Listening to the Melody of the Mind: The Psychodynamic Psychotherapist

“This book is not organized as a textbook, nor does it constitute a systematic course. But it does serve as a handbook that will guide the beginning psychotherapist with a firm hand and well-grounded footing. It treats the subject of becoming and being a psychotherapist with a down-to-earth pragmatism that will be of enormous help to those who are considering such a career, either for the first time or as a career change. For the senior clinician, reading this volume will act as a gratifying reminder of difficult battles won and lost in the career of professional psychotherapy. Brauer and Faris provide an antidote to the contemporary literature that is weighted more toward the evocative and process-oriented aspects of the work, a perspective which is much more difficult for the beginner to grasp and integrate. The authors thus illustrate the practical value of an approach that is denotative, specific, and concrete.” ―Michael N. Fulco, private practice, neuropsychology and psychoanalytic psychodiagnostics

“This is a book that pulls no punches. The authors have a clear view of what it takes to become a good-enough psychotherapist. They have an equally clear view of why many clinicians do not become adequate psychotherapists, why many treatments falter, and most importantly of what does and does not constitute helpful psychotherapy.” ―Graham S. Gibbard, clinical psychologist, ret., Yale School of Medicine

“The twenty-four chapters of this slim volume are a powerful introduction to psychotherapy, and will be a valuable resource for teachers and supervisors in grabbing and holding the attention of harassed, distractible students…. The authors draw on their rich experience to focus not on a ‘how-to’ approach, but on the person of the therapist and on the cumulative poise and wisdom that develop in the clinician’s personal therapy or analysis, extended study, extensive practice, and thoughtful reflection. This is a fresh, forthright account of a life dedicated to the study and advancement of psychotherapy.” ―Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association

“This is a wonderful book. It is well written and easy to read with extensive coverage of the clinical experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy…This is an outstanding text for psychiatric residents, clinical psychology interns and post-graduate clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and APRNs.” ―Theodore F. Mucha, The Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital