American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2009 by Gravitz, Melvin A
Kolbasovsky, A. (2008). A therapist’s guide to understanding common medical conditions. New York: W.W. Norton. Reviewed by Lynette Bassman, PhD, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Fresno, CA. The reviewer is a Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) of Alliant International University, where she is the director of the Health Psychology emphasis, and teaches health psychology and hypnotherapy courses. She is also the director of the Integrative General Clinical Practice program at CSPP’s Psychological Services Center, and has been a psychotherapist for 24 years. She is the editor of The Whole Mind: The Definitive Guide to Complementary Treatments for Mind Mood and Emotions, and The Feel-Good Guide to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Kolbasovky, who holds a PsyD degree, is the Director of Mental Health Disease Management and Clinical Development for a large HMO. He has written and presented on the integration of behavioral medicine and primary care, and on managed care. This background speaks to what is perhaps the greatest strength of this book: that it encourages collaboration between psychotherapists and physicians, which is one of the most important things we can do for our medically ill psychotherapy clients.
Medical care in America today differs dramatically from how it was practiced 50 years ago. New medications, diagnostic tests, surgical options, and understandings of the etiology of various illnesses have all increased the complexity of medicine. At the same time, behavioral medicine research and practice have become much more sophisticated, and we now better understand the powerful influence of emotion and behavior on health. More than ever, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy clients present with chronic and acute medical illness as the mind/body connection becomes more widely understood and accepted by health care professionals and the general public.
As a result of these trends, there is a need for psychologists to be well versed in the diagnosis and medical treatment of common medical conditions, and to understand the possible ways that we can intervene with our medically ill patients. This is no easy feat, given the vast amounts of information available. Dr. Kolbasovsky’s book aims to meet that need. His aspiration is masterfully fulfilled in this reference book that manages to condense the most frequently needed information into clear, practical language, and well organized for easy access. Frequently, a client will make reference to a certain diagnostic procedure or lab value, and it is crucial for the clinician to easily access the information that will help us understand its import for the client
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