[Strategic brief psychotherapy]

The brief strategic therapy (directive therapy)--an active psychotherapy--is derived from the hypnotic technique of Erickson as well as from the communications and systems theories. The author describes five characteristical points of this therapy. Interactions and task prescriptions are the most important instrument of the directive therapy. The number of session is generally limited. Therapist and patient determine concrete and accurate goals for the therapy. Patient's problems should be set in a positive context. About theory and practice, the therapist adopts an eclectic and pragmatic attitude. The author develops these points and illustrates them with clinical vignettes.