Handbook Further Reading

How-To Therapy Handbook

How We Work

Contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy, Skills, and Clinical Pragmatism

Research and Further Reading

Our clinical approach is grounded in contemporary psychodynamic theory while drawing selectively from relational, interpersonal, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, dialectical-behavioral, existential, systemic, multicultural, and trauma-informed perspectives.

The references above provide research and theoretical background for these approaches and for the pluralistic, pragmatic framework used to integrate them.

Note:

Clicking on the section title will direct you to its respective page. 

The handbook is still being complete. As new sections are published, we will update this page with additional research and readings. 

Part One: Clinical Approach - Understanding the Process

Sources for the Contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy Handbook

  1. Eubanks, C. F., Muran, J. C., & Safran, J. D. (2018). Alliance rupture repair: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 508–519. doi: 10.1037/pst0000185
  2. Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2018). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 316–340. doi: 10.1037/pst0000172
  3. Hoffman, L. (2024). Addressing at-the-moment defenses against painful affects: A core mechanism of change in psychodynamic treatment. Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 52(3), 305–326. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2024.52.3.305
  4. Høglend, P. (2014). Exploration of the patient-therapist relationship in psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(10), 1056–1066. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14010121
  5. Høglend, P., Bøgwald, K.-P., Amlo, S., Marble, A., Ulberg, R., Sjaastad, M. C., Sørbye, Ø., Heyerdahl, O., & Johansson, P. (2008). Transference interpretations in dynamic psychotherapy: Do they really yield sustained effects? American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(6), 763–771. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2008.07061028
  6. Jones, E. E., & Pulos, S. M. (1993). Comparing the process in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 61(2), 306–316. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.61.2.306
  7. Kivlighan, D. M., III, Goldberg, S. B., Abbas, M., Pace, B. T., Yulish, N. E., Thomas, J. G., Cullen, M. M., Flückiger, C., & Wampold, B. E. (2015). The enduring effects of psychodynamic treatments vis-à-vis alternative treatments: A multilevel longitudinal meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 40, 1–14. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.05.003
  8. Leichsenring, F., & Schauenburg, H. (2014). Empirically supported methods of short-term psychodynamic therapy in depression—Towards an evidence-based unified protocol. Journal of Affective Disorders, 169, 128–143. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.08.007
  9. Levendosky, A. A., Turchan, J. E., Luo, X., & Good, E. (2023). A re-introduction of the psychodynamic approach to the standard clinical psychology curriculum. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(10), 2439–2451. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23551
  10. Petraglia, J., Bhatia, M., de Roten, Y., Despland, J.-N., & Drapeau, M. (2015). An empirical investigation of defense interpretation depth, defensive functioning, and alliance strength in psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(1), 1–17. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.1.1
  11. Pitman, S. R., & Knauss, D. P. C. (2020). Contemporary psychodynamic approaches to treating anxiety: Theory, research, and practice. In Y.-K. Kim (Ed.), Anxiety disorders: Rethinking and understanding recent discoveries (pp. 451–464). Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_23
  12. Plakun, E. M. (2023a). Psychodynamic therapy: An overview for trainees and their teachers: Part 1—The basics. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 29(2), 142–146. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000702
  13. Plakun, E. M. (2023b). Psychodynamic therapy: An overview for trainees and their teachers: Part 2—The therapeutic stance. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 29(4), 314–318. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000719
  14. Sharpless, B. A. (2019). Psychodynamic therapy techniques: A guide to expressive and supportive interventions. Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/med-psych/9780190676278.001.0001
  15. Steinert, C., Munder, T., Rabung, S., Hoyer, J., & Leichsenring, F. (2017). Psychodynamic therapy: As efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes. American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(10), 943–953. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057
  16. Steinert, C., Munder, T., Rabung, S., Hoyer, J., & Leichsenring, F. (2017). Psychodynamic therapy: As efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes. American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(10), 943–953. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057
  17. Strenger, C., & Omer, H. (1992). Pluralistic criteria for psychotherapy: An alternative to sectarianism, anarchy, and utopian integration. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 46(1), 111–130. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23551
  18. Wiseman, H., Tishby, O., & Barber, J. P. (2012). Collaboration in psychodynamic psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(2), 136–145. doi: 10.1002/jclp.21834
  19. Zilcha-Mano, S., Fisher, H., Dolev-Amit, T., Keefe, J. R., & Barber, J. P. (2023). A systematic review of the association between interpretations and immediate, intermediate, and distal outcomes. Psychotherapy, 60(3), 266–282. doi: 10.1037/pst0000479

