Following the publication of the Handbook of the Brief Psychotherapies
(Wells & Giannetti, 1990), the editors began to conceptualize the idea
of a collection of case studies encompassing a number of the commonly
en- countered clinical problems that have been treated with such ap-
proaches. The Casebook of the Brief Psychotherapies is the result. The
Case- book details clinical interventions with client populations as
diverse as substance abusers, torture victims, the physically
handicapped and other exceptional groups, and the economically
disadvantaged with emotional and behavioral problems, as well as
individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction or eating disorders. In
addition, topics such as be- reavement, depression, anger, and many
crucial aspects of marital and family therapy are discussed by eminent
clinical practitioners. Although the cases draw heavily upon cognitive
behavioral and strategic structural formulations, psychodynamic,
interpersonal, and experiential ap- proaches are also included. The
Casebook is clinically oriented, with a minimum of theory. Am- ple case
material and commentary allow the reader to experience direct- ly the
application of brief therapy to specific client problems. What emerges
from this compendium of approaches and problems is a tap- estry of
action-oriented, problem-solving, skill-building, rational ap- proaches
to therapy that balance the client's ability to change with the demands
and limits of time.