Practical Psychoanalysis for Therapists and Patients

Owen Renik's Practical Psychoanalysis for Therapists and Patients is a sensitive, down-to-earth account of how to do psychotherapy, with every suggestion demonstrated through a case example. However, although Renik's philosophical orientation is psychoanalytic, to call his methods psychoanalysis is certainly stretching the definition of that technique. His foremost characteristics as a therapist are his openness to dialogue with his clients and his willingness to share his own point of view with them. The insights he offers to his clients are refreshingly practical and related to their daily behavior. He has an analyst's sensitivity to both their childhood relationships with their parents and to how such relationships are mirrored in the way they relate to him during the therapeutic interaction. However, unlike many analysts he does not seem to be hampered by applying the same paradigmatic constructs to each of his case explanations.For someone who wants to see how therapy is done, the case examples and explanations provided by Renik are excellent. The title and the content are somewhat misleading by being labeled psychoanalysis. I would also want new therapists who read this book to be cautious in offering their own reactions and thoughts to their clients, since Renik does so as a seasoned therapist who has the wisdom to know when this is helpful and when it is not.

I was expecting an explanation about what psychoanalysis is, but it turned to be even better. This book helped me to look for good psychoanalysis --or "practical" as it's described here.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Renik writes in a very human, down-to-earth style, paying no more respect to psychoanalytical theories than his experience of their usefulness allows him.

Good analysis

Very straightforward and completely honest. It was nice to hear from a therapist who clearly has his ego in check and can discuss his craft with a realistic perspective.

Amazing read. Changed my view of psychodynamic therapy for much better. Enhances a deeper understanding of concepts while practically helping you conduct you psychodynamic therapy. I feel that my general interviewing style is now affected by this book and I am very happy about it.

great book for patients and anyone in the mental health field

This opened my eyes to the shortcomings (some very significant) of classical analysis and shows ways to make psychoanalytic treatment more effective. It was an easy read and I feel it will be invaluable in my work with patients. So many great insights and ideas and practical strategies for treating various disorders. Highly recommend.

Lively, well written and really stimulating to read. Challenges more classical approaches in a forthright but thoughtful and compelling way.

Very nice book for university students and for people with no past knowledge in psychoanalytic treatment. It explains everything with simple words and shows how modern psychoanalysis should be.