Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy

′I enjoyed reading this book, finding it stimulating, well written, and provocative. I thought it would make an excellent introductory read, especially if this was augmented by critical debate and discussion. For me it is an engaging read and provides both a clear and contextually relevant background to its subject′ -
Journal of The Society for Existential Analysis

′This is probably one of the most useful books I am ever likely to own. It is the nearest thing to a complete Bible for all aspects of my work as a counsellor, trainer and supervisor that I have had the privilege to read...For those who cannot afford to invest in a whole library, [this] is the book to buy′ -
Therapy Today

No longer teaching that course -- Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon * drupal *
A very useful book giving an overview of a range of counselling and psychotherapy modalities as well as an overview of research that is very useful for the MA in Counselling Students -- Dr Valda Swinton * drupal *
A good foundation text for students who wish to understand and differentiate counselling practice and theory -- Kate Smith * drupal *
This is a comprehensive book and a very useful "vade mecum" for students of Counselling and Psychotherapy." -- Mr Bill Stanley * drupal *
An excellent text for general reference providing a wealth of supporting material for most major areas of counselling study at an advanced (undergraduate) level. -- Mr John Dixon * drupal *
A very useful discussion of the relationship between counselling and mental health issues. -- Mr Peter Beven * drupal *
A good overview that will help students clarify their own understanding of the differences between these two concepts. -- Mr Peter Cardew * drupal *
Course no longer running -- Mr Peter Cardew * drupal *
Good, clear and concise coverage of the subject. Informative for our BA students. -- Mr Quentin Stimpson * drupal *
Good, clear and concise coverage of topic area. Useful for our first year students. -- Mr Quentin Stimpson * drupal *
I will also use the book in current undergraduate courses in the area of Mental Health Nursing. I like the manner in which the chapters are laid out. The book should enable mental health nursing students and others to understand how Counselling and Psychotherapeutic principles are demystified and applied using simple activities and discussion examples at critical and appropriate stages at the end of sections under discussion. It is directive to the student in this regard and if the student engages as such, it will reinforce learning and improve practice. -- Mr Tommy Healy * drupal *
Has been adopted as a supplemental text for an introduction to counselling for ′non counsellors′ undergraduate course. Provides very useful wider reading on the development of counselling and theoretical perspectives. Ideal for those who want to broaden their knowledge beyond basic counselling skills. -- Mr Tony Moynihan * drupal *
Most comprehensive content - good to see mindfulness and also research covered! -- Mrs Beverley Wellington * drupal *
I would recommend this book as one of the texts the students should read in relation to the course content -- Mrs Fiona Carver * drupal *
An excellent overview of different approaches which is well written and interesting to read. This book is recommended as a useful source for undergraduate study. It provides a comprehensive overview of different approaches and the activities and discussion points will help students to engage with the material. -- Mrs Sarah Finlay * drupal *
This is a very strong, step by step reference book for students starting out on counselling training. The individual exercises peppered throughout encourage the development of reflexivity and enable students to engage with the concepts presented. I would recommend the text for undergraduates, rather than postgraduate trainings, however. -- Mrs Valerie Sanders * drupal *
A useful introduction to the field of counselling -- Ms Carol Hughes * drupal *
Different sections of the book will be useful for students at different stages of training. I think the chapters on mental health, socio-cultural issues and research are particularly valuable. -- Ms Jane Macaskie * drupal *
This book is different from other "handbooks". As well as presenting the different therapeutic approaches in a concise and fresh way it has nice chapters on diagnosis, medication and process and outcome research. I didnt adopt it because our trainees need something more in-depth and because the book focuses exclusively on the problems of "fear and sadness". The latter is an advantage in terms of providing a common thread throughout the book but our trainees need to consider a wider range of "problems". -- Ms Linda Morison * drupal *
Very clearly presented introduction to the major therapeutic approaches, with the addition of Mindfulness as a modality in its own right. Interesting approach to working with ′common mental health problems′, conceptualising depression & anxiety as ′fear′ and ′sadness′ thus focussing on the client′s experience rather than an externally given label. A textbook with a ′workbook′ format, with many useful exercises and reflection points making it an ideal text to support learning and teaching. -- Ms Marian Kavanagh * drupal *
I particularly liked the use of scenarios, and the illustrations. Offers a thorough coverage of material - would recommend with enthusiasm -- Ms Victoria Lavender * drupal *