Brief Psychotherapy: Principles and Practice

Michael Hoyt continues his exploration of how psychotherapists can help their clients to efficiently and effectively 're-story' more salutary ('preferred' or 'therapeutic') realities. Brief therapy can be defined succinctly as 'time-sensitive treatment to relieve psychological distress and/or promote growth' or as 'the development of a collaborative alliance and an emphasis on patient/client strengths in the service of an efficient attainment of co-created goals'. Nowadays insurance companies, HMOs, counseling centers and consumers all desire - and often require - brief treatment for psychological problems. Specific skills and orientation are needed to meet the challenge of providing high-quality professional services in today's economic and healthcare environment.