Basic Texts in Counselling and Psychotherapy – serie

Supervision is essential for counsellors and psychotherapists, but it can create emotional pressures and practical dilemmas. This book offers a sympathetic introduction to supervision that helps the reader to think through these complex issues. Rooted in the psychodynamic tradition, this book provides the reader with a sophisticated understanding of theory whilst exploring the principles that underpin good practice. The text gives useful insights into the conflicts and possibilities offered by supervision to both supervisor and supervisee. Drawing on case studies taken directly from the author's own experience, the individual chapters consider issues in a variety of settings, from group supervision and supervising in institutions, to working with difference and supervising those with clients in crisis. Thought-provoking and enjoyable to read, this book encourages the reader to reflect on their own practice. It is an ideal text for those beginning to supervise as well as for experienced practitioners looking to refresh their knowledge and skills.

A psychoanalytic understanding of violence is key to successful treatment strategies. This book draws on the expanding discipline of forensic psychotherapy to explore the theory behind violent behaviour in adults. With key definitions and practical case studies, it offers an accessible framework for mental health workers.

Patterns of family life are changing rapidly and; with them, the role of fathers in parenting. Fatherhood and fathering are an important concern for every practitioner, whether they are working with fathers directly, with children, couples and families, or with individuals discussing their own fathers. Yet fathers are often neglected in research and overlooked in professional practice. This book synthesises existing and original research to provide a wide-ranging overview of the salient theoretical and practical issues inherent in working with fathers.Setting its analysis in a clear context of social and cultural change, the book highlights the importance of keeping fathers in mind at all times in therapeutic work. In particular, it: - Considers the practical challenges of engaging fathers in clinical work- Addresses issues of difference, whether of culture, class or domestic living arrangements- Draws on systemic, narrative and attachment theory to illuminate some of the key issues for practice- Discusses working with fathers from a variety of angles, including mental health issues in men, domestic violence, group work and working with fathers in prisons- Provides vivid and illuminating vignettes to illustrate issues for practice With its strong focus and emphasis on reflective practice, this is an essential book full of thoughtful and accessible guidance for trainees and practitioners in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, family therapy, social work and related fields.

Ideas drawn from family and systemic therapy form the basis of many interventions in mental health and childcare. This brief introduction offers an ideal starting-point for non specialists and new students keen to develop their skills. Taking a step-by-step experiential approach, it explores key concepts in vivid practice context.

The toxic nature of trauma can make it an overwhelming area of work. This book by a recognised expert adopts a systemic perspective, focusing on the individual in context. Very positively, it shows how every level of relationship can contribute to healing and that the meaning of traumatic experiences can be 'unfrozen' and revisited over time.

Building on the success of Working with the Elderly and their Carers, this new edition pursues an in depth understanding of therapy with older people. A wide range of clinical material and 3 new chapters draw on developments in psychodynamic theory and the author's experience to offer valuable insights for trainees and experienced practitioners.

Living with serious illness can have profound emotional effects both on patients themselves and on those close to them. With clarity and compassion, this text explores the difficulties and dilemmas those who are ill and their families face, offering specific guidelines for the professionals who work with them.Building on its successful first edition, this text draws on recent developments in research and clinical practice in providing a theoretical and practical framework for working with illness. Thoroughly revised in its second edition, this book:- Features new chapters on the cultural constructs of illness, working with migrant families, illness in later life, death and palliative care and supervision- Explores issues of working with diversity, covering gender, class, race and sexuality- Discusses the impact of working with those facing serious illness on health care professionals, offering strategies for reducing the risks of burnout, compassion fatigue and secondary traumatisation Written by a recognized expert in the field, this innovative and challenging book provides essential insights for professionals working or training to work with those facing illness and death, including doctors, nurses, counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers.

The first edition of this popular book won praise for successfully exploring the inner world of contemporary adolescence. The new edition now also examines issues including self-harm, depression and body image disturbance. Drawing on a flexible psychodynamic approach, it gives evidence-based guidance for both experienced practitioners and students.

This new edition reflects the growing use of short term therapy across a variety of settings. Packed with new material on key issues, the book explores the therapeutic relationship, the length of therapy and the evidence base for various forms of therapy. This is key reading for anyone wishing to incorporate a psychodynamic element in their work.

Introducing key psychodynamic theory, concepts and techniques, this text examines the challenges and opportunities of counselling adolescents and children. The book explores a wide variety of settings and contexts, from schools to community projects and mental health services. It is an invaluable guide for counsellors and therapists at all levels.

Why do some therapeutic conversations go well but not others?We all have prejudices and assumptions which influence how we describe the world and how we conduct our conversations with others. Therapists' own narratives can sometimes impede, rather than facilitate, effective therapeutic processes, with far-reaching effects on clients' lives. This unique and important book describes how self-reflexive practices can lead to more ethically responsible, collaborative and life-enhancing conversations.Drawing on her many years' clinical experience, Fran Hedges explores self-reflexive practice in action, offering the reader a set of skills for assessing their own personal resources and stories and unpacking their professional belief systems. Each chapter:- Describes a single extended case study in psychotherapy as a source of analysis and illumination- Focuses on a particular theme, from the importance of language and emotion to the often-neglected significance of bodily responses- Interweaves theory with self-reflection to offer a compelling blend of critical, conceptual and personal materialThis stimulating, innovative and practical book will appeal to trainee counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists as well as experienced mental health practitioners and supervisors who are looking for ways to invigorate and enhance their practice.

Building on the individual's personal experience of groups, starting in the family, the authors offer an account of why things happen as they do in groups, providing a basis for developing groupwork in a wide range of settings, rooted in an understanding of the interaction between individual and group processes. Particular attention is paid in the group-analytic approach to the social, cultural and institutional context within and outside the group. This book can be used both as a text for courses and to lead the therapist or group worker through the stages of establishing and conducting a group appropriate to the needs of the particular clients, residents or patients.

From small beginnings in the 1970s, counselling in primary care has now become an established area of practice. It is well recognised that a significant proportion of patients in primary health care have psychological difficulties which are treatable at the 'coal face' before they develop into major problems. Mental health services can now reach a wider population more quickly with cost-effective therapeutic benefits. This text examines the intra - and inter-personal dynamics of primary care essential for counsellors and psythotherapists working in health centres and considers the advantage of multi-disciplinary and multi-agency collaboration.The progressive approach will be of interest to all who work in primary care. They will recognise in it many of their day-to-day working dilemmas, especially in trying to balance the tension between commitment to individual patients and the demands of the wider organisation. Case illustrations are used to demonstrate the challenges and teamwork opportunities for both counsellors and doctors who work collaboratively. This book is essential reading for counsellors and psychotherapists who work in primary care and for the doctors and health authorities who employ them.

Supporting children and families through separation and divorce is a major area of concern in contemporary society. However, it is sometimes hard for those professionals who are helping families to hear the `voice' of the child in this process. Writing from their wide experience as clinicians working with children and families, Emilia Dowling and Gill Gorell Barnes set out in this book to address this gap, and allow the child to be heard.Working with Children and Parents through Separation and Divorce combines research with clinical and practical approaches to working with families going through stressful changes linked to separation or divorce. Attention is given to the wider context of children's lives with the implications for general practice, schools and other services addressed in special chapters. A focused approach to divorce related problems that takes each family member's view into account is illustrated. Combining individual and family work helps parents to resolve difficulties, enabling children troubled by parental separation to progress with their own lives.This book is essential reading for `front line' professionals as well as specialists who encounter children and families going through this life transition in the course of their work.

Counselling Students: A Psychodynamic Perspective delivers an introduction to the main psychological and developmental factors that affect students and how these typically influence and shape their experiences at university. Using a psychodynamic model, it provides a clear account, rich in illustrations, of the various emotional and developmental issues that underlie the problems that students encounter and the role of counselling in dealing with these problems. The book will be particularly helpful to individuals with a personal or professional interest in student welfare who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological issues that affect the development and well being of students.

The major barrier in the way of competent counselling provision for people with learning disabilities is not the presence of a learning disability, but the lack of understand of the relevance of counselling by potential referrers... Sally Hodges has written for a wide range of professionals who work with people with learning disabilities, and introduces theoretical concepts in an accessible way by using clinical vignettes to illustrate each point.An introduction to theory and some time spent thinking about different life stages, personal histories, presenting problems and relationship issues will provide an invaluable introduction to the emotional worlds of people with learning disabilities.' - from the Foreword by Sheila Hollins, Professor of Psychiatry of Learning Disability, St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London.Counselling Adults with Learning Disabilities draws on a psychodynamic framework to bring toegher current ideas and thinking in an approachable and practical way. Through vivid clinical material and case examples, the book creatively illustrates how complex theories can be translated into clinical practice. Common problems are tackled and addressed within a lifespan framework, with attention given to key issues such as:- Bereavement- Abuse- Mental illness- Challenging behabiour- Sexual relationships- Relationships with peers, families and staffAdditionally, given the increasing importance of evidence-based pratice, the book concludes with a review of the literature in the area of learning disabilities, and its efficacy.SALLY HODGES is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Tavistock Clinic with their Learning Disabilities Service. Previously she worked for learning disabilities services in Redbridge and Plymouth.

