First Steps in Counselling (5th Edition)

Pete Sanders spent over 30 years practising as a counsellor, educator and clinical supervisor. He has written, co-written and edited numerous books, chapters and papers on many aspects of counselling, psychotherapy and mental health. Paula J Williams is a person-centred counsellor, trainer, lecturer and supervisor based in Scotland. After several years in the voluntary sector, she now works primarily in private practice. Andy Rogers managed counselling services in further and higher education colleges and now runs a private counselling, supervision and mental health mentoring practice.

'Let this book be your mentor and travelling companion from day one of your training. This new edition speaks to an evolving profession in acknowledging our cultural context and the inclusion of counsellors and clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures.' - Myira Khan, counsellor, supervisor and founder of the Muslim Counselling and Psychotherapist Network. '... a rich overview of the role, purpose and value of counselling skills in contemporary helping roles.' - Lynne Gabriel, Professor of Counselling and Mental Health, York St John University. 'This gem of a book maps out the territory of counselling practice in clear, concise, accessible language. There really is something in this book for everyone, whether you are learning something new or anew.' - Dr Val Watson, independent counselling and psychotherapy practitioner, supervisor, coach, consultant and trainer. '... reflects the critical eye cast by its authors as they observe our fast-changing world... a truly collaborative endeavour, and an essential text for our field.' - Dr Dwight Turner, senior lecturer, counselling and psychotherapy, University of Brighton.

• Acknowledgements, Preface, Dedications, About the authors, 1. First steps, 2. What is counselling? 3. The importance of self-development, 4a. Where do ideas in counselling come from? 4b. Psychoanalysis, 4c. Behavioural and cognitive approaches, 4d. Humanistic psychology, 4e. Integrative approaches, 5. Counselling attitudes and skills: Ways of being a helper, 6. Clients: Who they are and what they bring, 7. Power and oppression, 8. Ethics for counselling-informed helping, 9. Limits: what they are and what to do when you reach them, 10. Support for basic helping, 11. Counselling connections and settings, 12. Questions for counselling in the 21st century, 13. What comes next? 14. Endings.