Part Two: Clinical Pragmatism

Contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy

Gabbard, G. O., & Westen, D. (2003). Rethinking therapeutic action. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 84(4), 823–841. https://doi.org/10.1516/002075703768284605

Leichsenring, F., Abbass, A., Heim, N., Keefe, J. R., Kisely, S., Luyten, P., Rabung, S., & Steinert, C. (2023). The status of psychodynamic psychotherapy as an empirically supported treatment for common mental disorders: An umbrella review based on updated criteria. World Psychiatry, 22(2), 286–304. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21104

Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018378

Wienicke, F. J., Beutel, M. E., Zwerenz, R., Brähler, E., Fonagy, P., Luyten, P., Constantinou, M., Barber, J. P., McCarthy, K. S., Solomonov, N., Cooper, P. J., De Pascalis, L., Johansson, R., Andersson, G., Lemma, A., Town, J. M., Abbass, A. A., Ajilchi, B., Connolly Gibbons, M. B., . . . Driessen, E. (2023). Efficacy and moderators of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. Clinical Psychology Review, 101, 102269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102269

Clinical Pragmatism, Pluralism, and Psychotherapy Process

Borden, W. (2013). Experiments in adapting to need: Pragmatism as orienting perspective in clinical social work. Journal of Social Work Practice, 27(3), 259–271. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2013.818942

Gabbard, G. O., & Westen, D. (2003). Rethinking therapeutic action. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 84(4), 823–841. https://doi.org/10.1516/002075703768284605

Wampold, B. E. (2007). Psychotherapy: The humanistic (and effective) treatment. American Psychologist, 62(8), 857–873. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.8.857

Relational Psychodynamic Therapy

Gabbard, G. O., & Westen, D. (2003). Rethinking therapeutic action. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 84(4), 823–841. https://doi.org/10.1516/002075703768284605

Levendosky, A. A., Turchan, J. E., Luo, X., & Good, E. (2023). A re-introduction of the psychodynamic approach to the standard clinical psychology curriculum. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(10), 2439–2451. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23551

Interpersonal Therapy and Interpersonal Process

Note: Formal Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a specific structured treatment. “Interpersonal” or “interpersonal-process” work can also describe a broader focus on recurring patterns in relationships without implying that formal IPT is being provided.

Cuijpers, P., Donker, T., Weissman, M. M., Ravitz, P., & Cristea, I. A. (2016). Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(7), 680–687. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141

Lipsitz, J. D., & Markowitz, J. C. (2013). Mechanisms of change in interpersonal therapy (IPT). Clinical Psychology Review, 33(8), 1134–1147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.09.002

Emotion-Focused Therapy

Note: Emotion-Focused Therapy, associated with Leslie Greenberg, Robert Elliott, and colleagues, is an experiential-humanistic psychotherapy. It is distinct from Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and attachment relationships.

Elliott, R., & Greenberg, L. S. (2007). The essence of process-experiential/emotion-focused therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 61(3), 241–254. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2007.61.3.241

Greenberg, L. S., & Pascual-Leone, A. (2006). Emotion in psychotherapy: A practice-friendly research review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(5), 611–630. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20252

Iwakabe, S., Nakamura, K., & Thoma, N. C. (2023). Enhancing emotion regulation. Psychotherapy Research, 33(7), 918–945. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2023.2183155

Marren, C., Mikoška, P., O’Brien, S., & Timulak, L. (2022). A qualitative meta-analysis of the clients’ experiences of emotion-focused therapy. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(5), 1611–1625. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2745

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Note: This is the attachment-oriented tradition associated with Sue Johnson and is distinct from Greenberg/Elliott Emotion-Focused Therapy, although the traditions share historical and conceptual connections.

