An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice and Social Purpose

John McLeod’s accessible bestseller provides a comprehensive, research-informed overview of the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. Now in its seventh edition, this leading introduction to the discipline has been expanded to include a renewed focus on social justice, the use of technology in therapy, non-Western traditions, socio-political and decolonising perspectives, and working with clients who are considering taking their own lives. The book retains its comprehensive coverage of both mainstream and emerging approaches to therapy, and professional issues such as supervision, training, therapist development, ethical standards and research-informed practice. New to this edition is wider coverage of issues such as racism, the climate crisis, gender and sexuality; debates around neuroscience, spirituality and integrative approaches to therapy; and third-wave transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural therapies such as ACT, mindfulness and FAP. Fully revised and updated throughout, the seventh edition also contains: •Access to complementary online resources •Case studies •Landmark and contemporary research studies •Critical analysis of the cultural, historical and social context of therapeutic approaches •Reflection and discussion topics •Suggestions for further reading This book equips readers with the confidence to navigate and apply a range of therapeutic models. Building on the author’s extensive research and professional experience, the 7th edition of An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy remains the definitive guide for students and practitioners. John McLeod is a household name in the world of C&P education. John has held Professorial position at the Universities of Keele, Abertay, Oslo, Padua, and Massey and at the Institute for Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, Dublin. He has published 14 books and more than 100 articles and chapters, and has an international reputation as a leading figure in counselling and psychotherapy practice and research.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Counselling and psychotherapy in a changing world 1 The historical and socio-political context of contemporary practice Part 2 What happens in therapy: the common ground 2 What it’s like to be a client 3 What it’s like to be a therapist 4 Building a therapeutic relationship: working together 5 The process of therapy: the beginning 6 The hard work: choices, learning, and change 7 Leaving therapy Part 3 Conceptualising the practice of therapy 8 The psychodynamic tradition 9 The cognitive–behavioural perspective 10 Interpersonal therapies 11 Person-centred, humanistic, and experiential approaches 12 Transactional analysis: a comprehensive theoretical system 13 Gestalt therapy 14 Existential therapy 15 Narrative therapy 16 Working with families 17 The use of art in therapy 18 Therapy in nature: using the outdoor environment 19 Religion and spirituality 20 Embodied conversations: implications of developmental neuroscience  21 Integrative therapies 22 Pluralistic therapy Part 4 How therapy can contribute to building a better world 23 Making sense of the historical context of contemporary practice 24 Principles of culturally-sensitive therapy 25 Using therapy to overcome social injustice 26 Facing up to colonialism, racism and white privilege 27 Supporting clients to deal with gender-based violence and oppression 28   Working with individuals, families and communities to come to terms with climate anxiety, grief and trauma  Part 5 Being a therapist 29 The qualities of effective therapists 30 Professional structures for supporting therapist competence 31 An ethical and moral framework for therapy 32 Using research to inform practice 33 Delivery formats to enhance access and effectiveness: on-line therapy and beyond 34. Looking ahead: Future challenges for the psychotherapeutic professions