History of Psychotherapy: Continuity and Change

Published 20 years ago, the first edition of History of Psychotherapy (1992) is still considered the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on the subject.

Building on the success of its predecessor, this new edition provides timely updates to reflect both the continuity and change in psychotherapy and examines new theory, research, practice, and training. Focusing on critical turning points, 82 eminent authors examine the impact of social, cultural, and economic factors on the development of psychotherapy. Each chapter highlights the historical roots, current manifestations, and future directions of the field.

New to this edition are discussions on the emergence of multiculturalism, neuroscience, couples therapy, pharmacotherapy, spirituality and religion, and specialized research centers. Scholarly but engaging, comprehensive but accessible, this updated classic will prove ideal for students, practitioners, and libraries alike.

John C. Norcross, PhD, ABPP, is a professor of psychology and distinguished university fellow at the University of Scranton, editor of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, and a clinical psychologist in part-time practice.

His recent coauthored books include Leaving It at the Office: Psychotherapist Self-Care; Clinician’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health and Addictions; Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology; and Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis, now in its seventh edition.

Among Dr. Norcross’s awards are APA’s Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training, Pennsylvania Professor of the Year from the Carnegie Foundation, and election to the National Academies of Practice.

Gary R. VandenBos, PhD, is the executive director of APA’s Office of Publications and Databases. Among his books are Psychotherapy of Schizophrenia: The Treatment of Choice (with Bertram Karon), Psychology and National Health Insurance, Clinical Geropsychology, Professional Liability and Risk Management, and Violence on the Job.

He maintains a part-time practice and consults on treatment and research with violent patients.

He received the Early Career Contribution to Psychotherapy and the Lifetime Contributions to Psychotherapy from APA Division 29 (Psychotherapy).

Donald K. Freedheim, PhD, is professor emeritus of psychology at Case Western Reserve University and past president of APA Division 29 (Psychotherapy).

He edited the first edition of History of Psychotherapy: A Century of Change, published in 1992 in honor of APA’s centennial. In 2003, he edited History of Psychology, the first volume of the Handbook of Psychology. He also coedited The Clinical Child Documentation Sourcebook. For 10 years he edited the journal, Psychotherapy. He also founded The Clinical Psychologist and Professional Psychology.

He is a Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice and serves on the Trauma Response Team of the Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross.