This introductory volume provides useful information for those wishing to gain a basic grounding in the theory and practice of psychotherapy. The book is effective in conveying the variety of psychotherapies available, as well as many reasons as to why such treatments may be sought out by the individual. Historical and theoretical contexts are provided and differently appropriate levels of psychotherapy are explained. This is a clear, self-confident account of psychodynamic principles written by practising psychotherapists. As such, the book is of use and interest to both trainees in the field as well as their prospective clients. In Part I, essential psychodynamic principles are introduced and their historical background is given. The authors work from the assumption that all forms of dynamic psychotherapy stem from the work of Freud, and a useful 'family tree' of subsequent treatments developed is provided (p. 188). Fundamental principles are outlined and explained, for example, the concept of conflict, motivational drives, developmental phases and various models of mind (including for example, Freud's formulation of Super-ego, Ego, and Id (p. 44), and Berne's description of the roughly corresponding Parent, Adult and Child parts within each individual (p. 47)). Bateman et. al., also effectively convey the crucial importance of the therapeutic relationship, and describe clearly the significance of transference and counter-transference as invaluable tools used by the therapist.
Part II is perhaps less satisfying, on account of the all too brief descriptions of newer forms of psychotherapy. While fairly detailed attention is given to Group Psychotherapy, Family and Couple Therapy and Social Therapy, movements such as Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are given less than a page. Similarly, Psychodrama, Gestalt and Bioenergetics are not considered in any depth and Hypnotherapy is merely referred to in the space of a short paragraph. If the reader is interested in an extended overview of such current forms of psychotherapy, this is not the book to turn to. However, good references are given throughout, enabling the reader to access to other sources.
Throughout their introduction to psychotherapy, as well as providing useful references, the authors make good use of examples taken from case studies, providing reflections on their significance in psychotherapeutic terms. The conclusion of the book is also engaging, in that it considers research into psychotherapeutic methods and asks questions such as 'what evidence do we have that psychotherapy does any good?'. Serious methodological problems likely to be encountered by the researcher are considered, and particular studies already carried out are described in a manner which is accepting of their limitations and hopeful of future developments. However, despite problems found in psychotherapy research, Bateman, Brown and Pedder's Introduction to Psychotherapy effectively conveys deep-level psychotherapy as a potentially positive voyage of analysis and exploration. Moreover, one that intends to leave behind 'sleeper effects' (see p. 208) which can enable the patient to continue with an internalised learning process, even after the prescribed period of psychotherapy has ceased.
The book ends on a realistic note, in contrast to the idealised definition of mental health adopted by the World Health Organisation (that 'health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being.'). The authors instead quote a female patient who has been aided by psychotherapy (p. 218)...
In summary, Bateman, Brown and Pedder's Introduction to Psychotherapy is an engaging and extensive review of the various methods of psychotherapy available. While perhaps a little brief in places, it does not fail to provide a useful overview based on sound historical, theoretical and methodological understandings.