Rathgeber, M., Bürkner, P.-C., Schiller, E.-M., & Holling, H. (2019). The efficacy of emotionally focused couples therapy and behavioral couples therapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 45(3), 447–463. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12336

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Beck, A. T. (2016). Cognitive therapy: Nature and relation to behavior therapy—Republished article. Behavior Therapy, 47(6), 776–784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2016.11.003

Cuijpers, P., Cristea, I. A., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., & Huibers, M. J. H. (2016). How effective are cognitive behavior therapies for major depression and anxiety disorders? A meta-analytic update of the evidence. World Psychiatry, 15(3), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20346

Newman, C. F. (2015). Cognitive restructuring/cognitive therapy. In C. M. Nezu & A. M. Nezu (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of cognitive and behavioral therapies (pp. 118–141). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199733255.013.22

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006

Hayes, S. C. (2019). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Towards a unified model of behavior change. World Psychiatry, 18(2), 226–227. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20626

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Note: Comprehensive DBT is a multimodal treatment program. Clinicians who use selected DBT concepts or skills without providing the complete treatment may more accurately describe their work as DBT-informed or as incorporating DBT skills.

Delaquis, C. P., Joyce, K. M., Zalewski, M., Katz, L. Y., Sulymka, J., Agostinho, T., & Roos, L. E. (2022). Dialectical behaviour therapy skills training groups for common mental health disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 300, 305–313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.062

Linehan, M. M., Korslund, K. E., Harned, M. S., Gallop, R. J., Lungu, A., Neacsiu, A. D., McDavid, J., Comtois, K. A., & Murray-Gregory, A. M. (2015). Dialectical behavior therapy for high suicide risk in individuals with borderline personality disorder: A randomized clinical trial and component analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(5), 475–482. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.3039

Linehan, M. M., & Wilks, C. R. (2015). The course and evolution of dialectical behavior therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 97–110. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.2.97

Stoffers-Winterling, J. M., Storebø, O. J., Kongerslev, M. T., Faltinsen, E., Todorovac, A., Jørgensen, M. S., Sales, C. P., Callesen, H. E., Ribeiro, J. P., Völlm, B. A., Lieb, K., & Simonsen, E. (2022). Psychotherapies for borderline personality disorder: A focused systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 221(3), 538–552. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2021.204

Existential Therapy and Meaning-Oriented Work

Vos, J., Craig, M., & Cooper, M. (2015). Existential therapies: A meta-analysis of their effects on psychological outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(1), 115–128. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037167

Family Systems and Systemic Therapy

Note: Family systems is a broad theoretical tradition rather than one standardized psychotherapy protocol. “Systemic” or “family-systems-informed” may therefore be the more precise description when systemic concepts are incorporated into individual psychotherapy.

von Sydow, K., Beher, S., Schweitzer, J., & Retzlaff, R. (2010). The efficacy of systemic therapy with adult patients: A meta-content analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials. Family Process, 49(4), 457–485. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1545-5300.2010.01334.x

Vossler, A., Pinquart, M., Forbat, L., & Stratton, P. (2025). Efficacy of systemic therapy on adults with depressive disorders: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy Research, 35(6), 867–883. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2024.2352741

Multicultural, Culturally Responsive, and Cultural-Humility Perspectives

Note: Multicultural practice is best understood as a cross-cutting clinical orientation rather than a stand-alone psychotherapy modality.

