Review of Assessing and managing violence risk in juveniles.

Reviews the book, Assessing and managing violence risk in juveniles by Randy Borum and David Verhaagen (see record 2006-12484-000). This book is a compilation of research findings designed to accomplish the goal of equipping the reader to "conduct risk assessments that are thorough, fair, helpful, and developmentally and empirically sound." New school psychologists will find an excellent framework for learning how to approach the daunting task of assessing risk of violence in children and adolescents. Experienced practitioners will find new research results integrated throughout the book to improve the precision of their risk assessments as well. This book is written for mental health professionals in schools, therapy settings, and juvenile justice systems. Although these three contexts are presented as very different from each other (differences in treatment plans are noted), the basic principles of assessment are applicable to all. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reply to Stagner.

This is written in response to Ross Stagner's comments (see record 2005-11890-003) concerning the publication of books of readings. First, it is my experience that it is far easier to author a book than edit readings. I don't assume that people who write the original articles that finally find themselves in a book of readings are any more creative than the editors. I don't know how much of a reputation any one gets from authorship or editing a readings book. As for "good solid cash" (to use Stagner's words) I have yet to see some and my experience is not unique. I have paid out a considerable amount of money in secretarial fees alone. If I recoup the money I have expended I will be fortunate. As for so-called profits, if I send one copy of the book to each author and his co-author(s) who contributed an article for a book of readings--well, there goes the "good solid cash." Second, there are many articles that are rescued from the scrap pile by a book of readings. My suggestion is that after the editor of a readings book recoups his expenses in preparing the book, copies of the book be sent to clinics or libraries which are on a limited budget. Copies may even be sent to some of the "underprivileged nations." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Action and insight.

Reviews the book, Action and insight by Paul L. Wachtel (see record 1988-97486-000). Action and insight is a compendium of Paul Wachtel's most important papers. Wachtel's capacity to move from personality theory to clinical theory to clinical technique, with each informing the others, is probably unequaled by any other contemporary psychologist. His reflections on personality are in noteworthy contrast to so much contemporary work in personality psychology. Wachtel begins the book with a series of chapters on theory, in which he challenges several aspects of psychodynamic thinking, and lays out his theory of "cyclical psychodynamics." Wachtel also challenges the "motivational omnipotence" of psychoanalytic theory, which underemphasizes cognitive and situational determinants of behavior. Wachtel's suggestions for clinical technique flow organically from his theoretical position. If the cornerstone of a theory of psychopathology is repression--not knowing--then the cornerstone of treatment must be insight--knowing. If, however, another cornerstone of the theory is anxiety, then action and insight become intertwined, and a more active intervention style may be necessary. Action and insight is a cogent, sophisticated, clearly written book that challenges clinicians from every point of view. This is integrative work at its best. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Hot thought: Mechanisms and applications of emotional cognition.

Reviews the book, Hot thought: Mechanisms and applications of emotional cognition by Paul Thagard (see record 2006-21075-000). This book is cognitive scientist's attempt to bridge the narrowing gap between the study of thinking and feeling by examining and modelling emotional cognition--the study of how emotion and cognition interact to shape human thinking. It is important to distinguish this work from a topical book on the emotions. As it gives short treatment of the theoretical and empirical work on the emotions, it would leave a student of the emotions wanting. This is not to say the book misses its mark, but rather its mark lies elsewhere. It is thus appropriate for both upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, particularly in cognitive science, who would benefit from a consideration of the role of the emotions and how to integrate them into models of thinking and reasoning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Casebook for clinical supervision: A competency-based approach.

Reviews the book, Casebook for clinical supervision: A competency-based approach by Carol A. Falender and Edward P. Shafranske (see record 2008-06295-000). Falender and Shafranske's previous book, Clinical Supervision: A Competency-Based Approach, examined the practise of supervision in the language and framework of competencies. Although this comprehensive book makes a valuable contribution, the writing is decidedly conceptual and abstract, leaving the reader to wonder just how these principles might operate in practise. As if to answer this very question, Falender and Shafranske’s (2008) edited Casebook for Clinical Supervision: A Competency-Based Approach has appeared. The title and editors’ opening chapter promise that the model of supervision described in the earlier text will be illustrated through case material derived from the supervision sessions of the assembled experts and that the chapters of the two books correspond to and complement one another. After finishing the book, I found that although the Casebook did not fully deliver on its promises, I learned a great deal that will be of use in my teaching and practise of supervision. Most of the topics addressed in the Casebook chapters reflect focal concerns in the earlier text, including best practises of supervision, competency-based clinical supervision, alliance issues in treatment and supervision, ethics and legal issues, issues of culture and context, and evaluation. However, it must be said that many of the authors do little to explicitly tie their material to the editors’ model, leaving the reader with the task of determining just how the chapters explicate the earlier model. Overall, although it has some surprising weaknesses, the Casebook’s strengths outweigh them by a wide margin. The book may be read profitably on its own or in conjunction with the earlier companion volume. Graduate students learning how to conduct supervision as well as seasoned supervisors will find a great deal they can learn from in these chapters. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Paradigms of personality assessment.

