Counseling Theory and Practice

by Edward S. Neukrug

Developed for helping professionals, Counseling Theory and Practice explains what it means to be an effective helper, discusses foundations of classic counseling and psychotherapy theories, provides an overview of emerging theories, and gives students the opportunity to develop their own approaches to counseling and psychotherapy practice.

The book is organized into four primary sections, each addressing theoretical schools. Section 1 explores psychodynamic approaches, including psychoanalysis, Jungian therapy, and Adlerian therapy. Section 2 is devoted to existential-humanistic approaches such as existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, and person-centered counseling, while Section 3 discusses cognitive-behavioral approaches, including behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, rational-emotive behavior therapy, and reality therapy. Section 4 describes post-modern therapies and examines the relatively new approaches of narrative therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and relational cultural therapy, a form of feminist therapy. The final chapter explores a number of more recent and emerging theories.

Informative and engaging, Counseling Theory and Practice is well-suited to courses for both pre-service professionals and those already in the field. Dr. Edward Neukrug is a professor of counseling and human services at Old Dominion University. A licensed professional counselor and licensed psychologist, he has experience in outpatient therapy, crisis counseling, substance abuse counseling, couples and family counseling, private practice, and as a school counselor. Dr. Neukrug is a nationally known author, presenter, and researcher. He is the author of eleven The Dictionary of Counseling and Human Services ; Skills and Techniques for Human Service Professionals ; Counseling Theory and Practice (2nd ed.); The World of the Counselor (5th ed.); Experiencing the World of the A Workbook for Counselor Educators and Students (4th ed.); Theory, Practice and Trends in Human An Introduction to An Emerging Profession (6th ed.); Essentials of Testing and Assessment for Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists (3rd ed.); A Brief Orientation to Professional Identity, History, and Standards (2nd ed.); Skills and Tools for Today's Counselors and Psychotherapists ; Counseling and Helping Critical Techniques for Becoming a Counselor ; and Sage Encyclopedia of Theory in Counseling and Psychotherapy (editor).

Genres: Counselling, Psychology

622 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2010

Reviews

[Cori]

Excellent textbook! I learned a lot, and it's written in a very engaging way.

[Tyson]

I enjoyed learning about the different theories presented. The format for each was consistent and logical. I would have preferred more visual aids, it's very text-heavy, but not difficult to read. I do wish there were a co-author and/or the book had been edited more carefully, there were several spelling or grammatical errors that made me question how closely it had been edited. A pretty solid textbook though, from my novice perspective in the field.

[Ashton E.]

This textbook was super helpful in understanding the basics of the different counseling theories. I like how it laid out the background of each theorist, the perspective on human nature and how it is applicable to treatment including a story to give a picture of it working. There were even some funny counseling jokes I appreciated.

[Alma]

highly readable, helpful vignettes, super clear, directly applicable. Loved that he had other clinicians take over for the feminist theory chapter. The way each chapter was broken down was also helpful for conceptualizing and comparing theories

[Jamie Sartin]

Clear and helpful very organized

[Emily]

Great intro book for learning different therapeutic and counseling theories. Well laid-out and informative.

[kayt]

had to read for class but learned soooo much about counseling theories

[Lindsey]

This is a textbook. It feels like a textbook. It reads like a textbook. I did appreciate the "family goes to therapy" vignettes throughout as they helped put a little skin on the theories. I wouldn't have been drawn to this book outside of graduate school. I'm also curious to know why they chose to highlight the theories they did.