In this groundbreaking book, three internationally recognized psychologists present a step-by-step guide outlining the most up-to-date innovations in schema therapy (ST). This important book offers a clear and practical road map for putting the schema mode model into practice, improving clients' interpersonal functioning, and integrates the latest advances in contextual behavioral psychology. ST is a powerful, integrative treatment model that combines aspects of cognitive, behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies. It has proven highly effective in treating a number of mental health issues, including difficult-to-treat personality disorders. ST's main premise is that mental health issues arise as a result of unmet emotional needs in childhood, leading to the development of early maladaptive schemas (EMS). But, more and more, ST has shifted away from EMS to focus on schema content-that is, changing the way clients relate to their experiences and to others. This book incorporates the latest findings in contextual behavioral science with a focus on clients' coping styles - or schema modes - and improving interpersonal functioning. The book includes exercises from compassion-focused therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and even functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) to help your clients become more aware of their own unhealthy coping patterns and behaviors. You'll also discover a range of emotion-focused and experiential techniques to use in therapy with your client.

Australian psychology practice today is a dynamic, well respected and increasingly competitive environment. Many new psychologists graduate with an expectation of setting up their own private practice. But how is that best done? What are the traps to avoid, the questions to ask, the knowledge needed to succeed? Find out here in this book written by three highly experienced psychologists with more than 75 years of private practice experience between them as well as backgrounds in academic training, dealing with complaints about psychologists, training and supervision of psychologists, and presenting as expert witnesses. They've seen or experienced just about everything that can be thrown at a modern Australia psychology practice and lived to impart their advice.Written from a no-nonsense approach, with plenty of practical examples and personal reflections from each author scattered throughout, this is a manual designed for those either entering private practice or already practicing who might want to continue their professional development.Topics covered include:setting up in private practiceMedicare auditstreatment in a private practice settingconsultation, supervision, self-careethical dilemmasFeedback Informed Treatment (FIT)record keeping, case notes, writing reportsavoiding legal pitfallscontingency planningclosing and selling a practice

Mary has brought Mark, recently returned from war service in Afghanistan, into counselling because of concerns for his gambling and how much it is costing the family. Is his military service playing some role in the increase in his gambling? Kylie has a problem with her anger. Brett is threatening to leave if her aggression is not better contained. Is her irritability that of an untreated depression or perhaps the brooding anger of a borderline personality disorder? Bettina is taking Lithium for bi-polar disorder and has just come out of hospital after a two-week admission related to her anorexia, and there is a need to closely monitor her weight. Natalie, her partner, is feeling highly stressed. She loves Bet, but feels overwhelmed be a responsibility to keep her alive. What support and guidance is best for Bettina? Much relationship counselling today is conducted by generalist psychologists, social workers, and counsellors. Yet there is a strong case for a greater role for clinical psychologists. Accurate assessment during couples therapy is essential, the dynamics between people are complex, and the process is potentially very demanding of clinical skills. This book provides an opportunity to make the argument for greater involvement in relationship counselling by the clinical psychology profession and to guide both clinical students and practitioners toward an informed and integrated approach to relationship counselling, drawing on the best evidence-based treatments.

As psychologists, we are highly trained mental health professionals. In the consulting room we are generally 'in control' and have a good feel for what is happening. However, in a court of law, it can be quite frightening as anything can happen. The vulnerability we feel in a courtroom is a professional vulnerability. This is because a psychologist can be made to think that his or her competence is on the line. This is not usually the case, but it is what it feels like. It is important for us to realise that in court it is our opinion that matters. But the process feels personal. This book is written to help you develop understanding and skills so that you can feel confident in presenting expert evidence. The format of the book is not simply to give you information, instead it is also structured to reflect the way psychologists can develop professional competence through supervision. You, the reader, will listen in on supervision sessions with Jason and Mary. The book includes practical suggestions and a focus on skills, as well as structured exercises to practise with peers. While it is not intended to be comprehensive, Crossfire!'s approach will touch on many of the issues that are important in the legal process. Its particular focus is enabling psychologists in Australia to feel confident in court.