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.