
In my personal experience as a therapist, there are three different levels at which we operate when working with our clients. The first, more basic level (though no less important!), is just being present, being compassionate, empathetic, engaging in deep listening, and supporting our clients. It's all those skills we learn in graduate school and at our internships. At the second level, we utilize the techniques we have learned at the various levels of our education, training, and experiences, be it CBT, Psychodynamic Theory, or any number of seemingly countless modalities we can use to best help our clients.
That third level, a level which can be very elusive, one that can take years to even recognize exists, let alone practice a mastery of it, that's the level Michael is exploring in his book. This is the level where we can be in tune with our clients ("in tune" fits the motif of this book more than "attuned," though both would work just as well), engage on a human, fluid, dynamic level that allows us to truly be present and authentic with our clients, to see between the lines, to connect between the gaps, to dance with the client, so to speak. At this level, which I admittedly only tap into every so often but find it exhilarating when I do, this is what this book was about to me. How to hone in on that, how to be truly present and to connect with the client and make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Michael uses many different metaphors and analogies in bringing these concepts home, using his extensive knowledge of music, movies, philosophy, and more. This is a book written by a gentle soul who is trying to reach out to other gentle souls called to the profession because we have an innate desire, in fact, need, to connect with others and to help them in their healing process, so that nobody has to go it alone.
If you are new to therapy, or have been in the field for years, or even if you are wondering whether this is the right career path for you, this book is a fun read while still tackling important, deeper issues of what it means to be human, to care, to struggle, to experience. I strongly recommend this book.
In my personal experience as a therapist, there are three different levels at which we operate when working with our clients. The first, more basic level (though no less important!), is just being present, being compassionate, empathetic, engaging in deep listening, and supporting our clients. It's all those skills we learn in graduate school and at our internships. At the second level, we utilize the techniques we have learned at the various levels of our education, training, and experiences, be it CBT, Psychodynamic Theory, or any number of seemingly countless modalities we can use to best help our clients.
That third level, a level which can be very elusive, one that can take years to even recognize exists, let alone practice a mastery of it, that's the level Michael is exploring in his book. This is the level where we can be in tune with our clients ("in tune" fits the motif of this book more than "attuned," though both would work just as well), engage on a human, fluid, dynamic level that allows us to truly be present and authentic with our clients, to see between the lines, to connect between the gaps, to dance with the client, so to speak. At this level, which I admittedly only tap into every so often but find it exhilarating when I do, this is what this book was about to me. How to hone in on that, how to be truly present and to connect with the client and make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Michael uses many different metaphors and analogies in bringing these concepts home, using his extensive knowledge of music, movies, philosophy, and more. This is a book written by a gentle soul who is trying to reach out to other gentle souls called to the profession because we have an innate desire, in fact, need, to connect with others and to help them in their healing process, so that nobody has to go it alone.
If you are new to therapy, or have been in the field for years, or even if you are wondering whether this is the right career path for you, this book is a fun read while still tackling important, deeper issues of what it means to be human, to care, to struggle, to experience. I strongly recommend this book.
May 16, 2022
I was very excited to read this book given the topic and the work I do. The book did not disappoint. This exquisitely readable exploration is a lovely tour de force with references to musical notables, pop culture, therapeutic leaders and icons, poetic literature, neuroscience, self reflection and more. And offers so much about a way to see our therapeutic relationships with clients. Inspirationally so.
I am a long time practitioner in psychotherapy and social therapeutics, as well as a musical improviser and therapeutic leader of improv groups for growth from anxiety, so I read this with much appreciation of the exploration of improvisation in a way that does not get frequently addressed. Michael Alcee speaks beautifully to the artistic character of the profoundly relational work we do as practitioners with clients working to create the conditions for listening, connection and mental health. As psychotherapists, our work is an artistic, creative activity, and the book speaks to how to do it in a way that is nurturing to all involved. The only reference missing for me, mainly because it is my language, is the inclusion of the influential and artistic soviet psychologist, Lev Vygotsky, in his characterization of the improvisational and performatory nature of learning and development of children in the family as ensemble. Nevertheless, as in improvisation, there are many ways to speak about our creative profession. The book also offers a discussion of the relationship of neuro-scientific discoveries as it pertains to relationally and creativity. This will prove to be an increasingly important conversation in years to come. I highly recommend this read for so many reasons, and in particular, to discover a new way of looking at psychotherapy that may help you to see yourself as an artist.
