Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. General theories of psychotherapy: psychodynamic, feminist, solution-focused, or cognitive-behavioral therapies. Other theories of psychotherapy address specific problems such as phobias or eating disorders. Most experienced therapists work from a general theory of psychotherapy, integrating into it specific theories of how to work with particular problems their clients bring. This book puts forward a general theory of psychotherapy, or relational psychotherapy. Relational psychotherapy is a model driven, by the client's experience and the client's needs. It pays close attention to how those needs are understood and addressed within the therapy relationship. Relational therapy can be effective treatment for a wide range of psychological and emotional problems, since so many of them are rooted in troubled relationships, past and present. It is treatment that addresses the unconscious relational patterns that underlie tenacious psychological symptoms, symptoms that do not give way in shorter-term, more goal-oriented psychotherapies.