Davis, D. E., DeBlaere, C., Owen, J., Hook, J. N., Rivera, D. P., Choe, E., Van Tongeren, D. R., Worthington, E. L., Jr., & Placeres, V. (2018). The multicultural orientation framework: A narrative review. Psychotherapy, 55(1), 89–100. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000160

Hall, G. C. N., Ibaraki, A. Y., Huang, E. R., Marti, C. N., & Stice, E. (2016). A meta-analysis of cultural adaptations of psychological interventions. Behavior Therapy, 47(6), 993–1014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2016.09.005

Owen, J., Tao, K., Leach, M. M., & Rodolfa, E. (2011). Clients’ perceptions of their psychotherapists’ multicultural orientation. Psychotherapy, 48(3), 274–282. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022065

Trauma-Informed Care

Note: Trauma-informed describes a broad framework for providing care with attention to safety, choice, collaboration, context, and the effects of trauma. It is not synonymous with providing a formal trauma-processing treatment.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series 57, HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4816). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA TIP 57

Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy / PTSD Treatment

Note: Trauma-focused psychotherapy generally refers to treatments in which directly processing traumatic memories, meanings, or reminders is a central intervention. It is therefore more specific than “trauma-informed.”

Lang, A. J., Hamblen, J. L., Holtzheimer, P., Kelly, U., Norman, S. B., Riggs, D., Schnurr, P. P., & Wiechers, I. (2024). A clinician’s guide to the 2023 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for management of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 37(1), 19–34. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.23013

Schnurr, P. P., Hamblen, J. L., Wolf, J., Coller, R., Collie, C., Fuller, M. A., Holtzheimer, P. E., Kelly, U., Lang, A. J., McGraw, K., Morganstein, J. C., Norman, S. B., Papke, K., Petrakis, I., Riggs, D., Sall, J. A., Shiner, B., Wiechers, I., & Kelber, M. S. (2024). The management of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder: Synopsis of the 2023 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense clinical practice guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 177(3), 363–374. https://doi.org/10.7326/M23-2757

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & U.S. Department of Defense. (2023). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for management of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline

Psychotherapy Across Orientations and Common Therapeutic Processes

Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018378

Wampold, B. E. (2007). Psychotherapy: The humanistic (and effective) treatment. American Psychologist, 62(8), 857–873. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.8.857Share:

Part Three: Eleven Theories

Section 3.1 - Contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy

Contemporary Psychodynamic Sources

Sources for the Psychodynamic Foundation → Critical Pluralism → Clinical Pragmatism Framework

I. Contemporary Psychodynamic Theory: The Grounding Framework

  1. Borden, W. (2009). Contemporary psychodynamic theory and practice: Toward a critical pluralism. Lyceum Books.
  2. Jones, E. E., & Pulos, S. M. (1993). Comparing the process in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 61(2), 306–316. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.61.2.306
  3. Leichsenring, F., & Schauenburg, H. (2014). Empirically supported methods of short-term psychodynamic therapy in depression—Towards an evidence-based unified protocol. Journal of Affective Disorders, 169, 128–143. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.08.007
  4. Levendosky, A. A., Turchan, J. E., Luo, X., & Good, E. (2023). A re-introduction of the psychodynamic approach to the standard clinical psychology curriculum. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(10), 2439–2451. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23551
  5. Luyten, P., & Fonagy, P. (2020). Psychodynamic psychotherapy for patients with functional somatic disorders and the road to recovery. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 73(4), 125–130. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200010
  6. Pitman, S. R., & Knauss, D. P. C. (2020). Contemporary psychodynamic approaches to treating anxiety: Theory, research, and practice. In Y.-K. Kim (Ed.), Anxiety disorders: Rethinking and understanding recent discoveries (pp. 451–464). Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_23
  7. Plakun, E. M. (2023a). Psychodynamic therapy: An overview for trainees and their teachers: Part 1—The basics. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 29(2), 142–146. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000702
  8. Plakun, E. M. (2023b). Psychodynamic therapy: An overview for trainees and their teachers: Part 2—The therapeutic stance. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 29(4), 314–318. doi: 10.1097/PRA.0000000000000719
  9. Schechter, M., Goldblatt, M. J., Ronningstam, E., & Herbstman, B. (2022). The psychoanalytic study of suicide, Part II: An integration of theory, research, and clinical practice. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 70(1), 139–166. doi: 10.1177/00030651221087158
  10. Sharpless, B. A. (2019). Psychodynamic therapy techniques: A guide to expressive and supportive interventions. Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/med-psych/9780190676278.001.0001
  11. Wiseman, H., Tishby, O., & Barber, J. P. (2012). Collaboration in psychodynamic psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(2), 136–145. doi: 10.1002/jclp.21834