May 19, 2022
I loved this book! As a therapist I find it to be a comprehensive and invaluable resource that I will most certainly consult again and again. Not only does Michael Alcee articulate clearly the most core, and yet ineffable aspects of why and how psychotherapy works (regardless of the specific training, theories or techniques that guide the practitioner), but his engaging and inspiring writing style empowers each individual clinician to embrace their own unique creative instincts, and to apply them to their work with each individual client (or scene partner, as I like to call them).
As a performing artist turned therapist myself, I specifically appreciate the incredibly intuitive, incisive, and multifarious insights and examples Alcee uses to illustrate how NECESSARY it is for therapists to make use of ourselves as artists in order to help each of our clients to make use of themselves with the a similar autonomy, creativity, and aliveness.
For anyone wary of therapy being considered an art form, you will appreciate the abundance of references to scientific studies that correspond to all of Alcee’s intuitive clinical observations. This book not only tells, but shows, how a practice of toggling back and forth between our right and left brains, is the best possible way to maximize our full potential as healers and helpers, not to mention people creatively participating in our ever changing world.
As a performing artist turned therapist myself, I specifically appreciate the incredibly intuitive, incisive, and multifarious insights and examples Alcee uses to illustrate how NECESSARY it is for therapists to make use of ourselves as artists in order to help each of our clients to make use of themselves with the a similar autonomy, creativity, and aliveness.
For anyone wary of therapy being considered an art form, you will appreciate the abundance of references to scientific studies that correspond to all of Alcee’s intuitive clinical observations. This book not only tells, but shows, how a practice of toggling back and forth between our right and left brains, is the best possible way to maximize our full potential as healers and helpers, not to mention people creatively participating in our ever changing world.
May 16, 2022
After reading several chapters of Michael Alcee's new book, Therapeutic Improvisation, I recognized it as an original exposition of how training and spontaneity interplay to bring life and healing into the therapeutic experience.
The books includes as examples a good deal of real-life experience of the author's conducting of therapy sessions, as well as ample references from the psychotherapy literature and references to and descriptions from the arts (music, poetry, cinema). The author's sincerity and passion on the topic of creativity as a necessary force in therapy, comes across!
There was while I was reading a sense of repetitiveness in some descriptions, coming back to the same or similar point multiple times, but one might explain that as an effort by the author to immerse the reader in the flow and insight that is the topic of this book, in other words, to ensure as much as possible that reading the book is experiential as well as intellectually stimulating.
I came away from the reading feeling reminded, in a helpful way, of the value for the client of my own creativity and yes, originality, in conducting therapy sessions, and I suspect that reminding and encouragement of the reader is at least one of the main goals of its author. I sincerely appreciate that contribution by the author.
The books includes as examples a good deal of real-life experience of the author's conducting of therapy sessions, as well as ample references from the psychotherapy literature and references to and descriptions from the arts (music, poetry, cinema). The author's sincerity and passion on the topic of creativity as a necessary force in therapy, comes across!
There was while I was reading a sense of repetitiveness in some descriptions, coming back to the same or similar point multiple times, but one might explain that as an effort by the author to immerse the reader in the flow and insight that is the topic of this book, in other words, to ensure as much as possible that reading the book is experiential as well as intellectually stimulating.
I came away from the reading feeling reminded, in a helpful way, of the value for the client of my own creativity and yes, originality, in conducting therapy sessions, and I suspect that reminding and encouragement of the reader is at least one of the main goals of its author. I sincerely appreciate that contribution by the author.
