Learning from the Patient

My supervisor recommended this book to me and I must say, I was surprised by how excellent it was. First, Casement writes very clearly so its a pleasure to read. The essence of what he writes about is how to listen to a patient, as well as to yourself, so as to understand what impact you are having- or might have- on the person and the treatment. This deceptively simple and reductive statement cannot capture how deeply and extensively he makes use of this skill, so as to transform it into an art. He connects his practice approach to theory, especially to Winnicott's contributions, but the book remains a practical and not a theoretical work. I believe this book transcends theoretical orientation and the recommended way of working can be applied no matter what your orientation is. Many rich case examples bring to life the concepts they illustrate. I admire his honesty and his apparent dedication to plumbing the depths of his own experience in session. But the book is much more than an illustration of a master clinician at work. There is much wisdom to be found in this book and it can be read numerous times to fully absorb and incorporate it. This book goes on my 'desert island' list.

It's easy to see why so many regard this book as a masterpiece -- a triumph of empathy and open-mindedness. It is lucid and wise. You will look long before finding another account of the analytic process as perceptive as this one. There's a little repetition here, but it's actually useful in underscoring key themes. Highly recommended.

A little dated, but very valuable theory. Lots of case examples, which is helpful for the illustration of Casement's points.

I used this book for a grad program course and it was great. Casement gives tons of examples and his thought process about what he could have done differently in client vingettes. I'm glad this book was assigned for a psychoanalytic course!

essential to learn from experience I would say, so yes as professionals patients are part of that life experience

I was so pleased!!! You would never think it were a Used book. I have purchased all my school/ reading books from here. Truly recommend them!

I'm currently reading this book after finishing my masters in clinical psychology. I wish this had been assigned while in school; the examples are extremely helpful for a new therapist. The book is rich with content that would be useful to discuss in a group and expand on. I really enjoy Casement's disclosure of his internal process and how he used himself to tune in to each client and their needs. I would definitely recommend this book to others in the field!

In the "pas de deux", the dance between the therapist and the patient, so much goes on it's nearly impossible to get a grip on it all and Casement does a beautiful job of describing this. So much of what he "knows" he knows in retrospect, but such is the stuff of case histories. Meanwhile, when you're together, the dance goes on! What I liked especially about this book is that he makes an attempt to be humble in the presence of his patients; an attempt anyway. If you've ever been in the helping professions, and can get your ego out of the way, that's just the way it is. You get your degree, you read and read, you have your own analysis or whatever, but what comes up in the therapy room never seems to have been covered in the text books. So you learn-as-you-go. His carefully delineated case histories take you step-by-step through the complicated process, and you will learn a lot from this book -- if nothing else you can take heart that it's a very complicated "dance" indeed. You can be taught the steps, but putting it together with your "partner" will be yours alone!

A classic book for anyone doing a counselling course.Words of wisdom still hold true even though this book was written years ago.All counsellors would benefit from having a copy on their bookshelf

Brilliant, Thank you

Used book that is just as new.

Indeed a valuable book!