Brief psychotherapy in a community framework

Abstract

This chapter addresses the need to integrate brief psychotherapy as the most appropriate model for the provision of psychotherapeutic intervention in a public or community framework. The discussion begins with a historical overview of the development of brief psychotherapy starting from psychoanalysis and goes on to point out the key principles highlighting the differences between brief psychotherapy and open psychoanalytic treatment, particularly within the context the modern socioeconomic challenges governing the provision of mental health. It also addresses the psychodynamic approach in brief psychotherapy and presents research findings with regard to its effectiveness. Common factors with regard to the effectiveness of brief psychotherapy are highlighted with the main focus on the therapeutic alliance and the therapist’s role; these are shown through a clinical example of brief psychotherapy in the community. Finally, the pressing need is highlighted for intensive training and supervision for psychotherapists working in a intensive, brief therapeutic framework.