Transformative Relationships: The Control Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy [Hardcover]

George Silberschatz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 12, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0415950279 | ISBN-13: 978-0415950275

The control-mastery theory, developed by Dr. Joseph Weiss over the second half of the twentieth century, is an attempt to integrate an understanding of how the mind works, how psychopathologies develop, and how psychotherapy can effectively help. Control-Mastery theory assumes that the patient's problems are rooted in the grim, constricting pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires in the traumatic experiences of childhood. The driving force behind the psychotherapeutic process is the patient's conscious and unconscious desire to recover the capacity to pursue life goals by gaining control and mastering self destructive patterns of thoughts and behaviors. Underlying this theory is the conception that the client structures (both consciously and unconsciously) the psychotherapeutic process in order to clearly and quickly address her own goals. Following this line of thought, the practitioner must be able to identify a client's aims, respond to and encourage these thoughts, and develop a strategic therapeutic plan to effectively address the needs and wants of each individual. This book aims to present the control-mastery theory in a more accessible format, and introduce it to a wider audience, expanding the scope of the theory beyond simply a comparison to Freudian analysis. The text presents an integrated cognitive-psychodynamic-relational approach to therapy, addressing issues surrounding psychopathology and pathogenic constructions. Organized into three distinct sections, the book first considers theoretical underpinnings before moving into in-depth discussions of clinical and practical application of these valuable therapeutic tools and techniques, drawing heavily on detailed descriptions of entire therapy sessions. The final section of the book covers current and developing empirical research, presenting convincing arguments in support of the theory and practice earlier discussed. The editor has extensive research and clinical experience with both the conceptual and practical aspects of the theory, and has worked with Joseph Weiss and Hal Sampson - the two pioneers of the control-mastery approach - who each contributes a chapter to the book. Transformative Relationships advances this integrative approach to therapy beyond its current scope, introducing these valuable concepts and techniques to a wider audience of practitioners of all backgrounds.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

George Silberschatz, Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California - San Francisco and Co-Director of the Mount Zion Brief Psychotherapy Research Project, at the Mount Zion Medical Center of UC San Francisco. He is also President of the Society for Psychotherapy Research. Dr. Silberschatz is an active member of (among other organizations) the APA and the Society for Psychotherapy Research, and maintains a private practice in clinical psychology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (January 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415950279
• ISBN-13: 978-0415950275
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 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: #529,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars straightforward and easy-to-read, April 5, 2006

By 

SS (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Transformative Relationships: The Control Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy (Hardcover)

This is an excellent overview of the control-mastery theory. It is presented in a way that is easy to understand while still capturing the complexity of the theory. There are a lot of clinical examples to illustrate how the theory works and how clinicians can use it in their practice. This is a wonderful book for graduate students and new therapists - the theory is very user-friendly and a really unique and interesting way of conceptualizing psychopathology. I would recommmend this book to anyone looking for an introduction to control-mastery theory.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Validation of My Own Clinical Practice, March 26, 2009

By 

Ms. K. Rogers (London, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Transformative Relationships: The Control Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy (Hardcover)

I found "Transformative Relationships: The Control Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy" to be a fascinating and informative read. The language was very accessible, both, I felt, for clinicians and for those less experienced in the field. Indeed I've quoted from it to friends, who find, because of the non accademic approach, they can identify with some of the ideas put forward.
I fully agree with the extreme importance of the Therapeutic relationshiop and the vital role that "safty " plays in the healing process, and have always weaved this into the therapy.
The idea that the client often "coaches" the therapist and that the latter's response to this, as perceived by the client, is invaluable in the success or failure of the therapeutic journey,has often occured to me. For the therapy to succeed, it must be a two way response, where both the client and the therapist learn from each other. In this way the whole process can be a more enriching experience.

The ideas in this book, resonated for me, validating my own clinical practice and crystalizing my thoughts on my theoretical approach. It seems I've been practising successfully The Control-Mastery Theory of Psychotherapy, for years. It was good to see in print some of the reasons for my clients being "healed".