Introduction to Counseling: Voices from the Field

by Jeffrey A. Kottler

INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING brings you the most complete and up-to-date information on what counseling is as well as its history, theoretical orientations, applications, and professional issues. In this edition, new co-author David S. Shepard adds his years experience to the text to show you how to apply the most recent counseling theories to your future professional practice. Throughout the text, you will explore unflinching accounts of the day-to-day realities of being a counselor that will help you prepare for a career with your eyes and heart wide open.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Textbooks, Counselling

572 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2007

About the author

Jeffrey A. Kottler is a professor, psychologist, author, consultant, workshop leader, keynote speaker, and social justice advocate who has spent the past 40 years working throughout the world to promote personal and professional development among professionals and marginalized groups. Jeffrey has worked as a teacher, counselor, therapist, and consultant in a variety of settings including a preschool, primary and secondary school, university, mental health center, crisis center, and corporate settings.

Reviews

[Olwen]

This would be a great book for anyone who is considering moving into the field of counselling. The book is scattered with vignettes of individual counsellor's experience of working in this field. Also, the text is a very easy-to-read and warm description of the work.

[Lindsey]

This was the perfect introduction to counseling - a general overview of the profession and all the capacities that professionals serve in. The book discussed the history of counseling, the various approaches, and the different types of counseling that exist. This isn't to say that they covered everything, but that's the whole introduction part. I particularly loved the vignettes that were placed throughout to give readers insight into some of the struggles and triumphs that newly minted and veteran counselors alike experience.

If there was one thing that I would have loved to be included in the book was more queer voice. A lot of textbooks tend to be quite heteronormative and typically talk in context of 'men' and 'women' and 'he' and 'she' and 'moms' and 'dads'. I think all textbook authors could use the advice to include more queer experiences and terminology in their publications.

[Kevin Driskill]

A good text book. Comprehensive and engaging.

[Alyse]

This was an entertaining, easy read. Great for a textbook!