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Encyclopedia of Psychotherapy

29 June 2025

Encyclopedia of Psychotherapy (Vol. 1 & Partial Vol. 2)

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Encyclopedia of Psychotherapy (Vol. 1 & Partial Vol. 2)


This comprehensive reference work provides detailed overviews of hundreds of psychotherapeutic methods, theories, and approaches. Each entry is authored by experts in the field and is organised alphabetically, making it a practical guide for clinicians, researchers, and students.


Key types of content include:


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Therapeutic Modalities and Approaches


The encyclopedia covers a wide range of therapeutic styles, including:

  • Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies

    e.g. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Exposure Therapy, and Applied Behaviour Analysis.


  • Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic Approaches

    e.g. Psychoanalysis, Object Relations, Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy, and Transference.


  • Humanistic and Existential Therapies

    e.g. Gestalt Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, Person-Centred Therapy.


  • Emerging and Alternative Therapies

    e.g. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Virtual Reality Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy.


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Specific Techniques and Tools

Each entry explores clinical techniques such as:

  • Relaxation and Arousal Techniques – Progressive relaxation, Applied Tension, Breathing Retraining

  • Cognitive Strategies – Thought Stopping, Cognitive Appraisal Therapy, Self-Statement Modification

  • Behavioural Techniques – Systematic Desensitisation, Aversion Therapy, Token Economy, Modelling


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Specialised Populations and Applications

The volume includes targeted therapy adaptations for:

  • Addictions and Substance Use

  • Children and Adolescents

  • Cancer Patients

  • People with Mood, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders

  • Culturally Diverse Clients and Women’s Issues


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Professional Practice and Ethics

There are entries on important topics such as:

  • Informed Consent

  • Confidentiality

  • Supervision in Psychotherapy

  • Cost-Effectiveness and Outcome Measures

  • Cultural Issues and Transcultural Psychotherapy


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Additional Unique Topics


The reference also includes:

  • Historical and Theoretical Perspectives – History of psychotherapy, Behaviour Therapy origins

  • Creative and Experiential Methods – Art Therapy, Therapeutic Storytelling, Cinema and Psychotherapy

  • Psychotherapy and Neurobiology – Integrating brain-based research into treatment

  • Legal and Policy Considerations – Legal dimensions, documentation, ethics


This encyclopedia functions as both a scholarly reference and a clinical resource, giving practitioners an evidence-informed overview of traditional and contemporary psychotherapies, including practical techniques and population-specific considerations.


📘 Reference (APA 7th Edition)

Norcross, J. C. (Ed.). (2002). Encyclopedia of psychotherapy (Vols. 1–2). Elsevier Science.

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