Krstev (Eds) Abingdon: Routledge, 2008 270 pp., £19.99 (pbk)Psychotherapies for the Psychoses is an informative and enlightening book. It encourages the integration of psychotherapeutic thinking and practice into the pharmacologically dominated treatment and management of psychoses commonly practised within the western world, presenting findings based on empirical evidence. The book is richly diverse theoretically, advocating cognitive-behavioural approaches and the treatment alliance between psychosocial and pharmacological models. Furthermore, it draws on cultural paradigms from countries such as New Zealand and Australia. In doing so, it powerfully illustrates the importance of integrating psychosocial therapies within treatment systems that did not previously take into account the beliefs, cultures and customs of indigenous populations.The book is comprised of three sections. Each focuses on a theme. Various contributors discuss theoretical integration across the psychotherapies in section one and link this to cross-cultural perspectives in psychotherapies for psychoses in section two. The theme in the final section is that of integrating psychotherapies into public sector practice.Owing to the large number of contributors, the book understandably has a varied style of writing and the choice of words used. This does not detract from the intent of the individual contributors, but adds a dimension and makes the book more interesting to read. Furthermore, it does not seek to advocate psychosocial therapies, but rather requests the readers to consider psychosocial therapies as a form of valid treatment than can offer real benefits to sufferers and carers.I was initially sceptical that I would enjoy reading this book but I was pleasantly surprised. In my view the contributors succeeded collectively in conveying each theme to its potential readers. The link between theories, cultural perspectives and practice was skilfully interwoven by the editors.I am a mental health nurse by profession and have worked for many years with service users with dual diagnosis. All too often, pharmacological intervention is the only treatment choice available to service users, carers and families and practitioners. I felt I was taken on a tour by the book. It has deepened my understanding and belief of the alliance between psychosocial and pharmacological models of treatment.My own view that psychosocial therapies should form an integral part of the overall treatment package for service users affected by psychoses or dual diagnosis is consolidated by this book. This book is a good choice for both clinical professionals and therapists; I would certainly recommend it to others.
