Kathleen Wheeler, PhD, PMHNP-BC, APRN, FAAN, is a professor emerita at Fairfield University Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies in Fairfield, Connecticut where she developed one of the first PMHNP programs in the United States in 1994. Dr. Wheeler has been a leader in projects that are highly significant for advanced practice psychiatric nursing. These include cochair of the National Panel that developed the first PMHNP Competencies and the first chair of National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ (NONPF) PMHNP special interest group. Her book, Psychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse: A How-To Guide for Evidence-Based Practice, has been awarded two AJN Book of the Year Awards.
Description
The Ultimate Psychotherapy Resource for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Includes CourseConnect: Study, practice, succeed– Trusted Content Innovative Learning
Essential for every PMHNP program, Wheeler’s authoritative guide delivers the theory, art, and science of psychotherapy through a nursing-centered, trauma-informed lens. The Fourth Edition strengthens the neurobiological relationship/resilience framework for practice and includes foundational competencies with an updated evidence base for all psychotherapy approaches. There is increased emphasis on DEI, social determinants of health, complementary modalities, and transdiagnostic approaches for children and adolescents. New and updated modalities include acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma-focused, schema-focused and mindfulness-based CBT; EMDR/CBT for children; operant conditioning behavioral plans; social rhythm therapy; digital therapeutics, harm reduction and trauma-informed substance use care; and dialectical behavioral therapy treatment stages, and techniques. This edition expands content on complex trauma, differences between ego states and dissociative parts, specific skills for managing dissociation and flashbacks, with stabilization and processing strategies for trauma.
Know, use, and test your understanding of course content with CourseConnect—an interactive learning platform included with your print purchase.
What’s New:
- Chapter on evidence-based complementary modalities includes the gut microbiome, nutrition, supplements, mind and body practices, psychedelics, hypnosis, energy healing approaches, resources and certification
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities with evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents
- Older-adult psychotherapy includes problem-solving therapy, telehealth applications, and suicide risk assessment/intervention
- Trauma-informed medication management includes psychodynamic prescribing, situational briefing model and deprescribing.
Key Features:
- Integrates neuroscience, theory, and advanced nursing practice
- Strengthens critical thinking through case studies and reflection
- Links psychotherapeutic modalities to clinical application
- Emphasizes ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care
- Chapters authored by nationally recognized leaders and experts in their psychotherapy approach and population
- Instructor Resources include an Instructor’s Manual, PowerPoint slides, a Test Bank, and more
Contributors
Foreword by Michael J. Rice, PhD, APRN, FAAN, WAN
Preface
Acknowledgments
PART I. GETTING STARTED
Chapter 1. The Nurse Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
Chapter 2. The Neurobiology of Trauma and Psychotherapy
Chapter 3. Assessment and Diagnosis
Chapter 4. The Initial Contact and Maintaining the Frame
PART II. PSYCHOTHERAPY APPROACHES
Chapter 5. Supportive and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Chapter 6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Chapter 7. Motivational Interviewing
Chapter 8. Humanistic-Existential and Solution-Focused Approaches
Chapter 9. Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Social Rhythm Therapy
Chapter 10. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Chapter 11. Trauma Resiliency Therapy
Chapter 12. Group Therapy
Chapter 13. Family Therapy
PART III. PRESCRIBING AND COMPLEMENTARY MODALITIES
Chapter 14. Reuniting Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy
Chapter 15. Trauma-Informed Medication Management
Chapter 16. Integrating Complementary Modalities in Psychotherapy
PART IV. PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Chapter 17. Psychotherapy for Trauma and Dissociation
Chapter 18. Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Chapter 19. Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Substance Use and Related Disorders
Chapter 20. Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents
Chapter 21. Psychotherapy With Older Adults
PART V. TERMINATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
Chapter 22. Reimbursement and Documentation
Chapter 23. Termination and Outcome Evaluation
Afterword
Index

