The Fifteen Minute Hour: Applied Psychotherapy for the Primary Care Physician

Remarkably good methodology for physician patient connection over psychosocial issues in the brief medical visit. Well written w/ easily accessible concepts and lots of examples.

The Fifteen Minute Hour focuses on challenges that family physicians actually experience in daily practice. Besides the well known BATHE techniques, there are sections on physician self care, anticipatory guidance, difficult patients, along with clear guidance on brief psychotherapy within the office visit. I often use the concept of the healthy self vs. the neurotic self in teaching. During stress the system goes on tilt and the neurotic self comes to the fore. One of the miracles I see in patients is the transformation within a visit bwtween those two selves as we participate in something that allows them to get in touch with their healthy self.

The Fifteen Minute Hour is a best-seller because it understands and validates physicians' experiences and needs, and is therefore an emotionally supportive and healing reading experience for physicians. Books which recognize and explicitly address physician stresses in a supportive, understanding manner, even while exhorting physicians to do more for their patients, are not common. This is a well written and useful guide, which reflects Dr. Stuart's unique experience and perspective. She is one of a relatively small number of psychotherapists who work closely with - and provide emotional support for - primary care physicians, as well as providing care for their patients. Her intimate understanding of the challenges of primary (non-psychiatric) medical care is the basis for her advice, and the reason this book is a perennial best-seller among family physicians.Stuart Green, MSW, MADirector, Behavioral ScienceOverlook HospitalSummit, NJ

As a medical educator who works with residents, medical students, and other healthcare trainees, I regard this book as a contemporary classic for those who value developing their skills in maximizing the provider-patient relationship. Stuart and Lieberman have combined the best in medicine and psychology to produce a book that not only is an easy read but also includes the evidence that supports the health benefits of engaging patients in healing conversation!