 

II. Critical Pluralism: How Multiple Theories Are Held and Evaluated

  1. Borden, W. (2009). Contemporary psychodynamic theory and practice: Toward a critical pluralism. Lyceum Books.
  2. Borden, W. (Ed.). (2010). Reshaping theory in contemporary social work: Toward a critical pluralism in clinical practice. Columbia University Press.
  3. Borden, W. (2010). Taking multiplicity seriously: Pluralism, pragmatism, and integrative perspectives in clinical social work. In W. Borden (Ed.), Reshaping theory in contemporary social work: Toward a critical pluralism in clinical practice (pp. 3–28). Columbia University Press.
  4. Ghaemi, S. N. (2006). Paradigms of psychiatry: Eclecticism and its discontents. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 19(6), 619–624. doi: 10.1097/01.yco.0000245751.98749.52
  5. Kendler, K. S. (2005). Toward a philosophical structure for psychiatry. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(3), 433–440. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.162.3.433
  6. Stein, D. J., Nielsen, K., Hartford, A., Gagné-Julien, A.-M., Glackin, S., Friston, K., Maj, M., Zachar, P., & Aftab, A. (2024). Philosophy of psychiatry: Theoretical advances and clinical implications. World Psychiatry, 23(2), 215–232. doi: 10.1002/wps.21194
  7. Strenger, C., & Omer, H. (1992). Pluralistic criteria for psychotherapy: An alternative to sectarianism, anarchy, and utopian integration. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 46(1), 111–130. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1992.46.1.111

 

III. Clinical Pragmatism: How Theory Becomes Therapeutic Action

  1. Borden, W. (2021). Neuroscience, psychotherapy, and clinical pragmatism: Reflective practice and therapeutic action. Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315739762
  2. Borden, W. (2010). Taking multiplicity seriously: Pluralism, pragmatism, and integrative perspectives in clinical social work. In W. Borden (Ed.), Reshaping theory in contemporary social work: Toward a critical pluralism in clinical practice (pp. 3–28). Columbia University Press.
  3. Brendel, D. H. (2000). Philosophy of mind in the clinic: The relation between causal and meaningful explanation in psychiatry. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 8(4), 184–191. doi: 10.1080/hrp_8.4.184
  4. Brendel, D. H. (2003). Reductionism, eclecticism, and pragmatism in psychiatry: The dialectic of clinical explanation. Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 28(5–6), 563–580. doi: 10.1076/jmep.28.5.563.18814
  5. Brendel, D. H. (2004). Healing psychiatry: A pragmatic approach to bridging the science/humanism divide. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 12(3), 150–157. doi: 10.1080/10673220490472409
  6. Fins, J. J., Bacchetta, M. D., & Miller, F. G. (1997). Clinical pragmatism: A method of moral problem solving. Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, 7(2), 129–145. doi: 10.1353/ken.1997.0013

 

IV. Research Supporting the Broader Clinical Framework

  1. Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2018). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 316–340. doi: 10.1037/pst0000172
  2. Kivlighan, D. M., III, Goldberg, S. B., Abbas, M., Pace, B. T., Yulish, N. E., Thomas, J. G., Cullen, M. M., Flückiger, C., & Wampold, B. E. (2015). The enduring effects of psychodynamic treatments vis-à-vis alternative treatments: A multilevel longitudinal meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 40, 1–14. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.05.003
  3. Steinert, C., Munder, T., Rabung, S., Hoyer, J., & Leichsenring, F. (2017). Psychodynamic therapy: As efficacious as other empirically supported treatments? A meta-analysis testing equivalence of outcomes. American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(10), 943–953. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17010057
  4. Zilcha-Mano, S., Fisher, H., Dolev-Amit, T., Keefe, J. R., & Barber, J. P. (2023). A systematic review of the association between interpretations and immediate, intermediate, and distal outcomes. Psychotherapy, 60(3), 266–282. doi: 10.1037/pst0000479

Section 3.2 - Interpersonal Therapy / Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Sources

Foundational and Clinical Sources

  1. Klerman, G. L., Weissman, M. M., Rounsaville, B. J., & Chevron, E. S. (1984). Interpersonal psychotherapy of depression. Basic Books.
  2. Markowitz, J. C., & Weissman, M. M. (2012). Casebook of interpersonal psychotherapy. Oxford University Press.
  3. Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2000). Comprehensive guide to interpersonal psychotherapy. Basic Books.
  4. Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2018). The guide to interpersonal psychotherapy: Updated and expanded edition. Oxford University Press.

