Counseling Theory and Practice

by Edward S. Neukrug, Danica G Hays

Developed for helping professionals, the third edition of Counseling Theory and Practice explains what it means to be an effective helper, discusses foundations of classic counseling and psychotherapy theories, and provides an overview of emerging theories. Chapter 1 examines the efficacy of counseling and therapy, ethical concerns of counseling practice and provides students the opportunity to examine their view of human nature and how it aligns with the theories in the text. The rest of the book examines classic and emerging theories. 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 cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and reality therapy (RT). Section 4 describes post-modern therapies including narrative therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and relational cultural therapy, a form of feminist therapy. New to this edition is the last section on the emerging theories of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and neurocounseling.
In this edition, Ed Neukrug is joined by Danica Hays who uses her expertise on efficacy, cultural diversity, and gender issues to enhance each chapter. In addition to the new chapters on emerging theories, the text uses inclusive language and fully updated references, adds new vignettes, and highlights existing videos and websites created by Dr. Neukrug. This book is accompanied by an expanded Cognella Active Learning component for students comprised of videos, reflection exercises, PowerPoint slideshows, flashcards, and quizzes in a digital environment. This is an ideal text for both pre-service professionals and those already in the field.

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Grad School

562 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2010

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and helpful very organized

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[kayt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.