Lexington Books
Pages: 418
•
Trim: 6⅜ x 9¼
978-1-4985-5226-4 • Hardback • April 2018 • $140.00 • (£108.00)
978-1-4985-5227-1 • eBook • April 2018 • $126.00 • (£97.00)
Stephen Bacon, PhD, is a practicing clinical psychologist in private practice in California.
Introduction: Real Versus Constructed
Part I: The New Therapeutic Milieu
Chapter 1: Psychology’s Inconvenient Truths
Chapter 2: Close Encounters with the Abyss
Chapter 3: Social Constructionism
Chapter 4: A Place to Stand
Chapter 5: The Nomological Net
Part II: Enhancing Therapist Effectiveness
Chapter 6: Focus on the Therapist
Chapter 7: Beginner’s Mind
Chapter 8: Wizards among Us
Chapter 9: Apollonian Power: The Primacy of the Conscious Mind
Chapter 10: Identity
Chapter 11: Heart and Soul
Chapter 12: The Other Royal Road: Social Determinants of Change
Chapter 13: Dionysian Power: Sacred Space and Altered States
Chapter 14: The Spiritual Path
Chapter 15: Becoming Remarkable
Chapter 16: The Way Forward
Practicing Psychotherapy in Constructed Reality is a groundbreaking new book that challenges the psychotherapeutic orthodoxy in insightful and provocative ways. Stephen Bacon provides a systemic, scholarly analysis of the current state of psychotherapy as well as a profound and imaginative reconceptualization of why psychotherapy is indeed effective. He mines a rich trove of the psychological and philosophical literatures, peppered with clinical examples, to expose the inner workings of the profession, dispute some of our most cherished beliefs, and offer creative suggestions on how to be a powerful psychotherapy change agent.
— Kjell Erik Rudestam, Fielding Graduate University
Despite being on the scene for nearly 150 years, psychotherapy has never had mass appeal. The majority of people who could benefit actively choose not to go. What is more, significant numbers end contact before achieving a reliable improvement in their well-being—25% or more after a single visit. Stephen Bacon’s thought-provoking book not only explains why, but offers a practical and effective alternative for engaging people in therapy and improving outcomes.
— Scott D. Miller, Director of International Center for Clinical Excellence
This provocative book advocates the idea that the therapist is at the core of what makes psychotherapy an effective treatment. Bacon challenges prevailing wisdom by encouraging therapists to develop greater charisma if they want to maximize their impact on client mental health. A stimulating read.
— Michael J. Lambert, Brigham Young University