In the second volume of Death, Dying and Grief in Psychotherapy, Viederman continues his exploration of the application of psychoanalytic principles to brief therapy. While many of us feel comfortable meeting clients on our own turf, we are often less certain how to navigate the therapeutic relationship in a hospital setting with visibly ill patients. Working quickly to assess the conscious and unconscious coping mechanisms that affect the patient’s experience of illness and treatment, Viederman’s main objective is to create a supportive relationship and relieve patient distress. Interspersed with illuminating commentary, Viederman skillfully demonstrates when to probe defensive structures and when to leave them alone so as not to increase the patient’s anxiety.
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Milton Viederman, MD
Dr. Milton Viederman is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and until recently directed the Consultation-Liaison Service at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Among the institutions at which Dr. Viederman has lectured are Oxford University, Harvard University, Duke University Medical School, University of Chicago, and UCLA School of Medicine. His honors include four Outstanding Teacher Awards at Cornell and two at the Columbia Psychoanalytic Center for Training and Research, the Ruth Easer Memorial Lecture…
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