From Book News, Inc.
Mostly North American researchers subject a variety of therapeutic, assessment, and diagnostic techniques in clinical psychology to scientific scrutiny. They focus on techniques that are novel, controversial, or even questionable, but that are currently influential and widely used.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Review
"...a needed text that would be a valuable asset to student and practitioner alike....Essential reading for any graduate program in clinical psychology dealing with psychotherapy....it is well-priced containing current research on what is and isn't empirically validated. It will make selection of a specific therapeutic procedure a more thoughtful and helpful process."--Child & Family Behavior Therapy

"...a unique addition to the literature and...essential reading for anyone practicing or learning to practice clinical psychology...the information contained within this volume is invaluable for consumers of psychological services."--Psychology Research

"While the contributors offer compelling and balanced criticisms of these techniques on scientific grounds, the true merit of the text is that it takes preliminary steps to understand why pseudoscience exists and persists in the 21st century....I would highly recommend it for practitioners, clinical researchers, and graduate students in clinical psychology, social work, or counseling."--Journal of Psychosomatic Research

"This is clearly a text that should be read by every social worker and social work student. Further, it should be mandated reading for anyone who holds a position in a mental health professional association, state licensing board, or national accrediting body....an important contribution to the mental health knowledge base."--Journal of Social Work Education Online (JSWE)

"...a timely response to the widening scientist-practitioner gap characterising the practice of clinical psychology and the seeming erosion of the scientific foundations of this discipline....mental health Practitioners generally would find the book an excellent reference text, and the book additionally points to other resources and initiatives which can guide such practitioners in implementing evidence-based practices."--Metapsychology Online Book Reviews

"This text is fascinating and easy to read....Each chapter closes with a clear summary, a brief glossary, and an extensive bibliography, facilitating ease of use. The 40 contributors are mostly academics, but several practitioners are also represented. Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology will be heavily used by mental health professionals and students, and will be very helpful for patients evaluating prospective therapies as well as educated laypersons interested in psychology. Highly recommended for academic, health sciences, and public libraries."--E-Streams



Review
"...a timely response to the widening scientist-practitioner gap characterising the practice of clinical psychology and the seeming erosion of the scientific foundations of this discipline....mental health Practitioners generally would find the book an excellent reference text, and the book additionally points to other resources and initiatives which can guide such practitioners in implementing evidence-based practices."--Metapsychology Online Book Reviews "This text is fascinating and easy to read....Each chapter closes with a clear summary, a brief glossary, and an extensive bibliography, facilitating ease of use. The 40 contributors are mostly academics, but several practitioners are also represented. Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology will be heavily used by mental health professionals and students, and will be very helpful for patients evaluating prospective therapies as well as educated laypersons interested in psychology. Highly recommended for academic, health sciences, and public libraries."--E-Streams


Book Description
This is the first major text designed to help professionals and students evaluate the merits of popular yet controversial practices in clinical psychology, differentiating those that can stand up to the rigors of science from those that cannot. Leading researchers review widely used therapies for alcoholism, infantile autism, ADHD, and posttraumatic stress disorder; herbal remedies for depression and anxiety; suggestive techniques for memory recovery; and self-help models. Other topics covered include issues surrounding psychological expert testimony, the uses of projective assessment techniques, and unanswered questions about dissociative identity disorder. Providing knowledge to guide truly accountable mental health practice, the volume also imparts critical skills for designing and evaluating psychological research programs. It is ideal for use in advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and evidence-based practice.



Book Info
Emory Univ., Atlanta, GA. Offers an examination of therapeutic, assessment, and diagnostic techniques, focusing on practices widely used in clinical and forensic settings, but lack a solid grounding in research. Considers the merits of popular self-help products and mass-media advice givers.


About the Author
Scott O. Lilienfeld, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology at Emory University. He has authored or coauthored approximately 100 articles and book chapters, serves on the editorial boards of several major journals, and is founder and editor of [i]The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice[/i]. Dr. Lilienfeld is past president of the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology and a recipient of the David Shakow Award for Early Career Contributions to Clinical Psychology from Division 12 (Society for Clinical Psychology) of the American Psychological Association.

Steven Jay Lynn, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Binghamton. A former president of the American Psychological Association's Division 30 (Psychological Hypnosis), he is a recipient of the division's award for distinguished contributions to scientific hypnosis. Dr. Lynn is a fellow of many professional organizations and an advisory editor to a number of professional journals. He is the author of 11 books and more than 200 articles and chapters.

Jeffrey M. Lohr, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Arkansas/n-/Fayetteville. He has been a licensed psychologist in Arkansas with a part-time independent practice since 1976. Dr. Lohr's research interests focus on anxiety disorders, domestic violence, and the efficacy of psychosocial treatments.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This is the first major text designed to help professionals and students evaluate the merits of popular yet controversial practices in clinical psychology, differentiating those that can stand up to the rigors of science from those that cannot. Leading researchers review widely used therapies for alcoholism, infantile autism, ADHD, and posttraumatic stress disorder; herbal remedies for depression and anxiety; suggestive techniques for memory recovery; and self-help models. Other topics covered include issues surrounding psychological expert testimony, the uses of projective assessment techniques, and unanswered questions about dissociative identity disorder. Providing knowledge to guide truly accountable mental health practice, the volume also imparts critical skills for designing and evaluating psychological research programs. It is ideal for use in advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and evidence-based practice.

SYNOPSIS