1 / 2Essential Psychotherapies: Theory and Practice, 4th Edition
Essential Psychotherapies: Theory and Practice is a fourth-edition overview of 12 psychotherapy approaches. Its consistent chapter structure, clinical examples and coverage of research make it useful for comparing approaches, while its 500-page length suits readers looking for a substantial reference rather than a quick introduction.
At a glance
- Covers the history, assessment approach, techniques, research base and foundational ideas of 12 psychotherapy approaches.
- Uses a consistent chapter format to support comparisons across approaches.
- Each chapter includes clinical vignettes, an extended case example and suggested further-learning resources.
- The fourth edition adds chapters on CBT, third-wave CBT, couple therapies, and interpersonal and brief psychodynamic therapies.
- The listing says updated coverage includes diversity, evidence-based practice, psychotherapy integration and applications to physical health care.
Reference price: $96.50
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad survey makes it possible to compare multiple psychotherapy approaches within one volume.
- Case examples and clinical vignettes connect conceptual material to practice scenarios.
- Updated edition adds several therapy chapters and expanded attention to diversity and evidence-based practice.
Cons
- At 500 pages, it is a substantial read rather than a brief overview.
- Published in 2019, this edition may not reflect developments after its publication date.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Guilford Press |
|---|---|
| Edition | 4th |
| Publication date | Nov. 27 2019 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 500 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1462540848 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1462540846 |
| Weight listed | 862 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.78 x 2.22 x 25.4 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Students or practitioners seeking a comparative introduction to major psychotherapy approaches.
- Readers who value clinical examples alongside discussion of theory, assessment and research.
- People looking for a reference that addresses multiple approaches rather than a single therapy model.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short, introductory booklet.
- Buyers who need a resource reflecting research and clinical developments published after 2019.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
83% 83% - 4 stars
10% 10% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Aggregate ratings are strongly positive overall, with most ratings in the five-star category, but a small share fall in lower star categories. Without comment-level feedback, these figures do not identify specific strengths or complaints. They offer limited guidance on how well the book suits a particular reader, so use the described coverage and 500-page format to judge fit.
Frequently asked questions
What does the book cover?
The listing describes coverage of the history, assessment, techniques, research base and foundational ideas of 12 psychotherapy approaches.
What is new in the fourth edition?
The listing identifies new chapters on CBT, third-wave CBT, couple therapies, and interpersonal and brief psychodynamic therapies. It also says the other chapters were updated.
Does the book include clinical examples?
Yes. The listing says every chapter includes clinical vignettes and an extended case example, as well as suggested resources for further learning.
When was this edition published?
The listed publication date is Nov. 27 2019.
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