This book examines with clarity and wit theories of counseling and psychotherapy. It is the first and only counseling theories book that begins each chapter with a case study, which is then integrated throughout each chapter. Gender and cultural issues are carefully considered, and the author covers each topic with enough depth that allows readers to easily understand the key ideas being presented. The book describes the approach each theory presented takes to counseling, the counseling techniques it employs, and its views of the counselor's and client's roles in therapy. For each theory discussed in the book the author presents the basic philosophical assumptions, its beliefs about what motivates human behavior, its central constructs, its picture of how humans develop, its ideas about what constitutes mental and emotional health and dysfunction, its perspective on how our relationships with those around us impact our functioning, and its view of how our behavior, thoughts, and emotion impact our functioning. Theories include: psychoanalysis, individual psychology, person-centered therapy, behavior therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, reality therapy, gestalt therapy, interpersonal approaches to psychotherapy, family systems therapy, solution focused therapy, and feminist therapy. An excellent desk reference for counselors and psychotherapists.
Using case studies, applied examples, original source material, and her own inimitable pedagogical style, Nancy Murdock succinctly elucidates fifteen of the most influential and ground-breaking theories of psychotherapy and counseling. With this articulate guide to counseling theory, students will grasp complicated historical theory and not only understand the historical footing and uses of each, but will learn how these theories have informed each other and contributed to modern practice, while applying it to their own professional counseling experience. Examining the historical roots, evaluations, and lasting effects of Existential, Gestalt, Behavior, Cognitive, Reality, Feminist, Family, Narrative, and Solution-Focused Therapy and much more, this text equips students with the history and application necessary to bring theory to life.New Features Include:
- A New Chapter on Mindfulness Approaches
- Extensive Coverage of Ethics in Therapy
- Addition of Outcome and Theory-testing Research for Approaches to Therapy
- Coverage of Psychotherapy Outcome Research and Evidence-Based Treatment
- MyCounselingLab connects course content to video- and case-based real world scenarios, and provides:
- "Building Counseling Skills" exercises that offer opportunities for students to develop and practice skills critical to their success as professional helpers. Hints and feedback provide scaffolding and reinforce key concepts.
- "Assignments & Activities" assess students' understanding of key concepts and skill development.
- "Multiple-Choice Quizzes" help students gauge their understanding of important topics and prepare for success on licensure examinations.