March 15, 2022
This is a fun read but one packed with insightful ideas. The author draws from a variety of sources, from children's television icon Mr. Roger (a personal favorite of mine!) to Mindset psychologist Carol Dweck (whose work I also love). He also quotes some of the very best musicians, especially in the world of jazz, which values improvisation more than most other Western music genres.
The subtitle of this book identifies it as directed to therapists. I am not a therapist, but as a musician and educator, I found the book to be thought-provoking and easily applied to my own endeavors. I have no doubt that any reader can do so too and potentially gain a lot of insight into their own outlook on things.
As the author shows, skilled improvisation is not the same as "winging it." It takes a different kind of preparation than a scripted and meticulously rehearsed performance. In this vein, Dr. Alcée's book seeks to empower readers to have greater confidence and flexibility in what they do.
The subtitle of this book identifies it as directed to therapists. I am not a therapist, but as a musician and educator, I found the book to be thought-provoking and easily applied to my own endeavors. I have no doubt that any reader can do so too and potentially gain a lot of insight into their own outlook on things.
As the author shows, skilled improvisation is not the same as "winging it." It takes a different kind of preparation than a scripted and meticulously rehearsed performance. In this vein, Dr. Alcée's book seeks to empower readers to have greater confidence and flexibility in what they do.
April 11, 2022
Dr. Alcee's book reads like a narrative piece of music, melodious and skillfully composed, yet full of important messages. His passion for flexible, intuitive, and nonjudgmental therapy is felt throughout the book, and his depth of comprehension of the doubts faced by new therapists makes the reader feel as if Dr. Alcee is their personal supervisor. This book is perfect for the curious therapist with a love of learning, the therapist with an appreciation of art and culture, the therapist who is willing to extend themself past their initial training to become in tune to the subtle themes and patterns found in a single therapy session. Therapeutic Improvisation skillfully covers a broad range of relational and thematic issues, commonly found in session with new clients, by weaving them as examples into the theoretical context of the book. What could have been written as a set of therapeutic principles now takes on a new tapestry of artful clarity, scientific understanding, and concrete exemplification.
May 12, 2022
Therapeutic Improvisation by psychologist Michael Alcee, Ph.D., is both a training guide for new psychotherapists and a trove of resources and validation for seasoned psychotherapists. The overriding premise of the book is that to a large extent, psychotherapy is an improvisatory art, as well as a empirically based treatment modality. The book is rich with a multitude of cultural references to music, literature, and film, along with references to neuroscience, and includes clinical vignettes that illustrate the process. Alcee also specifically touches on various aspects of psychotherapy work. For example, he highlights the usefulness metaphor, humor, and clinical instinct in the work. I highly recommend this book to new and experienced psychotherapists
March 14, 2022
Psychotherapy is just as much of an art form as it is a science. Today’s beginning psychotherapists are overwhelmed with a wealth of information about various treatment modalities, trainings and the vast amounts of knowledge to attain. However, what is often ignored in clinical training are the unique ways in which we can use ourselves in when working with others. Dr. Alcee’s book exemplifies how therapists can be spontaneous in the moment and truly own their our own style and approach. It is an inspiring and engaging read that provides something valuable for beginning and seasoned therapists alike.
April 18, 2022
Michael Alcee has written an excellent book about the art of psychotherapy. The writing is engaging, erudite, and creative. And I think Alcee gets it right. His analogy of therapy and jazz is apt – therapy, like jazz, is “an enterprise of ‘disciplined freedom’ and ‘prepared spontaneity.’” Like jazz improvisation, therapy requires both the ability to listen openly, with a ”beginner’s mind,” but also a command of theory and technique. Alcee describes this is the yin of “therapeutic presence” and the yang of “therapeutic authority”- to be able to find a theme in the midst of seemingly disconnected elements. This book is an enjoyable read and helpful resource for all therapists.
