Effective Therapy

By Michael J. Hurd

Encourages patients to practice introspective methods and rely on therapy only as an occasional or last resort. It demonstrates how underlying philosophical ideas have an impact on everyday life. It... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0935016236
• ISBN13: 9780935016239
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: Zinn Communications
• Length: 339 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Be a smart psychotherapy consumer

"Effective Therapy" by Michael J Hurd covers the field of modern psychotherapy, but does so in an unusual way. It examines the field of modern psychotherapy and the differences that the different schools of therapy have, but explains these differences by reference to the underlying philosophic ideas that shape each of them, and shows how these ideas shape the judgments and therapeutic techniques used by professionals who embrace them. The book's goal is to make the reader a smart psychotherapy consumer by being conscious of the malicious philosophical ideas that influence much of the profession today. Each of the prevailing schools of psychotherapy is discussed at length, with the discussion focusing on the philosophical views presupposed by each and how these positions guide their views of the human mind and of what constitutes mental health, and the means to arrive at it. Anyone who doubts the power and influence of philosophy would be well advised to read this work. The author embraces what he terms "cognitive" psychotherapy, which is the view that it is the ideas and assumptions a person holds - whether they are held consciously or not - that guide all of his thoughts, emotions and actions. Emotions, according to the author, are nothing more than the automatic result of value judgments that have been made, with these value judgments being guided by the fundamental philosophical views that a person has accepted. They key to mental health is the harmonizing of one's ideas and ones emotions. But in order to do this a person must consciously identify the ideas that he has accepted, a task that it is the job of the psychotherapist to help him with."Effective Therapy" presents a strong case against the opposing schools of psychotherapy and offers a good defense for the position it recommends. It is edifying with respect to not only the profession of psychotherapy but also with respect to the influence of philosophy on the sciences. Hence the title of this work, it provides the reader with the tools necessary to pursue effective therapy

Slice through the psycho-babble. This is the real thing.

Dr. Hurd has successfully navigated his way through all the nonsense that makes up today's psychology profession and presents a no-nonsense and very clear approach. Forget the whiners and the no-help social workers. He gives real solutions and real answers that work! Dr. Hurd challenges conventional wisdom on things like how to deal with alcoholism. He gives readers a whole new perspective about how to approach problems and how to *solve* them, not merely "get by" or "deal with it." Read this book *before* you consider therapy or some sort of self-help. This is the best starting point I've ever come across for mental health.

A breath of fresh air!

EFFECTIVE THERAPY is not just a handbook for the consumer seeking a competent therapist, though it shines brightly in that regard. It also presents an alternative view to the "PC" "worship of the mediocre" that is sweeping our country's schools and government. Dr. Hurd exposes several therapeutic avenues that (unwittingly or otherwise) play into this mistaken trend by encouraging the therapy client to not accept responsibility for his or her actions. EFFECTIVE THERAPY takes a long, hard, skeptical look at many of our traditional "sacred cows" such as AA, Feminism and Freudian Analysis. It's a great book, and, though it focuses mostly on therapeutic methods, it goes a long way to help the reader on his/her own...without the need for therapy at all. If you've ever considered searching for a good therepist, start with EFFECTIVE THERAPY.

THE essential book for anyone seeking a therapist!

Today the therapy market contains a baffling arrary of philosophical and scientific schools. Anyone needing to select a therapist that is right for her will be daunted by the task. Michael J. Hurd, in his well-reasoned and clearly presented book, Effective Therapy, guides the reader through the various schools of thought and informs them of the benifits and pitfalls of each. But this book is not only for patients, students of psychology and therapists themselves will be greatly benefited by reading this book, not only will they more clearly understand the therapy styles and ideas behind all the schools of thought but may decide to rethink some of their own methods. A very comprehensive and clearly written book!Karen Minto, editor Full Context

Top-notch, lucid how-to book on mental self-healing.

As a person who has read and reviewed hundreds of self-help books, I must say that Mr. Hurd has created a wonderful work. Effective Therapy is designed for those who are emotionally troubled, but have not lost trust in the power of reason and optimism. He surveys the major psychology schools, critically analyzing each -- and then offers his own approach. His approach is marvelous. It focuses on providing useful, thoughtful tools and insights for those who wish to overcome their own emotional difficulties. Mr. Hurd acknowledges a large debt to the philosophy of Objectivism and its founder, Ayn Rand. He writes in the tradition of great respect for the importance of logical thought, real-world practicality, and the pursuit of happiness. His writing is easy to understand and remember. This is important. For only if you can recall the advice in a self-help book will it do you any good. Several cuts above the average tome on psychological healing. I hope to read more books by Mr. Hurd.