"What is Disability?" and "Why am I disabled?" asked Joe, the seven year old boy, born with cerebral palsy...Although disability is of concern to us all, very little attention has been paid to the felt experience of the disabled person and the ways in which psychotherapy might be constructively utilised. Disability, Counselling and Psychotherapy directly addresses this gap and, taking a life-span perspective and a psychoanalytic approach, actively explores the challenges and opportunities of disability to therapy, the caring professions and society more widely.Shula Wilson introduces a model aimed at achieving autonomy that is based on the significance of the primary mother-baby relationship and the awareness of human mortality. In doing so she offers a new way of relating to disabled people and working through unanswerable questions such as those raised by Joe, above. She also challenges attitudes and reactions to controversial issues such as sex, death and the mystery behind altering body image, and brings to the surface the desires, hopes and frustrations of disabled people living in an environment ridden with fears and prejudices.With its lively case discussion and clear theoretical base, Disability, Counselling and Psychotherapy is a vital resource for all practising professionals and trainees.

This unique text provides students and practitioners of counselling and psychotherapy with a much-needed guide to working integratively in time-sensitive and healthcare settings. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience, infant studies and human development, this innovative text offers an original framework for identifying key therapeutic metaphors to focus and guide the therapeutic process. It will be invaluable to any practitioner-psychotherapist, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, health or social care professional- who has opportunities to make a professional, therapeutic relationship with clients suffering emotional problems.

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are increasingly prevalent in today's society and of great concern to a wide range of health-related professionals, including counsellors and psychotherapists. This important new text, written in an intelligent yet accessible style, provides an authoritative and practical introduction to therapeutic work with this large client group. Taking a psychodynamic approach, Working with Eating Disorders also embraces an appreciation of cultural influences and uniquely illustrates the context of eating disorders in today's society.

This book identifies and explores what is missing in therapy practice, namely the 'craft' aspects of skilled psychoanalytic work: how theories and models are actually used in practice, what kind of reasoning is employed in conducting a session, and how interventions are composed and evaluated.The text shows how these features of clinical thinking, which normally operate below the level of awareness, can be identified and explored in clinical practice, in supervision and in teaching. This clear and vividly written book addresses the needs of practitioners and trainees moving beyond beginner level to more skilled and attuned practice.

Group work is a common and valuable resource used in many areas: from therapy, education and training, to businesses and commercial organisations. At its best, group work is rich and productive, promoting open and honest communication; at its worst, it can become a source of failure and hostility. In this clear and engaging book, Margaret Henning focuses on the concrete practicalities of how to make groups vehicles for success, whether in supervision, therapy or self-development, in optimising team function, or in achieving specific organisational tasks. With a focus on the role of group facilitators, she lays out a model of group work based in systemic and narrative techniques generating optimal conditions for groups to achieve success. The book will appeal not only to counselling and psychotherapy practitioners and students, but to those in social work, education and management settings. Grounded in a firm psychological basis, Positive Dynamics pulls together what is known about creating a 'best possible' group culture and, informed by extensive experience, describes the principles and techniques for achieving it.

Whilst many psychotherapists work skilfully and creatively with the subject of sex, the lack of professional support systems – such as training and supervision – mean that the topic is often still treated as taboo in the psychotherapy room. This secretive treatment may increase clients’ feelings of shame and embarrassment, thus mirroring the confusing views on sexuality in society and leading to the onset and development of sexual dysfunctions.Bringing the medical perspective of sexology together with systemic psychotherapy informed by social constructionism, this timely book seeks to fill the gap in psychotherapy literature, research and training by providing a theoretical framework, as well as practical guidance, for effective therapeutic interventions in working with sex and sexual relationships in clinical practice.Exploring topics such as sexual prejudice, the significance of sexual diversity and the assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions, enriched with a wealth of engaging case studies, Working with Sexual Issues in Psychotherapy is a fascinating and important read both for students new to this complex topic, and for practitioners looking for a comprehensive source of reference.

