Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: Evaluation and Technique - Clinical

In this review of Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: Evaluation and Technique, the reviewer finds a focused, clinically oriented survey of short-term anxiety-provoking psychotherapy that will appeal to clinicians and students seeking practical guidance rooted in psychoanalytic thought. The book's greatest strength is its clear articulation of short-term anxiety-provoking psychotherapy (STAPP) principles and techniques, making it a useful text for therapists who want grounded methods for brief interventions rather than purely theoretical discussion.

Key Features

• Focus on STAPP: Explains short-term anxiety-provoking psychotherapy rooted in psychoanalytic principles so clinicians can apply this approach to time-limited work.
• Practical technique discussion: Offers descriptions of evaluation and technique that help readers translate theory into session-level interventions.
• Experienced author: Draws on Dr. Sifneos's extensive lecturing and writing to present methods honed by a pioneer in the field.
• Literature context: Positions short-term psychotherapy within a decade or two of research and overview articles, helping readers understand the discipline's development.
• Concise scope: Keeps the material concentrated on brief psychotherapy rather than sprawling into unrelated psychoanalytic topics, aiding focused study.

Who It's For

This book is best for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, trainees, and licensed therapists who want a concise, practice-oriented introduction to short-term dynamic or anxiety-provoking psychotherapy. It is particularly useful for clinicians who already have some grounding in psychoanalytic concepts and are looking for ways to adapt those principles to briefer treatment frames.

Those seeking a step-by-step workbook of session scripts or extensive empirical outcome meta-analyses may want to supplement this text with empirical research papers or treatment manuals; the volume emphasizes clinical reasoning and technique description rather than exhaustive trial data.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear exposition of STAPP makes the approach accessible for practicing clinicians.
• Authoritative perspective from a pioneer enhances credibility and practical insight.
• Concise focus on evaluation and technique supports efficient learning for time-limited therapy.

Cons

• Not a replacement for detailed randomized controlled trial data or stepwise treatment manuals.

Specifications

Title	Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy: Evaluation and Technique
Series	Topics in General Psychiatry
Author	P. E. E. Sifneos
Subject	Short-term anxiety-provoking psychotherapy (STAPP)
Approach	Psychoanalytic principles applied to brief therapy
Intended audience	Clinicians, trainees, and mental health professionals

Our Verdict

This is a concise, clinically minded volume recommended for clinicians and trainees who want to incorporate short-term dynamic psychotherapy into their practice. It provides practical technique and evaluation guidance grounded in psychoanalytic theory and represents good value for readers seeking a focused introduction rather than a comprehensive research compendium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book teach session-level techniques?
The book describes evaluation and technique for STAPP with practical examples and guidance suitable for clinicians to adapt in sessions.

Who authored the book and what is their perspective?
P. E. E. Sifneos, a pioneer in short-term psychotherapy, writes from a psychoanalytic perspective with emphasis on anxiety-provoking brief therapy.

Is this book suitable for novices?
Yes, clinically minded trainees will find it useful, though readers without any psychoanalytic background may need supplemental introductory material.