Customer Reviews

Between Therapist and Client: The New Relationship

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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As a graduate student newly entering the world of psychotherapy from a professional standpoint, I found Michael Kahn's book a real reading treasure. His explanations of issues such as transference (and countertransference), and the way in which these phenomena have been viewed over time, was interesting to read and valuable learning for any therapist-to-be. He does a beautiful job of taking theoretical information and explaining it in such a way that it can be understood and utilized immediately with clients. Also, Michael brings a personal touch to his book which I found increases it's worth even further. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about psychotherapy, particularly self-psychology; and I sincerely hope he decides to write more in the future!

This is a clear, well-written book that examines those elements of the therapist-client relationship which can either be therapeutic or anti-therapeutic. Kahn gives a brief overview of the different perspectives of transference/countertransference and how to use these aspects effectively while avoiding common pitfalls. I strongly recommend this text for beginning graduate students of psychotherapy.

Michael Kahn's book is, by far, the best treatment of the therapist-client relationship which we call "transference". My professional organization, the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, regularly has workshops on this theme (and counter-transference) at its annual conferences, because as Kahn says, psychotherapy is only as successful as the relationship the therapist has with his client. It amazes me that, to the best of my knowledge, the state prescribed curriculum for psychology here in Florida offers no credit for courses on this topic. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this book for this crucial subject.

I love how Mr. Kahn writes, he takes concepts that are difficult and simplifies them so even though I don't know much about psychology I was able to understand the fascinating theories he outlines.

I bought this book for one of my early classes on psychotherapy; Michael Kahn is an
instructor at my alma mater, CIIS (in SF). I'm so glad I did. It's an excellent book.
Between Therapist and Client explains, in short detail, the history of relational psychotherapy,
starting with Freud. Key concepts such as Transference and Countertransference are discussed.
Kahn also reviews the ways in which relational therapies differ; case examples are given to
highlight each theory.

Best of all, Kahn's writing style is relational; I felt he was truly talking to me; so, he walks the talk.
This is a great book, a mandatory book, I think, for any beginning psychotherapist, or any therapist who
wants to sharpen her skills of engagement with clients. You'll love how easy it is to read this (compared
to heavy theory books), and to apply it to your practice as a therapist.

I didn't know much about self psychology before reading this book. This was an excellent introduction to the key concepts and how they have evolved over time. A straightforward read, and it does justice to the intricacies of short-term dynamic therapy without getting overly technical. Definitely check it out.

One of the easiest to read books for social work practice with clients. It was very enjoyable to read and very practical for anyone studying clinical social work on a graduate level.

The author is advocating a different sort of psychiatric treatment where the counselor is "present" rather than distant (like in traditional Freudian treatment), provides feedback to what they are thinking (depending on the situation) and other sorts of non-traditional inputs to therapy.

I can't say I agree with his position, probably because my own shrink is pretty traditional. However, the book is great explaining basic psychological concepts and the background of the non-traditional therapies.

I would recommend this as part of a series of books on the subject rather than as stand-alone.

I feel this book is an excellent study guide for students of psychology and those who're working with individuals already in the helping field.
I find that this is one of the many books that I'll hold on to after the course is long done and gone.
This book is one of those that one keeps and doesn't feel badly about having purchased it for just one course for one semester.