Reviews the book, Paradigms of personality assessment by Jerry S. Wiggins (see record 2004-00021-000). Wiggins' latest work is very much a must-read book for personality assessment specialists and their students. The book is unique, and important, for two reasons. First, it attempts to deliver on Personality Psychology's longstanding quest to integrate the many disparate perspectives in the field. Second, this is a multidisciplinary case study (a multitrait/multimethod analysis) of one person that combines theory and practice in a way not done before. This is a collaborative project involving eight additional contributors representing five major traditions in personality assessment. I believe the new book is destined to become another classic and a want-to-read book for many psychologists, ranging from those with a stake in the unity of scientific psychology to others who just like a good human-interest story (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Middle-class waifs. The psychodynamic treatment of affectively disturbed children.

Reviews the book, Middle-class waifs. The psychodynamic treatment of affectively disturbed children by Elaine V. Siegel (see record 1991-98014-000). Most of this book is devoted to case histories of children and their parents who have relatively severe emotional problems yet can be sufficiently responsive to psychotherapy so that positive changes occur. Particularly impressive are the ways in which the author, in her therapeutic role, overcomes the resistances presented by both children and parents. She is clearly an excellent therapist, who would probably be effective regardless of orientation, and her manner of working with people has applicability for all psychotherapists. Her appreciation of the necessary balance in understanding the needs of children and their parents is an exemplary model of what it really means to respect the personhood of patients. One of the intriguing possibilities in this book is the case that is made for the broad applicability of psychoanalytic theory and treatment. During a time in which psychodynamic work is being criticized as taking too long, costing too much, and producing too little, the author offers quite a convincing demonstration of its value. The negative consequences of increased disparagement of this approach are also made apparent, so that a definite step is taken to restore the worth of treatment options. Any limitations of this book are minor, relative to the excellent portrayal of the process of psychotherapy with difficult patients that too often frighten or overwhelm people who could help them if the helpers would let themselves discover how. This work by a master clinician definitely points the way. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer psychology: An introduction.

Reviews the book, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer psychology: An introduction by Victoria Clarke et al., (see record 2010-08660-000). The goal of this book is to introduce readers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) psychology, which encompasses many different aspects of the lives of LGBTQ people, including prejudice and discrimination, parenting and families, coming out, and identity development. While no small undertaking, disseminating this knowledge is crucial in order for the field of psychology to be a true “psychology of people” that examines the experiences of all people and is open to diverse ways of living. The authors succeeded in including nearly every major topic in LGBTQ psychology while continually inviting the reader to engage critically. The book is not only well written but designed in a way that makes it an easy read. Along with the usual chapter summaries and questions for discussion, pedagological features include key researcher and key study boxes that enable familiarity with cutting-edge thinking in the field. Being that they represent different interests and areas of expertise, the authors deliver varied perspectives and approaches. One of the greatest strengths of this book is its applicability to a wide audience, from students to practicing psychologists and researchers. As a whole, this book provides realistic ways of creating change, fosters understanding, and challenges the reader to be wary of the ways in which traditional norms can be harmful to LGBTQ people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Brief psychotherapies: Principles and practices.

Reviews the book, Brief psychotherapies: Principles and practices by Michael F. Hoyt (2009). Despite the evident desire of many clients to address their issues in as time-efficient manner as possible (even one session), most therapists are trained to deliver psychotherapy via longer-term models of practice. Although more graduate programs than in the past are beginning to offer training in brief therapy, in many instances this is a one course elective without related practical experience. Hoyt’s book provides a wide-angle overview of the field of brief therapy, as well as an up close look at one of its most prominent models (Solution-Focused Therapy). In doing so, it could serve as a centerpiece for courses in brief psychotherapy. Time sensitive therapy fits in a time sensitive world—a world in which both the clients and funders of services want problems to be addressed in as focused a way as possible. This book teaches therapists a great deal about how to navigate in that world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Psychopathology: Contemporary Jungian perspectives.