With 42% of marriages ending in divorce and many cohabiting couples separating, family therapy has become a key aspect of counselling and psychotherapy. Beginning with descriptions of contemporary pre-separation family conflict patterns, this book progresses to examine the challenges faced by families and their assisting professionals as they transition through residential separation, parental struggle, mediation assistance, family court applications, and other patterns of unending high conflict.Focusing on practitioner needs, the skills required, and a range of helpful interventions that can be used to address specific contexts, each chapter has a four-part structure that includes:- The description of a topic-related theme, its related concepts and evidence base.- The making concrete of the theme through case vignettes of family conflict and their discussion.- The naming of the challenges faced by professionals, the skill set required, and helpful interventions they might use in their responses.- Concluding exercises designed to assist students and professionals towards an increasingly reflective practice.Written by a leading expert in Family and Conflict Therapy, a growing area of academic and professional interest, Family Conflict after Separation and Divorce is the only book to combine theory, research, and practice into one accessible text that helps promote the personal and professional development of practitioners and students alike.

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and all have love at their roots; however, by the time a family requests help from a psychotherapist, resentment, fear and disappointment have often become the dominant forces ruling everyday life.Moving away from the medically-focused ‘problem-diagnosis-treatment’ model of psychotherapy, Peter Rober’s thought-provoking new text conceptualises family therapy as a dialogue between living, breathing people; it emphasises the mutuality and relational context that serves as the backdrop of a therapeutic encounter, whereby family members will interact, emotions will be displayed and suppressed, and practitioners will need to navigate carefully, endeavouring not just to listen but to understand the stories being told.Astute and engaging throughout, each chapter provides close analysis of a rich variety of case studies, combined with an examination of key theories and concepts from different schools of thought in family therapy; with a particular focus on dialogical thinking, the book explores the ways in which these theoretical concepts can be applied in everyday practice situations.Written by a leading expert in the field, this insightful new addition to Palgrave’s Basic Texts in Counselling and Psychotherapy series provides an accessible exploration of a complex area of practice. It will prove invaluable reading for those studying family therapy specifically, as well as students taking more general counselling and psychotherapy courses and practitioners looking for a fresh source of guidance.

Written by an eminent psychologist and psychotherapist, this book explores how therapists and counsellors can address the key issues of ‘difference’ in working with their clients. No matter how much the therapist knows, how knowledgeable they are or how expert they are, they all face the same dilemma – their clients are always unique, ever-changing, subjective beings.By taking a pluralistic approach and interweaving theory with a range of clinical stories offering insights into specific issues, client populations and therapeutic contexts, this text will enable readers to develop context-sensitive practice. It will equally appeal to students, newly qualified counsellors and more experienced professionals looking to develop their practice, becoming the perfect companion for students and trainees in applied psychology, psychotherapy and counselling.

A key book in the Basic Texts in Counselling and Psychotherapy series, this is an accessible introduction to the benefits and applications of systemic therapy with individuals. It builds upon build the growing interest in this approach which, unlike many other therapeutic approaches, can effectively be employed as a meta-theory whilst practitioners continue to work in another main model, such as cognitive-behavioural or psychodynamic.This popular text book provides counselling and psychotherapy students, trainees and practitioners new to this approach, with a lively, accessible and thoroughly practical introduction to the key theoretical concepts and techniques of systemic therapy with individuals.

The new edition of this well-known text addresses the plurality of family life today, and considers the way in which the changeable 'theory of family' has influenced the approaches of those working with families. The emphasis in this 2nd edition is on working in a context of cultural diversity and in which life transitions such as marriage, divorce and bereavement, affect the lives of all families, be they multi- or lone-parent, gay or heterosexual. This is an essential text for therapists and counsellors, both in training and in practice, who work with families.

This book seeks to liberate and empower practitioners seeking to meet the needs of all the troubled children and young people who come to them for help. Walker fills a gap in the available literature by addressing the needs of the changing demographic and ethnic tapestry of contemporary multi-cultural societies. This book extends classical concepts embodied in psychodynamic and systemic theory and provides practitioners with contemporary resources that reflect the changing external characteristics of society.

This book presents students and experienced practitioners alike with an accessible guide on the complex dynamics of the couple relationship. Combining the theoretical grounding of various psychodynamic fields of thought with vivid case studies, it advises on how to address issues such as domestic violence, affairs and the step-family system.