The first session of psychotherapy is crucial. It sets up expectations for the kind of treatment that is to follow, and if not well conducted, it may be the last session. Challenging experienced therapists to examine their own habits, Peter Armstrong also guides beginners through the opportunities and pitfalls of this surprisingly neglected subject. From the first words spoken by the therapist through fees, legal issues, the various kinds of assessment, to the offer of a second appointment, he discusses all of the practicalities from a psychodynamic perspective. He focuses on creating an atmosphere of safety that will facilitate exploration of the patient's experience and transference.
George Pigman, Ph.D., training and supervising analyst, Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles With rare teaching ability, Dr. Armstrong explicates how the psychotherapist approaches the first session, but this book is as much about the rationale for and substance of the psychoanalytic attitude. A must-read for beginning therapists or those interested in beginning psychotherapy themselves.
Helen Desmond, Ph.D., past president an dtraining and supervising analyst, Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Society and Institute Despite the fact that every clinician has conducted many first sessions, until now there has been no definitive book on the subject. Dr. Armstrong has ably filled that vacuum. Buttressed with sound theoretical underpinnings and clear clinical illustrations, he covers everything from the therapist's first words to transference and countertransference phenomena, resistances and counterresistances, arrangement of the office, establishing fee schedules, and much more. All clinicians will welcome this very readable book. It is highly recommended, particularly for those who want to help their patients stay in treatment—and that is just about all of us.
Herbert S. Strean, D.S.W., Rutgers University; director emeritus, New York Center for Psychoanalytic Training