Essential Issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy - Andrew Reeves – serie

John Rowan, humanistic therapist, private practice

‘This is a must-read book for students on courses in counselling, psychotherapy, clinical psychology and psychiatry.’

Heather Fowlie, Head of the Transactional Analysis Department, Metanoia Institute, London

Conducting a competent assessment and case formulation can be a daunting task for trainee therapists engaging in clinical assessment for the first time. This book is designed to help, by unpicking the many aspects involved in assessment and case formulation across modalities, practice settings and client groups.

The book:

·         Explores key elements of clinical assessment including diagnosis, risk assessment, ethical considerations and accounting for difference.

·         Highlights the necessary skills, techniques and legal requirements at each stage of the process.

·         Takes into account the impact of culture, context and theoretical and practical considerations.

·         Uses case studies and reflective questions to illustrate difficult concepts in context.

Equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make successful assessments and case formulations, this is an essential read for trainees and for qualified practitioners wishing to brush up on their understanding.

Dr Biljana van Rijn, Faculty Head of Applied Research and Clinical Practice, Metanoia Institute.

The wide-ranging contexts in which counselling and psychotherapy is now practiced means clients present with a range of risks that therapists have to respond to. Risk is an ever-present issue for counsellors and psychotherapists and, in an increasingly litigious culture, the need for trainees to develop a sound understanding of how the right tools and the right knowledge can support their practice has never been greater. In this book Andrew Reeves takes trainees, newly qualified practitioners, and more experienced practitioners step-by-step through what is meant by risk, offering practical hints and tips and links to policy and research to inform good ethical practice along the way.

This book tackles:

• The definition of risk and how risk is linked to social, psychological and relational factors

• Working with those who are at risk of suicide, self-injury, self-harm and/or are an endangerment to others

• How therapists should respond to the risk in situations involving child protection, mental health crises, and in the therapeutic process itself

• The positive side of risk-taking

• How counsellors and psychotherapists can work with risk proactively and positively, informed by research.

Filled with case studies, ethical dilemmas, reflective questions, discussion questions and further reading, this book offers counsellors and psychotherapists guidance on how they can work with risk proactively and positively. It is an essential resource for all services, organisations and individual practitioners.

What is a therapeutic alliance? How do I create a bond? What might lead to the alliance breaking down? What do I do when the relationship feels stuck?

These are just some of the questions addressed in this important new book for trainee and qualified therapists wanting to understand, engage in and make the most of the therapeutic relationship.

Taking you through each stage of the therapeutic process, from initial boundary setting to effective endings, the book considers a number of different settings and client groups such as working in an online environment and with children and young people. Structured around ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, an accessible and engaging narrative guides you though the skills and considerations for an effective therapeutic relationship, as well as the potential challenges it might face. 

Bringing to the forefront the mutuality of the relationship and the client as a proactive agent, this book will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop trusting and productive relationships with your clients.

What is a therapeutic alliance? How do I create a bond? What might lead to the alliance breaking down? What do I do when the relationship feels stuck?

These are just some of the questions addressed in this important new book for trainee and qualified therapists wanting to understand, engage in and make the most of the therapeutic relationship.

Taking you through each stage of the therapeutic process, from initial boundary setting to effective endings, the book considers a number of different settings and client groups such as working in an online environment and with children and young people. Structured around ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, an accessible and engaging narrative guides you though the skills and considerations for an effective therapeutic relationship, as well as the potential challenges it might face. 

Bringing to the forefront the mutuality of the relationship and the client as a proactive agent, this book will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to develop trusting and productive relationships with your clients.

The boundaries of the therapeutic relationship are a crucial part of effective therapy. But understanding them, and the effects of power and responsibility, can be intimidating to trainee or newly-qualified therapists. This book will take  step by step through everything they need to know to work ethically and safeguard the wellbeing of both themselves and their clients.

It tackles:

·         Contracting and the importance of negotiating and clarifying boundaries with clients

·         The implications and limits of maintaining confidentiality

·         Keeping clear sexual boundaries, and how to work around issues safely and appropriately

·         What happens when circumstances change, and everyday or serious disruptions occur to therapy

·         The nature of the therapist’s power, and how to employ it responsibly to a client’s benefit

Packed with case studies, ethical dilemmas and points for reflection and discussion, this is an essential read for trainee practitioners and qualified therapists looking to ensure safe and ethical practice.