Reviews the book, Psychopathology: Contemporary Jungian perspectives edited by Andrew Samuels (see record 1991-97962-000). This book is a collection of relevant articles culled by the editor from the Journal of Analytical Psychology. Because the editor has collected what was available rather than having commissioned items specifically to span the topic for the book, the coverage of the range of psychopathology is spotty, although the major topics of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and personality disorders are covered. Several articles on narcissism are included as are also articles dealing with marital pathology and Holocaust victims. Most are from the perspective of Jungian therapy with the only other theoretical input used coming from self psychology. No other approaches are mentioned. Obviously, the book is likely to be a useful compendium to Jungian analysts. It is somewhat difficult to see how it could be useful to practitioners of other points of view. The language is replete with Jungian terms that are not explained and may not be immediately understandable for persons outside that system. There are two additional major flaws that are also apparent: The tone and language are decidedly British and refer to how the British mental health system is organized, which is, of course, somewhat different than ours; also, because of the publication dates, many of the articles have a dated quality. Both of these factors limit the potential audience for this book. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of On becoming a better therapist.

Reviews the book, On becoming a better therapist by Barry L. Duncan (see record 2009-22770-000). The aim of this book is provide practical, research-based guidance on how to become a more effective therapist. It was designed for those who are on the front lines of providing psychotherapy services. Two criticisms of the book—or perhaps they are simply concerns— seem pertinent. First, although Duncan’s focus on the client’s experience and feedback is a breath of fresh air in a profession that accords too much power to therapists and too little to clients, the book swings so far in the other direction that it runs the risk of making the same mistake on the client side of the equation. Second, related to the first concern, the book does not adequately address those situations in which the client’s ideas about the treatment might be problematic. Overall this book is an excellent read and a helpful guide to becoming a more effective therapist. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Move your body tone your mood: Book review.

The reviewer states that this book (K. F. Hays [2002]; see record 2002-02783-000) presents information on exercise as a therapy alternative, some information on the benefits of exercise, anecdotes based on stories of other people's exercise (and sometimes therapy) experiences, and many "self-help" exercises. The literature base for the book draws on exercise psychology, health psychology, and therapeutic practice. The book has a heavy personal flavor. The author is clearly giving her own best advice on how to incorporate exercise into the readers' lifestyle in order to achieve the physical benefits as well as some important psychological outcomes. This book would be of interest to counselors who wish to provide exercise advice to clients displaying a variety of psychological challenges. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Connectionism: A Hands-On Approach.

Reviews the book, Connectionism: A Hands-On Approach by Michael R. W. Dawson (see record 2005-05691-000). This book is intended to be a practical introduction to connectionist models and neural networks. The book uses, as examples, simple connectionist models that have been studied over the years, with each chapter dedicated to a slightly more complex model or problem than the previous. The author also provides links to a web page where sample programs can be downloaded, allowing the reader to use these programs as they progress through the book. Although the book is well written, it falls short of its objective of being an introduction to connectionism. The book does not claim to be focused on connectionist theory, but its lack of a theoretical basis makes it difficult to follow. Throughout the book, there are references to another work by the author entitled Minds and Machines, which the reader can reference for the theoretical basis and background of connectionist models, and this may indicate the preferred use of the current book. This book falls short as a stand-alone text, but could make a decent workbook to supplement a theoretical text on connectionism. Those who are looking to expand into actually implementing these algorithms would be better served by packages such as PDP, SNNS, or even Matlab, but the book could still be useful to those who want to get a taste of how these algorithms work. The niche of this book seems to be for professors who want a "hands-on" supplement for their main text, but want to avoid too much depth on the math or implementation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Empathy reconsidered: New directions in psychotherapy.

Reviews the book, Empathy reconsidered: New directions in psychotherapy by Arthur C. Bohart and Leslie S. Greenberg (see record 1997-08439-000). What, exactly, do we mean by empathy? And what role does it play in how psychotherapy works? These are the questions that Arthur Bohart and Leslie Greenberg address in their edited book, Empathy reconsidered. While definitive answers are not arrived at, the considerations have resulted in a book that ought to be required reading for anyone who wants to understand or practice psychotherapy. This is a book that should be read by graduate students in clinical or counselling psychology, psychotherapy researchers, and psychotherapists. It is not an easy read; it is definitely not a "how-to" manual. Rather, it is challenging and thought-provoking. The dedicated reader, however, will be rewarded. Ultimately, the greatest reward that this book offers is the view that maybe psychotherapy is the distillation of an essential human process which is facilitative of human growth; that maybe all forms of psychotherapy are effective as a result of empathic processes; that maybe what we should be directing our energies toward is ensuring that we are empathically engaging our clients, not whether we are implementing irrelevant varieties of therapeutic techniques. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Assessing culturally and linguistically diverse students: A practical guide.

