Analysis of The Heart & Soul of Change

In The Heart & Soul of Change, editors Mark A. Hubble, Scott D. Miller, and Barry L. Duncan attempt to gather a collection of articles which live up to the book's subtitle, and explain exactly what works in psychotherapy practices. Indeed, the editors are committed to explaining the factors that truly make a difference in the practice of therapy instead of simply reiterating what is supposed to work. As Hubble, Miller, and Duncan explain, the book "aaims to explain what enables psychotherapy and practices in certain related fields to achieve their results" (1999). This is certainly significant, as it allows therapists and researchers to consider the most effective aspects of therapy and utilize them to help clients achieve success. In fact, the book argues, "The recurrent finding that theories and their associated technical operations do not significantly contribute to outcomea deserves much more notice (Hubble et al, 1999).

To achieve their objective, the editors have organized the book into four sections. The first considers the empirical findings for the effectiveness of therapy, while the second covers the four kinds of 'common' factors that affect the result of therapy. In the third section, the articles address how these factors are actually used in a therapeutic setting. The final section looks at the financial impact that the four factors have upon therapy, particularly as they pertain to managed care and health insurance programs. The editors' choi

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art & Soul of Change never determines what actually is a sign of success. The book would benefit from such a discussion. In the second section, the articles shift the focus to the issues of client personality and the relationship between client and therapist. Again, the idea of spontaneous remission is addressed, as it is argued that "aself-healing is the most potent common factor in psychotherapya" (Hubble et al, 1999). Indeed, therapists should not function as the clients' "heroes," but simply as "support systems and resource providers" (Hubble et al, 1999). This is certainly interesting; it places a larger degree of responsibility upon the client itself, but also has a significant effect upon therapists' practice as well. In fact, the book argues that "ait is now possible to predict who signs up, shows up, finishes up, and ends up better off as a result of therapy" (Hubble et al, 1999). If therapist are able to determine which clients will ultimately achieve successful outcomes, there is a way which they can increase success rates. Indeed, this is an interesting assertion to make, but once again, The Heart & Soul of Change seems to stop just short of fully convincing its readers. The book might benefit from

Category: Psychology - A