Book Review: An Introduction to the Therapeutic Frame

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Publication date 09 Oct 2013

Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd

Imprint ROUTLEDGE

Publication City/Country London, United Kingdom

Bestsellers rank 462,777

 
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Description

Designed for psychotherapists and counsellors in training, An Introduction to the Therapeutic Frame clarifies the concept of the frame - the way of working set out in the first meeting between therapist and client. This Classic Edition of the book includes a brand new introduction by the author. Anne Gray, an experienced psychotherapist and teacher, uses lively and extensive case material to show how the frame can both contain feelings and further understanding within the therapeutic relationship. She takes the reader through each stage of therapeutic work, from the first meeting to the final contact, and looks at those aspects of management that beginners often find difficult, such as fee payment, letters and telephone calls, supervision and evaluation. Her practical advice on how to handle these situations will be invaluable to trainees as well as to those involved in their training.

Review

This book lays the groundwork for novice and experienced therapists keen on the basics and intrinsics of how to set up the therapeutic frame and how it relates to psychotherapy practice. I made a reference to experienced therapists as well because we may have not heard of, but maybe conceived of some idea about the importance of setting up the psychotherapy framework in our current practice.  To my knowledge in contemporary psychotherapy training, the subject matter may not be taught explicitly.  Hence, this may provide a way for us to tie it up conceptually in clinical practice. Anne Gray writes clearly and makes it readily accessible for many interested in process work in therapy, as well as for therapists working with different therapy modalities.  Language used is simple without too much jargon, plus it's not too thick a manuscript to lug around.

This is a great resource for postgraduate students embarking on their counselling or clinical degrees, training to be therapists, as well as a great text for use in clinical supervision.  You will find that the material covered therein would be suitable in providing a springboard for further discussion on boundary setting and establishing the essentials for the initial assessment appointment and maintaining the frame over time.

 


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