s well as the element of time-limitation.Although brief therapy has been adapted to the majority of intervention theories that exist, it generally stems from either psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral theories of whichpsychodynamic approaches are the most abundant. For short-term psychodynamic therapists thefocus is on the analysis of transference and countertransference, but unlike long-term analysts, theshort-term therapist is more concerned with the clients present circumstances rather than with issuesof childhood. The majority of cognitive-behavioral short-term therapists are concerned with settingspecific goals, de-emphasizing past events, teaching new skills, and emphasizing the practice of newand adaptive behavior (Nugent, 1994).The question of who is or isnt an appropriate client for brief therapy seems to point toanybody who is not suffering from serious disorders such as psychoses, major addictions, etc..According to a review of approaches by Butcher and Koss (1978), they concluded that there werefour kinds of patients considered to be best suited for brief techniques: (1) those in whom thebehavioral problem is of acute onset; (2) those whose previous adjustment has been good; (3) thosewith a good ability to relate; and (4) those with high initial motivation. (Saposnek, 1984). Garfield(1989) states that, With the exception of very seriously disturbed individuals ...., brief therapy canbe considered for most patients who are in touch with reality, are experiencing some discomfort, andhave made the effort to seek help for their difficulties. This sounds like a fairly average person fitsthe criterium for brief therapy/counseling. Long-term therapies are generally elitist by nature. Thosewho can afford the unlimited-time frame and expense involved are not in the average, mainstream,working class population.The empirical evidence in support of short-term therapy approaches is overwhelming. It hasbeen shown in reviews of studies t...
