Trusting in Psychotherapy

Trusting in Psychotherapy is a book that fills a void in the psychiatric literature by emphasizing the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship and proposing that cultivating trusting psychotherapy bonds is complex and challenging, especially for patients who have experienced developmental trauma. The author blends developmental science and ethical thought to elucidate the concepts of trust and trustworthiness and offers a broadly developmental perspective that reflects the belief that attachment trauma plays a profound role in many severe psychiatric disorders. The book is aimed chiefly at psychotherapists but is accessible to those who are not mental health professionals, including patients and families. It includes key points at the end of each chapter to help the reader stay oriented and focused on the most important concepts. The author argues that we should shift the balance of our efforts from developing therapies to developing therapists, a view that deserves to inform mental health research and thought leadership.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2021
Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing

This book is a valuable contribution to the field of psychotherapy, as it addresses a significant gap in the psychiatric literature. While the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship is widely acknowledged, it has been neglected, which has detrimentally impacted the quality of care provided. The author, with five decades of study and practice in the field, presents a compelling argument that cultivating trusting psychotherapy bonds, particularly for patients who have experienced developmental trauma in close relationships, is complex, challenging, and of utmost importance.

The author challenges the traditional approach of therapists, who tend to focus solely on patients' problems with trust, arguing that trusting cannot be understood apart from trustworthiness. Instead, the author emphasizes the importance of therapists becoming trustworthy to their patients. This interdisciplinary approach blends developmental science and ethical thought, drawing on contemporary writings of philosophers to elucidate the concepts of trust and trustworthiness.

The book covers a wide range of topics related to trust, including what it means to trust in the practice of psychotherapy, the many facets of trusting and trustworthiness, attachment relationships, both secure and insecure, the central role of hope in trust, and the ethical-moral basis of trusting and trustworthiness. The author addresses these topics with competence and care, providing an intellectually engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the subject matter.

One of the key strengths of this book is its broadly developmental perspective. The author recognizes the profound role that attachment trauma plays in many severe psychiatric disorders, and emphasizes that the resulting distrust and social alienation pose significant obstacles to developing therapeutic connections. By addressing these issues, the book offers a valuable insight into the complex dynamics that underlie trust and its impact on mental health.

Furthermore, the book provides an overview of the professional literature on trust and trustworthiness in psychotherapy. The author critically evaluates the existing research and theories, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. This comprehensive review helps to establish a foundation for further exploration and development in the field.

Overall, this book is a must-read for therapists, students, and patients alike. It fills a lamentable void in the psychiatric literature, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the importance of trust in psychotherapy. By challenging the traditional approach and emphasizing the role of therapists in becoming trustworthy, the author offers a valuable contribution to the field and helps to improve the quality of care provided to patients.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 153 x 232 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781615373918