Articles, Book Reviews
Social Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults: Translating Developmental Science Into Practice
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
“Social Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults: Translating Developmental Science Into Practice” Edited by Candice A. Alfano and Deborah C. Beidel American Psychological Association Washington, D.C., 2011 Book covers wide therapeutic landscape Reviewed by James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA Social fear is synonymous with excessive shyness, social withdrawal and more definitively, social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD occurs across the lifespan, with the average age of onset being mid-adolescence. As the editors of this book inquire, “What is it, then, about this particular developmental stage that seems to be the critical period for the onset of this debilitating disorder?” You’ll [More]
Inside the Session: What Really Happens in Psychotherapy
By Paul Efthim PhD
“Inside the Session: What Really Happens in Psychotherapy” By Paul L. Wachtel American Psychological Association Washington, D.C., 2011 A unique microscopic view of psychotherapy, ‘warts and all’ Reviewd by Paul Efthim, Ph.D. This unique book takes us inside the consulting room of master therapist Paul Wachtel, who bravely and generously shares verbatim transcripts of three sessions in their entirety. The circumstances under which these sessions took place were also unique: Wachtel, a distinguished author, practitioner and teacher of psychodynamic therapy, was invited by the American Psychological Association to make several demonstration videos for their DVD series “Systems of Psychotherapy.” Afterward, [More]
Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life After Deployment
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
“Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life After Deployment” By Bret A. Moore and Carrie H. Kennedy American Psychological Association Washington, D.C., 2011 Self-help guide one of the best of its kind Reviewed by James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D Military psychology encompasses many areas but none more valuable than supporting service personnel returning home from deployment. The authors of “Wheels Down” are experienced Army and Navy veterans, both psychologists who are at the forefront of helping women and men preparing for and going through the transition stateside. It is an exemplary self-help book that deserves the widest attention. The first [More]
Fairbairn’s Object Relations Theory in the Clinical Setting
By Paul Efthim PhD
“Fairbairn’s Object Relations Theory in the Clinical Setting” By David P. Celani Columbia University Press New York, N.Y. 2010 Despite its complexity of ideas, book is rewarding Reviewed by Paul Efthim, Ph.D. If you’d like to strengthen your psychodynamic chops but aren’t ready to commit to years of analytic training, you might want to get a copy of this excellent book and immerse yourself in the model of W.R.D. Fairbairn. Written by Vermont psychologist David Celani, “Fairbairn’s Object Relations Theory in the Clinical Setting” reviews the British analyst’s five seminal papers published between 1940 and 1958 and discusses their application [More]
How to Find Mental Health Care for Your Child
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
“How to Find Mental Health Care for Your Child” By Ellen B. Braaten, Ph.D. American Psychological Association Washington, D.C., 2011 Accessible guide helpful to parents Reviewed by James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D Ellen B. Braaten, Ph.D. is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, a child psychologist who specializes in pediatric neuropsychology and psychological testing. Braaten has written several noteworthy books for parents and professionals, most recently “How to Find Mental Health Care for Your Child.” The book is well conceived, highly informative, and an invaluable resource for families. The author writes, “I have found that seeking mental health care is [More]
Perceived Organizational Support: Fostering Enthusiastic and Productive Employees
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
Perceived Organizational Support: Fostering Enthusiastic and Productive Employees By Robert Eisenberger and Florence Stinglhamber American Psychological Association Washington, D.C. 2011 Must read book has universal appeal Reviewed By James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D According to the authors of this book, perceived organizational support or POS concerns “Your work organization’s valuation of you or, to be more exact, how much you believe your organization values your contributions and cares about your wellbeing.” They comment further that “Employees with high POS experience their working lives in more favorable ways….have a more positive mood at work, are more satisfied with their jobs, [More]
The Mind-Body Mood Solution: The Breakthrough Drug-Free Program for Lasting Relief from Depression
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
“The Mind-Body Mood Solution: The Breakthrough Drug-Free Program for Lasting Relief from Depression” By Jeffrey Rossman Rodale Books New York, N.Y. 2011 Author’s view will resonate with readers Reviewed By James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D According to psychologist Jeffrey Rossman, “We are living in an age of depression.” Indeed, mental health statistics suggest that approximately 25 percent of Americans will experience depression in their lives. The annual cost of treating depression is billions of dollars with heavy emphasis on medication as a primary therapeutic modality. And yet, there is controversy about the actual effectiveness of antidepressant pharmacology and its [More]
Functional Behavioral Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
By Ennio Cipani and Kevin M. Schock Springer Publishing Company, LLC New York, NY, 2011 Resource ideal for university coursework Reviewed by James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D As the title suggests, this book has applied behavior analysis (ABA) as its central philosophy and orientation. Specifically, the content focuses on functional assessment and assessment-derived treatment procedures that have evidence-based research support. Cipani and Schock wrote the book to provide “a comprehensive approach to designing behavioral treatments for children in homes and residential facilities, students in special and general education settings and adults residing in inpatient units and facilities.” The [More]
Malpractice in Psychology: A Practical Resource for Clinicians
By James K Luiselli EdD ABPP BCBA-D
By David L. Shapiro and Steven R. Smith American Psychological Association Washington, D.C., 2011 ‘Must read’ book is invaluable resource Reviewed By James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA-D Malpractice claims against psychologists are relatively few compared to other healthcare professions but equally debilitating. There is, of course, financial threat but challenges to one’s reputation and self-esteem as well. Preventing malpractice liability demands deliberate attention to basic practice standards and implementation of risk avoidance strategies. Thankfully, this book tells how to do so and true to its title, is indeed a practical resource for clinicians. Psychologist, David L. Shapiro, and attorney, [More]
Private Practice Made Simple
By Paul Efthim PhD
By Randy J. Paterson New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Oakland, Calif., 2011 Book offers soup-to-nuts collection of tips Reviewed By Paul Efthim, Ph.D. Whether you are fresh out of training or in mid-career, opening a private practice can be a frightening prospect. A recent book by Vancouver psychologist Randy Paterson offers a soup-to-nuts collection of tips on how to launch and manage a successful psychotherapy practice while managing the inevitable anxieties along the way. Having built a private group practice and given workshops on the topic, Paterson knows the territory well. He has produced a well-written guidebook that will appeal to [More]