Core Competencies in Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy is a 213 paged book authored by Jeffrey L. Binder and Ephi J. Betan that addresses the vital clinical competencies required in practice to conduct brief dynamic therapy. The authors talk about the conceptual underpinnings of their therapy approach and how this framework is applied to establishing and sustaining a therapeutic relationship, conducting assessments, developing cases, putting treatment plans into action, terminating treatments, and evaluating treatments. A multicultural viewpoint and attention to ethical problems are present in every topic. Binder and Betan frequently use relevant research results to connect practice and research. The fundamental ideas and principles of brief dynamic psychotherapy are presented in this text clearly and straightforwardly, with many clinical examples taken from an in-depth patient and therapist interactions. Undergrads in the psychological fields of healthcare and starting therapists will find this book helpful. Experienced psychotherapists will discover a new take on time-tested concepts regarding the therapeutic use of creating personal narratives in Binder and Betan’s discussions on case formulation and therapeutic discourse. The authors always explicitly link the elements of their methodology to the skills required of the short dynamic therapist.
Jeffrey L. Binder is currently a clinical professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Department of Psychiatry, Nashville, an instructor at the Nashville Center for Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and a professor, program choir, and dean at Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Atlanta, among other positions. Binder has presented in several professional meetings and authored and co-authored several books and peer-reviewed journals, with over 45 years of experience. Core Competencies in Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy has credible findings that can impact the knowledge of scholars, therapists, and students who wish to venture into this field of practice.
Ephi J. Betan is a licensed clinical psychologist holding a Ph.D. in Psychotherapy and treatment focus. Betan received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kansas after completing two years as a Post doctor at the Menninger Hospital in Topeka. With over 25 years of experience, the findings, methods, and conclusions made in Core Competencies in Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy can be adopted as credible and supported.
The book is introduced by the clear definition of brief Dynamic Psychotherapy clinical competencies; the authors postulate that Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy (BDP) refers to a time-sensitive version of the psychodynamic approach used in therapy for adults. Additionally, this traces the origin of this practice method to the works of Sigmund Freud, who always focused on modifying theories of psychopathology and personality. In the following section, the authors define competencies and their components; Betan and Bidden define competency as “a cluster of capacities comprising of complex performances in a specific domain of professional activity.” However, the authors emphasize that the definition they offered should not be confused as a level of performance for a given situation or standards set for meeting minimal levels of standards (Binder & Betan, 2013)
The second chapter Understanding the Conceptual Basis of Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy, offers clarity on how practitioners can practice a clear grasp of clinical theories that would help them to process and make sense of the patient’s needs which in turn helps them to implement clear and concise strategies for intervention. Using this model of BDP, the practitioner can learn to pay attention to their patient’s interpersonal needs, which fosters top-quality therapeutic inquiry increasing the practitioner’s insight into their patient’s struggles. The first core competency given by the authors is applying a conceptual foundation when addressing a patient. Each patient brings a special combination of internal difficulties, interpersonal needs, and related styles, and the skilled therapist is capable of applying theoretical information in a way that is relevant to each patient (Binder & Betan, 2013)
Theoretical information that cannot be applied to the distress of a particular individual is unlikely to be beneficial. Coherent conceptual frameworks are necessary for competence in applying theory to produce a pertinent narrative of a patient’s fundamental challenges. The conceptual framework presented in this chapter includes personality development, psychopathology, and the therapeutic process—three crucial components of a sound theory. Understanding a patient, creating a case conceptualization, and formulating an intervention approach are all aided by theories identified by these authors. The book further offers critical insight into conceptual models of personality development, domains of personality functioning and interpersonal relating, self-functioning, and dual motivational strivings in attachment and autonomy (Binder & Betan, 2013)
Creating an effective environment and safe space for the patients is crucial to ensure that the patient feels free to open up. However, this process is not easy, as Ephi J. Betan and Jeffrey L. Binder show in the third chapter Forming an Effective Therapeutic Alliance. The authors argue that inviting the patient to share their story is imperative to begin the therapeutic process effectively. At the same time, the practitioner has to show concern, interest, and compassion. The authors argue that showing interest makes the patient feel listened to and understood, which pushes them to open up even more. This chapter focuses on building a strong relationship with the patient as the cornerstone of treatment. Although a solid therapeutic relationship is important in all major psychotherapeutic modalities, this book focuses on crucial elements that are particularly pertinent to short dynamic psychotherapy. The approach used by the authors in this chapter emphasizes interpersonal relations and other key relational factors that understand and address patient difficulties. This book offers strategies for establishing an effective therapeutic relationship in BDP, such as the therapist’s accommodation of the patient’s needs and concerns, which can be shown through listening, empathy, curiosity, and reciprocity to make a connection.
In the fourth chapter Maintaining an Effective Therapeutic Alliance, the authors of this book bank on the benefits of establishing and maintaining a therapeutic alliance with the patient. Ephi J. Betan and Jeffrey L. Binder cite Stiles & Goldsmith (2010), who posit that.” In order to maximize the likelihood of a positive treatment outcome, the ideal patient-therapist relationship would reflect a linear increase in the strength of the therapeutic alliance throughout therapy”. The remaining sections of this chapter illustrate how responsiveness and regulating negative processes are two crucial competencies that are crucial for sustaining a healthy therapeutic partnership in BDP. In order to be responsive, a therapist must be aware of both the nature of the patient’s participation in collaborative work and the status of the patient-therapist relationship. No matter how closely a therapist wants to follow the guidelines of a specific treatment model, he or she must be prepared to adapt as the therapy goes on in order to maintain the patient’s confidence and cooperation.
The fundamental therapeutic skills needed to deliver short dynamic treatment are covered in this book. The conceptual underpinnings of their treatment model are discussed by authors Jeffrey L. Binder and Ephi J. Betan, as well as how this framework may be used for assessment, case conceptualization, implementation of a treatment regimen, discontinuation, and treatment evaluation. Every topic includes awareness of ethical problems and a multicultural viewpoint. In conclusion, this book is a good read, written with precision, clarity, and critical thinking that contributes to the medical knowledge available in clinical and therapy practice today.
Reference
Binder, J. L., & Betan, E. J. (2013). Core Competencies in Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy. Routledge.
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