The Presenting Past

The bestselling The Presenting Past, written by a key founding figure of psychodynamic counselling and now with contributions from pre-eminent researcher, Dawn Freshwater, gives practicing therapists and students keen insight into the subject. The theories of Freud, Winnicott, Klein are now complimented by attachment theory and self-psychology and are organized into three main categories: trust and attachment; authority and autonomy; and concord and challenge. In this new edition, Jacobs and Freshwater give psychodynamic counselling and therapy a truly human face. The connections between theory and practice are highlighted through the use of compelling case examples and end-of-chapter exercises.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 10 May 2023
Publisher: Open University Press

“This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in delving deeper into one of the most influential and successful approaches to therapy. Julia McLeod, a Lecturer in Counselling at Abertay University, UK, emphasizes its significance. She states, “Every edition of a long-established text begs the question: what's new? Michael and Dawn continue to honor the wisdom and relevance of prior editions with characteristic humor and humility. This touchstone text conveys the richness of Psychodynamic approaches with clarity.” Paul King, an Assistant Professor at the School of Human Development, Dublin City University, Ireland, also praises the book, stating, “A highly respected ‘classic text that has been thoroughly revised and extended to reflect the changed and changing landscape of therapeutic practice.” Keith E. Walmsley-Smith, a visiting Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Staffordshire University, UK, adds, “A thoroughly revised and extended ‘classic text that has been thoroughly revised and extended to reflect the changed and changing landscape of therapeutic practice.”

A person's past is an ever-present force, from infancy to old age, shaping the dynamics of therapy and the therapist-patient relationship. Authored by a prominent founding figure in psychodynamic counseling and now with contributions from renowned researcher Dawn Freshwater, the bestselling The Presenting Past offers valuable insights to practicing therapists and students alike. This comprehensive text integrates the theories of Freud, Winnicott, Klein, and attachment theory and self-psychology, organizing them into three main categories: trust and attachment, authority and autonomy, and concord and challenge.

In this new edition, Jacobs and Freshwater bring a human touch to psychodynamic counseling and therapy. They highlight the connections between theory and practice through compelling case examples and end-of-chapter exercises. The writing style is approachable, making it an invaluable resource for busy practitioners. Whether you are a seasoned therapist or a student embarking on your journey in the field, this edition is your go-to guide for deepening your understanding and expertise in psychodynamic approaches.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780335251841
Edition number: 5 ed