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Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a treatment that uses verbal exchange, and sometimes behavioral interventions, within a professional relationship, with the primary goal of fostering the growth and development of healthier and more satisfying patterns of response to stressors so that an individual can lead a self-directed life.

Psychotherapy by psychiatrists takes place in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, the traditional weekly individual, family, or group sessions of a set duration.

Psychotherapeutic principles, understanding, and techniques can be applied broadly in medical as well as psychiatric settings to enhance doctor patient communication, promote an effective treatment alliance, and resolve impasses in treatment.

Psychotherapy is a "big tent" that refers to a diverse range of techniques and theoretical orientations. There is a solid and growing evidence base supporting short- and long-term psychotherapies. Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology are powerful and synergistic tools that psychiatrists can employ, tailoring the relative amount of each to the needs of the specific patient.

Resources, Journals & Articles

Psychiatric News Psychotherapy Column

A bi-monthly column from the American Psychiatric Associations publication Psychiatric News, discussing topics related to psychotherapy and practice.

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American Journal of Psychotherapy

A monthly journal by the American Psychiatric Association, The American Journal of Psychotherapy provides a forum for advancing the theory, science, and clinical practice of psychotherapy.

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Cover of the American Journal of Psychotherapy

Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Debrin P. Goubert, M.D., Niklas Törneke, M.D., Robert Purssey, M.D., FRANZCP, Josephine Loftus, M.D., MRCPsych, Laura Weiss Roberts, M.D., M.A., and Kirk D. Strosahl, Ph.D.

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Cover of the Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Learning Supportive Psychotherapy, Second Edition

Arnold Winston, M.D., Richard N. Rosenthal, M.D., and Laura Weiss Roberts, M.D., M.A.

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Cover of the Learning Supportive Psychotherapy, Second Edition

Clinical Manual of Supportive Psychotherapy, Second Edition

Peter N. Novalis, M.D., Ph.D., Virginia Singer, D.N.P., and Roger Peele, M.D.

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Cover of the Clinical Manual of Supportive Psychotherapy, Second Edition

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