Visions in Psychotherapy Research and Practice

The Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) is devoted to the development and dissemination of research, as well as the integration of empirical, theoretical, and clinical knowledge in psychotherapy. A highlight of the SPR annual meeting is the presidential address, wherein the president delivers what many view as the most important presentation of their career. In Visions of Psychotherapy, Bernhard Strauss, Jacques Barber, and Louis Castonguay, three recent past presidents, compile the preceding 20 presidential addresses from SPR into a single volume. Then, the living presidents (19 of the 20) comment on how the visions they described in their addresses have developed over time.

"The Society for Psychotherapy Research provides a warm and inviting home for researchers, and this book invites you to visit that home. Each chapter distills the contributions of a creative and innovative leader in the field. Brought together in this volume, the chapters offer a fascinating view of psychotherapy research as it has developed all over the world and over time." Jacqueline B. Persons, PhD, director of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy & Science Center and clinical professor at the University of California–Berkeley"Publishing the past 20 years of SPR presidential addresses along with the current comments of these distinguished scholars is a brilliant idea. Together they provide the reader with an exciting account of the past and future of psychotherapy research and will be instructive to graduate students and senior investigators alike." George Stricker, PhD, professor at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC"To have a perspective on the history of psychotherapy research and to gain insights into where the field is going, there is nobody better to ask than former presidents of the Society of Psychotherapy Research. The editors have a mined a vast reserve of knowledge. These presidential addresses and the presidents' reflections are fascinating reading!" Bruce E. Wampold, PhD, ABPP, Patricia L. Wolleat Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and director of the Research Institute at Modum Bad Psychiatric Center in Vikersund, Norway"On whole, the book provides an overachring understanding of the evolution of many central concepts in the field of psychotherapy research today. Because the core of the book is based upon oration, the tone tends to be more personable than many academic articles. At the same time, the concepts discussed are sophisticated and the discourse assumes familiarity with the central concepts in the field of psychotherapy research. We think it would be of interest to both novice and experienced psychotherapy resaerchers, and it could become a useful auxiliary textbook for graduate students in psychotherapy research classes. [...] Each presidential address motivates the reader to maintain an openness and curiousity about concepts that are relevant to the contemporary study of psychotherapy today [...] The book can be read as a guide on how to become a creative productive researcher as many of hte authors describe their own processes of development. [...] In addition, Visions in Psychotherapy Research and Practice showcases the multiplicity of methods used in psychotherapy resaerch. [...] From a historical perspective, the commentaries made by past presidents reflecting upon the remarks they made during their address are fascinating." -Heidi M. Levitt and Francisco I. Surace, PsycCRITIQUES, 2015

Bernhard M. Strauss, PhD, is full professor of medical psychology and psychotherapy and head of the Institute of Psychosocial Medicine and Psychotherapy at the University Hospital Jena, Germany.Jacques P. Barber, PhD, ABPP, is professor and dean of the Derner Institute of Advanced Studies in Psychology at Adelphi University. Louis G. Castonguay, PhD, is professor at the department of psychology at Penn State University.