The Trainee Handbook

I found the Trainee Handbook really useful for the students that I work with.  It is well set out from setting the scene to future job role as a counsellor.  I’m aware that it isn’t necessarily for Level 2 students but some aspects are and the students found them to be very useful.  Some specific headings that are used in counselling may help such as contracting.

I welcome this fourth edition which will continue to function as a key support for trainees as they navigate their way through a range of professional issues and course requirements.  There are some important updates in this edition, and a review of many key topics that span philosophical, theoretical, ethical and practical matters.  In my view, an excellent and timely resource.

For many years Bor and Watt’s Handbook serves as the best entry point to counseling, counseling psychology, and psychotherapy training for students embarking on the journey. This new edition again thoroughly covers relevant topics and issues, is well-updated and offers plenty of practical and valuable tips to students. I highly recommend it as the book to have when starting your training!

Professor Robert Bor trained in the UK, South Africa and the USA. He is a Chartered Clinical, Counselling and Health Psychologist as well as a Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He is a UKCP Registered Family Therapist, having completed his specialist training at the Tavistock Clinic, London and a clinical member of the Institute of Family Therapy, London. He has a special interest in developing psychological support services for those affected by chronic or acute medical conditions, and especially those with cancer.

He has published more than 150 articles and chapters in peer-review publications as well as 20 books on the psychological impact of illness and serves on the editorial board of numerous international journals. He is also the Consulting Psychologist to several leading schools in London including St Pauls School, The Royal Ballet School and JFS.

He is an active member of the International Psycho-Oncology Society, consults to Chai Cancer Care in London and he is a Churchill Fellow.

Mary Watts is emeritus professor of psychology and former pro-vice-chancellor for learning and teaching at City, University of London. She combines her knowledge and experience of academic, professional and business development within current freelance roles. A chartered psychologist and registered member of the Health Care Professions Council, Mary has specialisms in health and wellbeing, coaching, counselling and psychotherapy. She is a Meyler Campbell Business Coach Graduate and currently director of their Mastered Programme, former chair of the British Psychological Societys Special Group in Coaching Psychology and also the 2015 International Congress in Coaching Psychology.

Setting the scene - Sheelagh Strawbridge Mapping training routes into working as a therapist - Tony Ward A trainee's perspective - Susan Strauss Students top tips - Tami Avis, Fran Smith, Genevieve Solomou and Ingrid Sorhus Getting the most out of personal therapy - Mark Donati and Charles Legg Essay Writing - Frances Mielewczyk How to write a client case study - John Davey How to write a process report - Christine Parrott Planning and conducting research - Don Rawson Writing up research projects, dissertations and theses - Don Rawson Guidelines for professional practise - Tim Bond Evidence based practise and being a sceintist practitioner - Margaret Oakes The clinical placement in therapy training - Victoria Galbraith Handling and processing a referral - Mary Creaner Developing skills in formualtion - Sarah Corrie and David Lane The first session with a new client - Robert Bor, Sara Chaudary and Riva Miller Assessing a clients mental state - Yvette Lewis Psychopharmacology - a primer - Diane Hammersley, Jo Sexton and Charles Legg Written Communication and therapy - Peter DuPlessis and Fiona Hirst Supervision: making it work for you - Damien McCann What do I do if...? Questions commonly asked by trainers - Linda Papadopoulos and Malcolm Cross Preparing for a job - Elaine Kasket Working with diversity - Martin Milton The reflective practioner - Mary Watts Preparing for CPD and life-long learning - Barabara Hannigan The use of social media, technology and on-line therapy - Anne Stokes Looking to the future - Sheelagh Strawbridge