March 10, 2022
Dr. Alcee's book was such a refreshing read, not just because it was incredibly informative, or that it pulled from so many different aspects of culture that you connected to the examples on a deeper level (both of which are true!). It also just felt like you were talking to a friend, who was supporting and helping you grow towards your goals. It was such a nice change of pace from your typical stuffy and boring reads, and the content hit me in a way that has already impacted how I feel going into my sessions!
March 11, 2022
Take the Invitation!
The more present you are to your inherent creative energy, the more present it is in you.
“Therapeutic Improvisation” is an invaluable guide for beginning and experienced therapists to discover and uncover their unique therapeutic/artistic voice. Case illustrations, artistic metaphors, and specific exercises will guide your innate playful creativity back into the open, expanding the possibilities for profound insight and connection.
Paula Smith, School Psychologist and Professional Harpist
The more present you are to your inherent creative energy, the more present it is in you.
“Therapeutic Improvisation” is an invaluable guide for beginning and experienced therapists to discover and uncover their unique therapeutic/artistic voice. Case illustrations, artistic metaphors, and specific exercises will guide your innate playful creativity back into the open, expanding the possibilities for profound insight and connection.
Paula Smith, School Psychologist and Professional Harpist
March 14, 2022
Dr. Alcee's capacity for integrating art and science is admirable. The blend of his scientific knowledge, along with his expertise in poetry and other artistic domains, leaves the reader feeling concurrently satisfied and desiring more from him. I can't wait to read his next work. Having read several psychology texts that have the capacity to serve as a cure for insomnia, Dr. Alcee's engaging and accessible style, as well as wealth of information, are assets to both clinical training supervisors and therapists-in-training. I highly recommend this book!
March 15, 2022
The therapist and the musician in me resounded with the material in this book! As a beginning therapist (or musician) we may feel that we have no idea what we are doing. As a former piano teacher, I know many methods to achieve the goal of getting my students to play and play well. Dr. Alcee translates that and many other analogies to help us realize that we know our stuff. There are many methods to meet the client where they are whether we are newly tuned to the field, or are the reliable upright, we know our stuff. Own it and use your uniqueness to help your clients.
May 12, 2022
Dr. Alcee does a wonderful job of describing and illustrating the blend of art and science within a therapeutic context. Through personal experiences and apt cultural references, he elucidates the concept of clinical judgment and intuition and encourages therapists to develop and utilize their unique voice.
I would recommend this book for new and seasoned clinicians since Dr. Alcee deftly discusses the unique and powerful relationship between client and therapist while also incorporating the scientific/ theoretical underpinnings of the profession.
I would recommend this book for new and seasoned clinicians since Dr. Alcee deftly discusses the unique and powerful relationship between client and therapist while also incorporating the scientific/ theoretical underpinnings of the profession.
May 18, 2022
"With the same authenticity and deep sense of curiosity central to his book's message, Michael Alcee delivers an important addition to the therapeutic canon. His practical, personal and example-laden narrative gives the inspiration and tools therapists (both new and experienced) need to harness creative presence in their clinical work." -- Mitch Abblett, PhD, Psychologist and Author of Prizeworthy: How to Meaningfully Connect, Cultivate Character and Unlock the Potential of Every Child (Shambhala Publications)
June 2, 2022
This is the book I wish I had when I started doing psychotherapy in my 2nd year of psychiatry residency; it's like having a supportive, practical yet flexible supervisor in your corner everywhere you go! I'm grateful to have read this book at this point in my career, as we're helping others cope with traumas we are facing ourselves. It brought back the joy I experienced when first starting in the field, and validated that my unique perspectives, voice, skills, etc. can be essential tools for fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
February 27, 2022
This is a wonderful book for any clinician who is looking for a way to tap into a compassionate, supportive, easily relatable, and validating mindset in how they view their therapeutic skills! Dr. Michael Alcee truly provided unique ways for psychologists at any stage to feel supported, inspired, and confident in how they work with patients through the work of “therapeutic improvisation”. This is a book I will definitely have on hand throughout my career!
