Emotions in the Practice of Psychotherapy: Clinical Implications of Affect Theories [Hardcover]

Robert Plutchik (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2000

Moving beyond clinicians' often hazy understanding of what emotions ar e, this book provides therapists with concrete ways of thinking and de aling with client emotions. Demonstrates to psychologists how central emotions are to the therapeutic process and provides nine theories of emotion. Provides a description of 26 tactics and strategies that psy chotherapists may use to help uncover and understand emotions in their clients.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

In this book I have tried to blend empirical evidence and clinical experience about the role of emotions in psychotherapeutic work. Within this context, I presented some key ideas about the significance and functions of emotions. These include the idea that psychotherapy must enlist strong emotional reactions if it is to be a powerful force for change. It also includes the idea that most psychological symptoms are about emotions that have gone awry or become dysfunctional; some emotions are too strong or persistent (such as panic or depression) while others are absent or too weak (such as trust and pleasure).

In the present book I have not offered another school of therapy. I have, however, examined the many direct and subtle ways that emotions influence and are influenced by psychotherapy. Since all therapists deal with emotions, perhaps this focus may help integrate some of the diverse views of therapy, and at the same time facilitate the process of therapy. I hope that the ideas presented here are clear and interesting enough to stimulate serious thought.

I hope that the future mosaic that describes the nature of emotions will be a design, full of beauty and elegance and powerful in its ability to impact human life.

From the Inside Flap

The circumplex model of emotions has been an extremely valuable paradigm for understanding personality, psychopathology, and interpersonal relations over the past 30 years. In this volume, Dr. Robert Plutchik extends his model to inform the practice of psychotherapy across all theoretical orientations and therapeutic modalities.

Beginning with a description of the psychoevolutionary function of emotions, Dr. Plutchik demonstrates how the circumplex model can explain both the extremes of psychopathology, such as personality disorders, and the normal existential issues based by everyone, such as identity crises and death anxiety. After exploring the role of emotions in symptom formation, ego defenses, and coping styles, he presents a unique compendium of therapist tactics for uncovering and encouraging the expression of emotion and for understanding and improving therapeutic communication. Although written primarily for the clinician, the provision of empirical data and of tests and scales to measure emotions will make this book highly valuable to researchers as well.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 229 pages
• Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA); 1 edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557986940
• ISBN-13: 978-1557986948
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,239,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Civilian's Interpretation, March 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Emotions in the Practice of Psychotherapy: Clinical Implications of Affect Theories (Hardcover)

Is this book only for clinician's and other practicing therapists? No! Of course, they'll understand it on a level denied me because I lack their credentials, but it's still a "good read" for the lay public, if only for its poetic language. Surprisingly for a scholarly work such as this one there are no footnotes! However since all of the references are contained in the text the words flow without interruption. (There's a complete bibliography at the back of the book.)There are many other plusses such as wonderful graphics, ie, tables and diagrams, some of which were supplied by Dr. Plutchik's son, Roy. Plutchik covers the fundamental questions of "Who Am I?","What Are My Goals?", and "Fear Of Death". A major surprise was his assertion that emotions are not usually considered when dealing with patients/clients. In exploring the literature of psycho-therapy he found few instances where they were taken into account. (I, apparently, am one of the fortunate few whose emotions were considered by my psycho-therapist over 47 years ago.) The most interesting chapters to me were Chapter 8 which deals with existential issues and Chapter 9 which showed me why the "why" questions we often ask of others are not generally productive. You'll have to read the book yourself to discover the reason. In the Epilogue, on page 170, Dr. Plutchik writes, "Therapeutic communication is an extremely complex process, and there is still a great deal that is not known about how it works best. I hope that the ideas in this book stimulate others to continue the process of filling in the missing parts. I hope that the future mosaic will be a design full of beauty and elegance and powerful in its ability to affect human life." This book reveals the very humble man who, despite all his knowledge, he must be.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Celebration of Emotions, March 3, 2001

By 

Christopher C. York (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Emotions in the Practice of Psychotherapy: Clinical Implications of Affect Theories (Hardcover)

This vibrant, compelling book is a celebration of emotions. Dr. Plutchik skillfully guides us through the theoretical underpinnings of the role of emotions in psychotherapy with brilliant clarity and simplicity. Using his psychoevolutionary model he blends solid theory with practical implications. In so doing, he demonstrates how a thrapist might use emotions and personality traits to affect change. He presents a vision of emotion that is exciting and that represents an elegant synthesis of the field. This gem of a book is an invaluable source for clinicians, students, researchers, and those with curiosity about the role of emotion in life.