I am not sure how this book differs from Brief Strategic Therapy: Philosophy, Techniques and research by Nardone and Watzlawick (published in 2005 and reviewed March 2006).

In brief, this one looks at theory its genealogy, the model, and strategies used in the practice of the model. Illustrative clinical examples are used throughout, as is reference to the way in which research is integrated into practice. Both books would seem to cover something of the same territory.

However, I approached this book with some scepticism and weariness: less about the subject matter per se - which was more about having yet another take on brief work and the truism contained in the title.

But, at the end of it, I feel both touched by its enthusiasm and dubious about the apparent lack of messiness amongst the clinical examples has much to offer in the way of ideas and practice about brief work. Given that this is an increasing reality, it will be useful
for both trainees and practitioners .

The book is written in an accessible way - although the proof-reading could be better in parts. It contains much common sense and makes a good - and brave - case for de-pathologising labels.

In effect, while there is an overarching model that provides guidelines, how these are applied depends on the specific needs of the individual client.

While the therapy is `tailor-made' for each client, over the past twenty years the team has developed various strategies for working with anxiety and phobia, depression, eating disorders and presumed psychosis, amongst others.

Many of the concepts are familiar. Here, they are integrated into solving problems on the basis that the most effective changes we make are those we resolve for ourselves. The therapist is mindful of the `butterfly effect'; small incremental changes leading to far greater ones.

To this end, the model focuses on the person in context but offers a re-framing; it uses techniques from Gestalt ” paradox and repetition; from homeopathy ” using small doses of the condition itself; assertiveness training - worry/guilt diaries; visualisation: double binds; self-fulfilling prophecies.

Its tone is immensely important to value and honour.

The authors of this fascinating and informative book combine explanation of the evolution and theory of Strategic Therapy with examples of its use in the treatment of many recognised disorders. The scripts given illustrate the technique in a way which be useful to therapists of all levels of experience. There is also a stimulating discussion of the benefits of Strategic Therapy when compared to more traditional approaches used hitherto in the study of psychotherapy. All in all, this book will be of value to anyone interested in the theory and/or practice of psychology-based therapy.

This book is a brave and noble stand against the drug lords of modern psychiatry. Over the years Nardone and his colleagues have researched practical and effective ways of helping others without the toxic effects of medication and long term economic entanglement. His work helps re-liberate the helping professions, freeing them to be active agents of beneficial change.

Giorgio Nardone and his collaborators are leading-edge contributors to psychotherapy. In Knowing Through Changing they offer the latest advances in their strategic model, and provide practical examples and easy-to-follow transcripts. This is a therapy of heart and hope that demonstrates that even the most seemingly intractable problems can be ameliorated.

Logical, clear and brilliant! This book is a must read for every therapist and student of therapy.