Learning and Being in Person-Centred Counselling

by Tony Merry, Sheila Haugh (Contributor), Pete Sanders (Foreword)

Learning and Being in Person-Centred Counselling has inspired and guided thousands of counselling students since it was first published in 1999. Tony Merry died in 2004, and this third edition has been updated, with a new chapter on recent developments, by Sheila Haugh, a long-time colleague who knew him and his work well.

Learning and Being offers an in-depth exploration of all aspects of person-centred counselling, from its origins to current developments in theory and practice. It is written in clear and accessible language, with exercises and checklists to prompt the reader’s own thinking and learning. It brings theory to life with its suggestions for exploring and developing person-centred values, qualities, attitudes and skills.

Each chapter covers essential aspects of theory and practice, including working at relational depth, training issues and supervision, and a comprehensive resource list of other relevant texts.

Genres: Counselling, Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Changeling72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The late Tony Merry wrote in plain English, so it's an easier way to get one's head around the theory, rather than getting caught-up in scientific psychobabble. Clearly, I believe in Carl Rogers' theories, otherwise I wouldn't have spent the past four years training in his style of counselling, but he was ultimately a scientist and some of his theory does get a tad complicated for my non-scientific brain.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning and Being is an intermediary text for counselling trainees. It covers the basic issues, but does so in more depth, and with a greater appreciation for the ranges of alternative opinions, than do some of the other introductory books I've read.

Some good mental/emotional exercises are included too.

[Ruth This one · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference text for my counselling course.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters are more accessible than others, good authorial voice.