Utilizing a decade's worth of clinical experience gained since its original publication, Mary Jo Peebles builds and expands upon exquisitely demonstrated therapeutic approaches and strategies in this second edition of Beginnings . The essential question remains the same, however: How does a therapist begin psychotherapy? To address this delicate issue, she takes a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to the substance of those crucial first sessions, delineating both processes and potential pitfalls in such topics as establishing a therapeutic alliance, issues of trust, and history taking. Each chapter is revised and expanded to include the latest treatment research and modalities, liberally illustrated with rich case material, and espouse a commitment to the value of multiple theoretical perspectives. Frank and sophisticated, yet eminently accessible, this second edition will be an invaluable resource for educators, students, and seasoned practitioners of any therapeutic persuasion. "With clear prose that reveals her clinical wisdom; (Peebles) emphasizes the importance of developing a working alliance...A large portion of the book is devoted to a categorization of concerns that is nothing short of brilliant... She goes out of her way to welcome readers of other theoretical orientations by largely avoiding psychoanalytic jargon and by explaining herself in plain English...This book is aimed at beginners, but the clinical wisdom is so pervasive that anyone can enjoy it... Peebles is the best kind of consultant; she reminds you of who you are when you are at your best (a leitmotif of the book is doing this for patients). As a practitioner for almost 40 years, I was delighted to find what felt like an old friend and colleague, someone who sees the world as I do, but with more clarity." --Michael Karson, PhD, JD., ABPP, University of Denver--Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Psychotherapy Bulletin "The second edition of this wonderful guide for psychotherapists is a gift to all of us who struggle with tailoring the therapeutic approach to the specific, idiosyncratic qualities of each patient. Mary Jo Peebles combines rigorous scholarship and her own subjective observations about how to begin psychotherapy in a way that assures the treatment course will follow the optimal path that both patient and therapist seek. She illuminates many of the dark uncertainties that haunt therapists as they approach their new patients, and she provides invaluable advice for even the most experienced therapists. I heartily recommend this volume to both new students and senior clinicians." - Glen O. Gabbard, M.D., author, Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy " Beginnings is an outstanding introduction to the craft and science of psychotherapy for trainees from a broad range of professional backgrounds and theoretical orientations. Peebles seamlessly weaves together theory, research, and clinical wisdom with the unique voice and sensibility of a master clinician and teacher. Replete with vivid clinical examples and hard-earned insights, this book stands in a class of its own. Readers will find themselves carried along on a panoramic tour of the psychotherapy landscape that is both practical and inspiring." - Jeremy D. Safran, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, New School for Social Research, and Faculty, NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis "This gracefully written book elaborates the well-founded belief that a good beginning holds the key to effective psychotherapy. Peebles marshalls in convincing fashion the ample evidence that good beginnings have two essential components: a positive working alliance characterized by trust, respect, and positive expectations and a clear treatment focus consisting of patient-therapist agreement on the goals of the treatment and the procedures that will be followed in pursuing these goals. In doing so, she combines extensive coverage of relevant theoretical formulations and research findings with detailed guidelines for implementing good beginnings and numerous illustrative case excerpts. This is one of those rare books that will be appreciated by psychotherapy researchers and practitioners alike and valued by psychotherapists at all levels of experience." - Irving B. Weiner, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of South Florida "My interest is to train therapists in evidence-based treatments that have the validated treatment methods but typically lack a framework to incorporate the therapist's emotional and personal experiences toward optimizing the therapeutic relationship. The field needs Dr. Peebles' book to help us navigate the ambiguities of psychotherapy, guide us to listen before choosing the evidence-based intervention, and listen more to evaluate our choices. I like best the way she discusses the often abstract concept of boundaries; she gets right to the point of how to set healthy boundaries, be empathic, and stay con