Effective Therapy [Paperback]

Michael J. Hurd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1997

Encourages patients to practice introspective methods and rely on therapy only as an occasional or last resort. It demonstrates how underlying philosophical ideas have an impact on everyday life. It shows people how to avoid the dangers of most contemporary therapies and to rely on their own judgment when facing psychological problems.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist, publisher of The Living Resources Newsletter, and a radio talk show host in two major markets. Dr. Hurd earned his B.A. degree in Psychology from Catholic University of America, a Masters of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Saybrook Institute. His columns, articles, op-eds and letters-to-the editor have appeared in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, Atlantis Magazine, USA Today, and many other newspapers and publications. Dr. Hurd's approach to psychotherapy involves self-responsibility and rational self interest as the way to good mental health. He debunks many of today's "sacred cows" such as Attention Deficit Disorder, AA, and, in fact, the practices of many people in his own field. Effective Therapy is a "consumer guide" for a person looking for a therapist who can help them set goals and solve their problems in a predictable and healthy manner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 339 pages
• Publisher: Zinn Communications; 1 edition (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0935016236
• ISBN-13: 978-0935016239
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #812,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be a smart psychotherapy consumer, August 4, 2001

By 

Mark Eckenrode (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Effective Therapy (Paperback)

"Effective Therapy" by Michael J Hurd covers the field of modern psychotherapy, but does so in an unusual way. It examines the field of modern psychotherapy and the differences that the different schools of therapy have, but explains these differences by reference to the underlying philosophic ideas that shape each of them, and shows how these ideas shape the judgments and therapeutic techniques used by professionals who embrace them. The book's goal is to make the reader a smart psychotherapy consumer by being conscious of the malicious philosophical ideas that influence much of the profession today. Each of the prevailing schools of psychotherapy is discussed at length, with the discussion focusing on the philosophical views presupposed by each and how these positions guide their views of the human mind and of what constitutes mental health, and the means to arrive at it. Anyone who doubts the power and influence of philosophy would be well advised to read this work.

The author embraces what he terms "cognitive" psychotherapy, which is the view that it is the ideas and assumptions a person holds - whether they are held consciously or not - that guide all of his thoughts, emotions and actions. Emotions, according to the author, are nothing more than the automatic result of value judgments that have been made, with these value judgments being guided by the fundamental philosophical views that a person has accepted. They key to mental health is the harmonizing of one's ideas and ones emotions. But in order to do this a person must consciously identify the ideas that he has accepted, a task that it is the job of the psychotherapist to help him with.

"Effective Therapy" presents a strong case against the opposing schools of psychotherapy and offers a good defense for the position it recommends. It is edifying with respect to not only the profession of psychotherapy but also with respect to the influence of philosophy on the sciences. Hence the title of this work, it provides the reader with the tools necessary to pursue effective therapy

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slice through the psycho-babble. This is the real thing., November 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Effective Therapy (Paperback)

Dr. Hurd has successfully navigated his way through all the nonsense that makes up today's psychology profession and presents a no-nonsense and very clear approach. Forget the whiners and the no-help social workers. He gives real solutions and real answers that work! Dr. Hurd challenges conventional wisdom on things like how to deal with alcoholism. He gives readers a whole new perspective about how to approach problems and how to *solve* them, not merely "get by" or "deal with it." Read this book *before* you consider therapy or some sort of self-help. This is the best starting point I've ever come across for mental health.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE essential book for anyone seeking a therapist!, August 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Effective Therapy (Paperback)

Today the therapy market contains a baffling arrary of philosophical and scientific schools. Anyone needing to select a therapist that is right for her will be daunted by the task. Michael J. Hurd, in his well-reasoned and clearly presented book, Effective Therapy, guides the reader through the various schools of thought and informs them of the benifits and pitfalls of each. But this book is not only for patients, students of psychology and therapists themselves will be greatly benefited by reading this book, not only will they more clearly understand the therapy styles and ideas behind all the schools of thought but may decide to rethink some of their own methods. A very comprehensive and clearly written book!

Karen Minto, editor Full Context