New Ideas in Therapy - (International Contributions in Psychology) by Douglas H Ruben & Dennis J Delprato (Hardcover)

About the Book

According to the editors of New Ideas in Therapy, cognitive behaviorist theory is increasingly hampered by intrinsic theoretical limitations. A promising alternative and the subject of this book is interbehaviorism--a theory introduced by the late J.R. Kantor that looks at clinical events in terms of multiple causes and relationships operating within a integrated field or system. Written by a distinguished group of researchers and practitioners who have expanded upon Kantor's work, this study presents a new account of therapy that demonstrates, for the first time, how his field theory can be applied in modern clinical practice.

Book Synopsis

According to the editors of New Ideas in Therapy, cognitive behaviorist theory is increasingly hampered by intrinsic theoretical limitations. A promising alternative and the subject of this book is interbehaviorism--a theory introduced by the late J.R. Kantor that looks at clinical events in terms of multiple causes and relationships operating within a integrated field or system. Written by a distinguished group of researchers and practitioners who have expanded upon Kantor's work, this study presents a new account of therapy that demonstrates, for the first time, how his field theory can be applied in modern clinical practice.

Review Quotes

?The rarely presented interbehavioral approach to theraphy adds to the radical behavioral approach an emphasis on context and interrelatedness. This is a valuable framework for complex behavior analyses. The anthology covers the foundations of this approach and then discusses applications to current issues ranging from individual therapy through training and community-based programs to implications for public policy. Although it lacks a definition for interbehavior' and assumes reader familiarity with psychological jargon, the characteristics of the approach are explained clearly and are reiterated in most of the individual chapters. The chapters on psychopathology and Q methodology are sufficiently theoretical that they are not likely to be useful to undergraduates; however, chapters that deal with families, parent training, assertiveness teaching, and risk factor management are likely to provide advanced undergraduates with a new perspective on topics of practical interest.?-Choice

"The rarely presented interbehavioral approach to theraphy adds to the radical behavioral approach an emphasis on context and interrelatedness. This is a valuable framework for complex behavior analyses. The anthology covers the foundations of this approach and then discusses applications to current issues ranging from individual therapy through training and community-based programs to implications for public policy. Although it lacks a definition for interbehavior' and assumes reader familiarity with psychological jargon, the characteristics of the approach are explained clearly and are reiterated in most of the individual chapters. The chapters on psychopathology and Q methodology are sufficiently theoretical that they are not likely to be useful to undergraduates; however, chapters that deal with families, parent training, assertiveness teaching, and risk factor management are likely to provide advanced undergraduates with a new perspective on topics of practical interest."-Choice

About the Author

DOUGLAS RUBEN is a therapist and psychologist with a private clinic and a consultant for a rehabilitation psychology group.

DENNIS J. DELPRATO is Professor of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University.