Psychoanalysis, Behavior Therapy, and the Relational World

by Paul L. Wachtel

City University of New York, New York City. Text on the author's theory of psychotherapy. Includes the author's entire seminal work (Psychoanalysis and Behavior Therapy) plus seven new chapters. Increased emphasis on cognitive perspectives.

Genres: Psychology

484 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 1977

About the author

Paul L. Wachtel, PhD, is CUNY Distinguished Professor in the doctoral program in clinical psychology at City College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Yale University and is a graduate of the postdoctoral program in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy at New York University, where he is also a faculty member. Dr. Wachtel has lectured and given workshops throughout the world on psychotherapy, personality theory, and the applications of psychological theory and research to the major social issues of our time. He has been a leading voice for integrative thinking in the human sciences and was a co-founder of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration. Dr. Wachtel is a recipient of the Hans H. Strupp Memorial Award for psychoanalytic writing, teaching, and research; the Distinguished Psychologist Award from Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the American Psychological Association (APA); and the Scholarship and Research Award from Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) of APA.

Reviews

[David Teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wachtel attempts the peculiar goal of combining psychodynamic with behavioral therapy. Recognizing the visceral reality of behavior techniques while still noting the need to explore personal history, the combination is one that is both practical and intellectually stimulating. Wachtel is a man of intellectual integrity, often at pains to show just how much he's willing to question entrenched notions. Rather than delving into the past as if present behavior can be linked in a straight unbroken line, Wachtel posits the notion of "cyclical psychodynamics," where previous paradigms reciprocally interact with new experiences in a person's life to manifest in new ways even as they have a root thought. Insight in this scheme is important but not immediately moving into change. For that to happen, there needs to be more direct attention to the present and addressing current models of behavior. At heart this whole system manifests as a form of relational theory/therapy, where the individual is seen as being a part of an interconnected social matrix, with thoughts and actions often helping facilitate an environment to occur that supports the continuation of old patterns. There are plenty of examples given to show how this can be addressed and the result is a great addition to modern therapy.