Socratic Method of Psychotherapy

James Overholser is professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University. He is the coauthor of Evaluating and Treating Adolescent Suicide Attempters: From Research to Practice (2002) and Elder Suicide: Research, Theory, and Treatment (1994).

• Preface1. Introduction to the Socratic Method2. Psychotherapy as Therapy of the Mind3. Integrating Science and Practice . . . and Philosophy?4. Systematic Questioning: If You Do Not Know, Just Ask5. Inductive Reasoning: Learning from Personal Experiences6. Universal Definitions: What Do You Mean by That?7. Socratic Ignorance: Accepting What You Do Not Really Know8. Guided Discovery: Searching Together as a Team9. Self-Improvement: Helping Clients to Grow and Mature10. A Focus on Virtue Ethics in Psychotherapy11. Wisdom: Can You See the Big Picture?12. Courage: Are You Brave Enough to Be Yourself?13. Moderation: Learning to Tame Your Desires14. Justice: Is It Possible to Be Fair to Everyone?15. Piety: Do Spiritual Beliefs Have a Place in Psychotherapy?16. Psychotherapy from a Socratic View17. Conclusions: Where Do We Go from Here?ReferencesIndex

As core strategic interventions in cognitive behavioral therapy, Socratic methods of dialogue and questioning are often neglected or poorly understood philosophically and historically. Overholser beautifully and clearly describes how valuable the Socratic method is for enhancing the therapeutic relationship. This is a must read volume for any mental health professional.