Research and Family Applications

  1. Cuijpers, P., Donker, T., Weissman, M. M., Ravitz, P., & Cristea, I. A. (2016). Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: A comprehensive meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(7), 680–687.
  2. Dietz, L. J., Weinberg, R. J., & Mufson, L. (2018). Family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed preadolescents: Clinician guide. Oxford University Press.
  3. Dietz, L. J., Weinberg, R. J., Brent, D. A., & Mufson, L. (2015). Family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed preadolescents: Examining efficacy and potential treatment mechanisms. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 54(3), 191–199.

 

Note: The handbook’s sections on communication analysis, interpersonal expectations, role transitions, grief, role disputes, social support, and interpersonal patterns are closely grounded in IPT. The couples material is best described as an interpersonal application of these principles, rather than as a separate standardized couples-IPT protocol.

Section 3.3 - Relational Therapy / Relational Psychodynamic Therapy

Relational Sources

Foundational Relational Sources

  1. Aron, L. (1996). A meeting of minds: Mutuality in psychoanalysis. The Analytic Press.
  2. Mitchell, S. A. (1988). Relational concepts in psychoanalysis: An integration. Harvard University Press.
  3. Safran, J. D., & Muran, J. C. (2000). Negotiating the therapeutic alliance: A relational treatment guide. Guilford Press.

 

Rupture, Repair, and the Here-and-Now Relationship

  1. Eubanks, C. F., Muran, J. C., & Safran, J. D. (2018). Alliance rupture repair: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 508–519.
  2. Muran, J. C., Safran, J. D., Gorman, B. S., Samstag, L. W., Eubanks-Carter, C., & Winston, A. (2009). The relationship of early alliance ruptures and their resolution to process and outcome in three time-limited psychotherapies for personality disorders. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 46(2), 233–248.
  3. Safran, J. D., Muran, J. C., & Eubanks-Carter, C. (2011). Repairing alliance ruptures. Psychotherapy, 48(1), 80–87.
  4. Eubanks, C. F., Samstag, L. W., & Muran, J. C. (Eds.). (2023). Rupture and repair in psychotherapy: A critical process for change. American Psychological Association.

 

Note: “Relational therapy” is better understood as a clinical tradition within contemporary psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy than as one manualized treatment. The handbook’s emphasis on recurring relational patterns, here-and-now process, transference, enactments, mutual influence, resistance as information, and rupture-and-repair comes primarily from this literature. The couples and family applications are relationally informed extensions of the same principles.

