ABSTRACT
Lewis R. Wolberg’s approach is broadly eclectic and he advocates utilizing a variety of techniques, including psychoanalytic psychotherapy, interviewing procedures, hypnosis, and group therapy. Short-term therapy has more than utilitarian value. There are indications that it will, as its methodology becomes elaborated, develop into the treatment of choice for a considerable number of patients. Effective short-term therapy is one of the major needs in the entire area of psychotherapy. The advantages of short-term over long-term therapy may be debated on various grounds. Financial savings, more efficient employment of psychotherapeutic resources, opportunities to reduce waiting lists—these and other expediencies are presented as justification for short-term programs. The rationale for short-term therapy and a detailed delineation of techniques have been elaborated elsewhere. In short-term therapy, time prevents the employment of the conventional tools of free association, extensive dream interpretation, and the building up of a transference neurosis.
