Campbell Purton – författare

Current therapeutic practice is grounded in traditional theories of psychotherapy, such as the theories that underlie cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic and person-centred practice. But none of these approaches has been proven to be more effective than any other, leaving the therapist with an ethical and professional dilemma: how do you advocate and practise one theory with your clients, when a completely different theoretical approach is being successfully practised down the road?In this book Campbell Purton argues that psychotherapy and counselling theories fail to provide adequate justification for their practice. Part 1 highlights the weaknesses and dangers that underlie traditional counselling theories and their derivatives, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, existential and neuroscience approaches. Having unpicked these theories, Part 2 goes on to develop an exciting new way of thinking about therapy that does not rely on theory - one that can be likened to a 'common sense' approach to therapeutic practice.This book poses important questions and offers unique insight for anyone studying or practising in the field of counselling and psychotherapy.

Since its beginnings in the 1950s, the person-centred approach to therapy has developed in many ways. In this important new text, Campbell Purton introduces the 'focusing' approach of Eugene Gendlin. The book discussed Gendlin's theoretical innovations and their implications for clinical practice. It throws light on the relationship between the various schools of therapy, and on the relationship between therapy and such areas as ethics and spirituality. It will be essential reading for students and practioners of person-centred therapy.

This book arises from a rich and lively international conference on 'The Spiritual Dimension in Therapy and Experiential Exploration', which was held at the University of East Anglia in July 2004. The varied chapters - including contributions from the keynote speakers: Brian Thorne, Rev Daishin Morgan and Richard Holloway - explore the conference theme in depth from many perspectives: experiential, philosophical, theological, psychological and personal. Peggy Natiello, Person-Centred Counsellor, educator and author writes: a hearty welcome to a long-overdue acknowledgement of spirituality's crucial role in human growth, healing, transformation and wholeness. Ecumenical in tone, "Spirituality and Counselling" includes insights from philosophy, religion, counselling, and creative arts. The authors invite us to journey through new definitions and unorthodox experiences of spirituality that challenge postmodern facilitators of human development. In their effort to articulate the ineffable knowings of transformation and spirituality, they demonstrate amazing openness, depth, and creativity. It is a must-read for counsellors and others exploring the shifting sands of truth and meaning.This book will be of interest to professionals concerned to explore the significance of spirituality in their life and practice, including practising counsellors and psychotherapists, and students at Certificate, Diploma and Masters levels.