Opening Gambits: The First Session of Psychotherapy

By Peter S. Armstrong

The first session of psychotherapy is critical in determining the course of successful treatment because the possibility of engaging a patient is at its height during the initial contact. This book offers guidelines to enhance the clinician's ability to conduct an effective first session.

The therapist's stance and its implications for first session technique are discussed (e.g., first words, therapist anxiety, and subtle directives) as well as issues of scheduling, fees, and cancellations. Armstrong identifies eight essential tasks of the first session (including, for example, an atmosphere of safety, patient assessment, the contract, and transition), and demonstrates with rich clinical detail the steps he takes to accomplish them. Specific attention is given to patients with previous therapy, returning patients, compliant and meek patients, and those in need of medication or hospitalization. Well considered and thought-provoking, this book introduces beginning therapists to the complexity and range of first session concerns, and challenges experienced therapists to rethink the techniques and personal mannerisms that may have become automatic in meeting a patient for the first time.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076570241X
• ISBN13: 9780765702418
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Jason Aronson
• Length: 235 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

FIRST BOOK ON FIRST SESSION

This book, Opening Gambits is a comprehensive and practical discussion of a therapist's first contact with their client. Peter Armstrong is a good communicator, explaining the complexities of beginning a psychotherapeutic relationship in an easily readable manner. He begins with a summery of analytic authors who have addressed the initial sessions, and then describes the language of establishing fees, providing legal structure, plus eight other tasks to be accomplished in the first session. I've never found another book like Opening Gambits. It is a practical guide for getting psychotherapy off to a good start. Both experienced and novice therapists/analysts will benefit from this book. Whatever one's orientation Dr. Armstrong's book will improve your effectiveness with clients, and you find his honesty and personal reflections refreshing.

Opening Gambits Review

This is a fascinating book that explores the realms of psychotherapy. It thoroghly examines the first step in psychotherapy. This is a must read book for any psychotherapist. It teaches through examples and quotes. This book is organized very well and is easy to read and understand. This has taught me many techniqes to manage my life without seeing a psychotherapist. This book helped me deal better with other people and understand them better.