Reviews the book, Assessing culturally and linguistically diverse students: A practical guide by Robert L. Rhodes, Salvador Hector Ochoa, and Samuel O. Ortiz (see record 2006-12379-000). This book provides school practitioners with a practical guide to the assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children that may help reduce inappropriate referral and placement practices. The book is divided the book into three sections, the first of which focuses on the demographic, legal, and educational issues related to CLD students. The second section takes on a practical, "how to" approach to assessment. The final section proposes an integrated format for assessing cognitive and academic ability. This book is unique in that it provides a practical "how to" handbook of multicultural assessment with the culturally and linguistically diverse learner. The book is well-organized and presented in a logical manner. It begins with a clearly defined problem (i.e., disproportionality of CLD students in special education) and provides a comprehensive discussion on related background information. The authors then take the next step by providing suggestions and information that will help the professional take ownership of and change the problem. This book will be a helpful tool for providing the practitioner with information related to the disproportion of CLD students in special education. This book's foundation in current research, practical suggestions, and reproducible materials make it a worthy edition to any practitioner's library. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The Young Offenders Act: A revolution in Canadian juvenile justice.

Reviews the book, The Young Offenders Act: A revolution in Canadian juvenile justice by Alan Leschied, Peter Jaffe, and Wayne Willis. The recent historical development of how we deal with young criminals in Canada is well covered in this book. For most of this century, the treatment of young offenders was governed by the Juvenile Delinquents Act (JDA). A product of the reform movements of the end of the 19th century, this act was based on the rationale that young criminals were wayward children whose antisocial behaviour was a reaction to deprivation and neglect. Unfortunately, over the years the JDA became in operation often oppressive, with little attention to due process, and a smothering concern for the welfare of its clients that enmeshed them in a net from which they could not easily escape. The "solution" to these problems was the Young Offenders Act (YOA), implemented during the past decade. The central theme of the first seven chapters of the book--about half of the total--is how the old Welfare assumptions have been replaced by a Junior Justice model. As detailed therein, accused young offenders are now given legal safeguards equivalent to those afforded to adults, with the same rules of evidence, guarantees of defence lawyers and legal aid, and definite fixed sentences if convicted. As one might have expected, the "Revolution in Canadian Juvenile Justice" claimed by the book's subtitle is often much more profound at the level of legal philosophy than on the front lines where real decisions about kids' lives have to be made. Old problems have been replaced by new ones, for example the precipitous drop in the number of convicted youths in psychological treatment programs. Clearly, the roles of both lawyers and psychologists within the System have changed with the adoption of the YOA, and the balance of power has shifted away from treatment. However, as is clear after reading this book, working procedures under the new act are not all fixed by the legislation; rather, some procedures could probably be altered relatively easily. As well, some minor changes in the legislation might make the entire system much more amenable to treatment. The JDA evolved over time, and so will the YOA. This volume can serve as a good starting position for one to consider what the YOA can become and how it can be directed in its evolution, rather than decrying the very dubious value of what it replaced. It will certainly be of interest to psychologists and other professionals in the criminal justice field. It could also serve as a good introduction to criminal justice issues for other readers with interests in adolescent behaviour. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The chemically dependent: Phases of treatment and recovery.

Reviews the book, The chemically dependent: Phases of treatment and recovery edited by Barbara C. Wallace (see record 1992-98403-000). While this book is ambitious, interesting, educational, and useful, it is also disappointing, repetitious, and incomplete. Because it tries to accomplish so much, it may appear to have succeeded too little. This book is organized around, and explicative of, several basic ideas which might have been controversial if not heretical had this book been published ten years ago. Section I, purporting to link specific "phases of recovery" to particular forms and functions of treatment, will certainly be useful for novice clinicians but falls short of its overstated goals and is thereby disappointing. Section II is a collection of moderately redundant chapters describing the etiology and treatment of substance abusers from the viewpoints of psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, ego psychology, and object-relations theorists and therapists. Section III focuses on cognitive-behavioral, self-help, and relapse-prevention treatments. Section IV is quite uneven in quality of writing and applicability of content, and could have benefited from closer editorial scrutiny or selectivity. The final section focuses on special needs of particular subpopulations of substance abusers: African-Americans, prison inmates, HIV/AIDS patients, persons who are homeless, those who have been sexually and physically abused, and others. According to the reviewer this is not the best book on substance abuse treatment, but it does present some clinically useful ideas and it is worth reading. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)