Section 3.4 - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Sources

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Sources
  1. Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. Jason Aronson.
  2. Dearing, R. L., Stuewig, J., & Tangney, J. P. (2005). On the importance of distinguishing shame from guilt: Relations to problematic alcohol and drug use. Addictive Behaviors, 30(7), 1392–1404.
  3. Flynn, D., Gillespie, C., Joyce, M., & Spillane, A. (2023). An evaluation of the skills group component of DBT-A for parent/guardians: A mixed methods study. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(2), 143–151.
  4. Fruzzetti, A. E., Shenk, C., & Hoffman, P. D. (2005). Family interaction and the development of borderline personality disorder: A transactional model. Development and Psychopathology, 17(4), 1007–1030.
  5. Hoffman, P. D., Fruzzetti, A. E., & Swenson, C. R. (1999). Dialectical behavior therapy family skills training. Family Process, 38(4), 399–414.
  6. Hoffman, P. D., Fruzzetti, A. E., Buteau, E., Neiditch, E. R., Penney, D., Bruce, M. L., Hellman, F., & Struening, E. (2005). Family Connections: A program for relatives of persons with borderline personality disorder. Family Process, 44(2), 217–225.
  7. Hoffman, P. D., & Fruzzetti, A. E. (2007). Advances in interventions for families with a relative with a personality disorder diagnosis. Current Psychiatry Reports, 9(1), 68–73.
  8. Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  9. Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  10. Miller, A. L., Glinski, J., Woodberry, K. A., Mitchell, A. G., & Indik, J. (2002). Family therapy and dialectical behavior therapy with adolescents: Part I: Proposing a clinical synthesis. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 56(4), 568–584.
  11. Miller, A. L., Rathus, J. H., & Linehan, M. M. (2007). Dialectical behavior therapy with suicidal adolescents. Guilford Press.
  12. Rathus, J. H., Campbell, B., Miller, A. L., & Smith, H. L. (2015). Treatment acceptability study of Walking the Middle Path, a new DBT skills module for adolescents and their families. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 163–178.
  13. Rathus, J. H., & Miller, A. L. (2015). DBT skills manual for adolescents. Guilford Press.
  14. Rizvi, S. L., & Linehan, M. M. (2005). The treatment of maladaptive shame in borderline personality disorder: A pilot study of “opposite action.” Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 12(4), 437–447.
  15. Smith, L., Hunt, K., Parker, S., Camp, J., Stewart, C., & Morris, A. (2023). Parent and carer skills groups in dialectical behaviour therapy for high-risk adolescents with severe emotion dysregulation: A mixed-methods evaluation of participants’ outcomes and experiences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(14), 6334.
  16. Woodberry, K. A., Miller, A. L., Glinski, J., Indik, J., & Mitchell, A. G. (2002). Family therapy and dialectical behavior therapy with adolescents: Part II: A theoretical review. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 56(4), 585–602.

Section 3.5 - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Sources

Foundational Sources

  1. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. Guilford Press.
  2. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  3. Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications.

Psychological Flexibility and Core ACT Processes

  1. Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25.
  2. Hayes, S. C., Levin, M. E., Plumb-Vilardaga, J., Villatte, J. L., & Pistorello, J. (2013). Acceptance and commitment therapy and contextual behavioral science: Examining the progress of a distinctive model of behavioral and cognitive therapy. Behavior Therapy, 44(2), 180–198.
  3. Levin, M. E., Hildebrandt, M. J., Lillis, J., & Hayes, S. C. (2012). The impact of treatment components suggested by the psychological flexibility model: A meta-analysis of laboratory-based component studies. Behavior Therapy, 43(4), 741–756.

Shame and Self-Related Processes

  • Luoma, J. B., Kohlenberg, B. S., Hayes, S. C., & Fletcher, L. (2012). Slow and steady wins the race: A randomized clinical trial of acceptance and commitment therapy targeting shame in substance use disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(1), 43–53.

Family / Caregiver Application

  • Han, A., Yuen, H. K., Lee, H. Y., & Zhou, X. (2020). Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on process measures of family caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 18, 201–213.

Note: The handbook’s ACT material—acceptance, willingness, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values, committed action, experiential avoidance, and psychological flexibility—is directly grounded in the ACT literature. The couples and family sections are applications of ACT’s psychological-flexibility model to relational contexts, rather than a claim that there is one standardized “ACT couples therapy” or “ACT family therapy.”

Part 3.6 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Sources

Core References

  1. Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
  2. Bennett-Levy, J., Butler, G., Fennell, M., Hackmann, A., Mueller, M., & Westbrook, D. (Eds.). (2004). Oxford guide to behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy. Oxford University Press.
  3. Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy: An inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 10–23.
  4. Martell, C. R., Dimidjian, S., & Herman-Dunn, R. (2022). Behavioral activation for depression: A clinician’s guide (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  5. Tangney, J. P., Stuewig, J., & Mashek, D. J. (2007). Moral emotions and moral behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 345–372.
  6. Epstein, N. B., & Baucom, D. H. (2002). Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach. American Psychological Association.
  7. Dattilio, F. M. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive guide for clinicians. Guilford Press.

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