March 14, 2022
This book serves as an inspiring guide for therapists to expand the therapeutic setting through leaning into improvisational and artful encounters with clients. Appropriate for both newer and more experienced therapists who are looking to broaden their therapeutic toolkit!
*I received an advanced copy of Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist by Dr. Michael Alcee.
*I received an advanced copy of Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist by Dr. Michael Alcee.
March 16, 2022
A phenomenal book! As a new clinician I felt like this book verbalized all the instincts I felt but had not fully processed or identified. Wonderful comparisons between the instincts and natural skills of a therapist with the improvisational nature of jazz, music, and art in general. A great read for beginning therapists, establish therapists, or people who are simply interested in the art of therapy.
March 16, 2022
As a new therapist, as well as a second-career therapist, I found this book engaging, insightful, and fun to read. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Michael Alcee’s colorful analogies and metaphors, as well as his tie-ins to music, film, and literature. I also appreciated the emphasis on creativity, and enjoyed the way he spoke about interlacing creativity into the therapy process. This book validated many of my feelings toward trusting my intuition and being true to myself in session.
March 29, 2022
This is a fantastic and fresh transtheoretical take on the therapeutic relationship, emphasizing the generative nature of therapy. I'm excited for this to be a resource that can help clinicians enliven their work with clients from all backgrounds. It's likely going to be most helpful for those whose work feels stale or who struggle with navigating the sometimes rigid confines of theoretical orientation.
April 11, 2022
Dr. Michael Alcee's book, Therapeutic Improvisation, is a wonderful read not only for therapists but for people who are in therapy or who are thinking about therapy. It gives a wonderful new lens on therapy as creative and artistic. This book has inspired me more and I think it will do the same for other readers. I am so glad to be aware of this book and I will be recommending it to friends, colleagues, and clients alike.
May 11, 2022
This is a must read for all therapists, supervisors, and students. Regardless of where you on the continuum of experience, training and knowledge, you will be inspired personally and professionally.
In this beautifully written book, Michael has combined his creativity, passion, literary knowledge and experience in a way that will keep you fully engaged. In addition to learning tools to use with clients, you may be surprised at what you can learn about yourself! Enjoy!!!
In this beautifully written book, Michael has combined his creativity, passion, literary knowledge and experience in a way that will keep you fully engaged. In addition to learning tools to use with clients, you may be surprised at what you can learn about yourself! Enjoy!!!
Read
May 12, 2022This book was an absolute pleasure to read. It manages to be rigorous, scholarly and freewheeling all at the same time. All important topics in the domain of clinical theory and technique are touched upon, and in a personal, experience-near manner. This work emphasizes the improvisational nature of good therapy and the references that are part of the writing are refreshing and illuminating. A welcome addition to the psychotherapy practice literature.
Steven Spitz, Ph.D.
Steven Spitz, Ph.D.
January 28, 2022
Therapeutic Improvisation offers a thrilling juxtaposition of music, film, poetry, and psychology. Dr. Michael Alcee provides a must-read manual for clinicians who wish to expand and enrich their therapeutic toolkit. Appropriate for novice and seasoned clinicians, the reader will find exhilarating creative inspiration on every page.
February 11, 2022
A highly accessible book for clinicians at any stage in their career that beautifully acknowledges both the science and the artform that is psychotherapy. Dr. Alcee deftly weaves together complex neurological principles with improvisation, music, and interpersonal connection in the service of helping clinicians to feel more confident, agile, and in sync with their patients and themselves.
March 9, 2022
Dr. Alcee’s book advances a humanistic view of psychotherapy through the lens of creativity, connection, and the dance between therapeutic concepts and improvisational practice. A delightful and thought-provoking book, filled with helpful suggestions and a unique blend of humor and heart-felt belief in human potential.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews