The Silent Language of Psychotherapy: Social Reinforcement of Unconscious Processes

By David M. Young and Ernst G. Beier

Book Overview

Therapeutic changes occur in many places, and among animals as well as humans. A theory that attempts to explain therapeutic changes should be based on principles that apply not only to those changes occurring during the hour, but also to those observed in the educational process, in interpersonal relations, and in the social milieu, as well as with animals. It would be desirable to discover principles broad enough to provide a deeper understanding of therapeutic change in this wide variety of situations.

Experienced therapists appear to be similar in what they are doing, although they may disagree as to why they do it. In spite of the arguments about theoretical formulations, it can be observed that during an hour with a patient many psychotherapists may not follow their own theories too well. There probably is some relevance in a comparison of psychotherapy with a concept formation test: the subject gives the correct answers but is unable to state why he did so or what principles he followed in making his choices. The therapist, too, may help a patient but he is often uncertain as to "why" and "how." It is very likely that the effective principles in therapeutic work rest on processes that are more general than the specific principles advanced by different schools.

This volume combines the elements of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy in a theoretical system that focuses on the importance of patient-therapist interaction, especially in terms of the exchange of subtle or covert communication cues. In this significantly updated and expanded edition of their classic text, Beier and Young analyze recent developments in new areas of practice facing today's therapist: managed care and the clinical impact of the control of healthcare delivery; and biological intervention and other issues related to psychotropic medication.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0202306100
• ISBN13: 9780202306100
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Brilliant

A terrific book of "general principles" that anyone of practically any theoretical orientation will likely find useful. Incomprehensibly and inexplicably underrated. The theory is based on very sound principles of behavior and simply extends them to include times when we are not aware of what we are doing and why, and are also unaware of what might be rewarding about even our negative behaviors. It makes sense, because in many cases humans can be subject to reinforcement (reward) and punishment without full awareness. It gets really interesting when the interaction of two persons, each of whom is always "pulling" for a certain response from the other, interact. I won't give the rest away, as it's too much of a pleasure to read. It's a must-have for therapists who do more than just "band aid" therapy.

A classic book on counseling process and technique.

I read the first edition in 1977 or so and it revolutionized my work as a therapist. Beier's original thinking about how unconscious processes are rewarded can help the practicing psychotherapist understand the richness of the therapeutic relationship.