Publisher's Synopsis
The Complete Guide to Experiential Psychotherapy
At last, one resource offers a complete guide to the experiential philosophy, theory, and model of human beings. The Complete Guide to Experiential Psychotherapy is the culmination of Dr. Alvin Mahrer′s four decades of pioneering work to sculpt out the conceptual foundations of an experiential theory and model of psychology, and to create an experiential psychotherapy that is practitioner–friendly and allows creative growth and change. Innovative in its approach and style, this timely book offers a thorough overview of an experiential psychotherapy which enables the client to become a qualitatively new person, free of bad feelings.
This experiential approach represents a dramatic alternative to other philosophies of science, models of personality, and modes of therapy. In this groundbreaking volume, Dr. Mahrer challenges the most cherished truths, basic foundations, and accepted pillars in the field, and lays out a radical new direction for the field.
Unique in its detailed coverage, this comprehensive manual gives the clinicians step–by–step guidelines to the working practice of experiential psychotherapy. Therapists will learn to apply Dr. Mahrer′s innovative four–step process of experiential therapy to facilitate a powerful systematic transformation. Using vivid clinical examples, this timely manual shows practitioners how to maximize the effectiveness of each session, while respecting the client′s pace and maintaining sensitivity to his or her readiness and willingness to change. Covering everything from the goals, aims, objectives, and directions of therapy, to the way the therapist and client interact with one another, to how to listen and what to listen for in each session this trailblazing volume will change the way you think about, and practice, psychotherapy.
Praise for The Complete Guide to Experiential Psychotherapy...
"A comprehensive, practical guide to the experiential psychotherapy that Al Mahrer has been developing for many years. . . a fascinating and extensive description of a powerful approach." Michael J. Mahoney, Ph.D. University of North Texas
"Climb a different mountain with Al Mahrer! He leads us off all familiar paths with his wholly original, startling ideas, and with his casual wisdom, he shows us step–by–step how to reach the deep potentials in our clients. Try Mahrer′s approach after reading this extraordinary book." Nolan Saltzman, Ph.D. New York, New York
"Here is a masterpiece! For those in search of a new paradigm for psychotherapy, here, finally, is a powerful yet gentle way of accomplishing what I call fundamental inner change." Sergio Michel Barbosa, Ph.D. Irapuato, Mexico
"Call it crazy! Call it wild! Call it powerful! Call it Al Mahrer′s definitive work on experiential therapy." John C. Norcross, Ph.D. University of Scranton
"A passionate guide to experiential therapy founded on rock–solid science? Yes! Thank you, Alvin Mahrer, for showing us the very essence of transformative therapy peeling away pretense to recover the authentic and unvarnished self." Michael P. Nichols, Ph.D. College of William and Mary
"This book will dismay and infuriate the accountants, the psychiatrists, the managed–care people, the diagnosticians, the insurers all those who want to mechanize, reduce, and control psychotherapy. It will encourage and give heart to those who want to treat human beings as if they were persons. I loved it!" John Rowan London, England
