Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Case Approach

by Nancy L. Murdock

Based on a deeply held belief that theory does matter in effective helper–client interactions, this text examines with clarity and with wit fourteen theories of counseling and psychotherapy. At the beginning each chapter, readers “meet” a new client through a case example. The author then presents the theory’s basic philosophical assumptions; its beliefs about what motivates human behavior; its central constructs; its picture of how humans develop; its ideas about what constitutes mental health and dysfunction; its perspective on how our relationships with those around us impact our functioning; and its view of how our behavior, thoughts, and emotion impact our functioning. Throughout each chapter, the author immediately illustrates the application of a construct or process by showing how it relates to the client case described at the beginning of the chapter, demonstrating the translation of each theory into practice. The second edition includes three new chapters (Chapter 3: Neoanalytic Approaches, Chapter 6: Existential Psychotherapy, Chapter 15: Narrative Therapy) and a companion DVD to accompany the texts. See applications of theory come to life! The Theories in Action DVD illustrates six therapists of different theoretical orientations working with the same client.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Textbooks, School, Nonfiction

533 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2003

About the author

Nancy Murdock, Ph.D., is acting chair and professor of Counseling and Educational Psychology at University of Missouri-Kansas City. She obtained her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1986.

Reviews

[emre · Rating 4 out of 5]

yeterlik için okudum, inş yeterli olmama katkı sağlar :'d

[Siena]

lol i will not count this textbook towards my yearly reading goal but i did read it and i am proud of myself ! also the narrative format was ~fun~ and i liked that the author offered her own thoughts and feelings about each approach

[Brit (britlovestoread)]

I'm counting all of my textbooks/study materials toward my yearly reading goal because why would I not?

I can finally say, after owning this book for 12 years, that I actually read through the entire thing. It feels good.

I'm still overwhelmed by the countless theoretical approaches to counseling, but I seem to have a better grasp on them now than I ever have before.

[Scott Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative, and long, book describing different counseling theories. Each is described with a case study which will help the reader visualize the approaches used with a client. Each theory's beginning, researcher, mode of therapy, process, populations, strengths, weaknesses and diversity issues are described.

[Nicole Alder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to counseling theories.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great foundational Information to different counseling theories. I liked the repetitive format.

[Degan Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of various counselling theories, presented in clear language.

[Bill Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative book presenting the various counseling theories, providing details for a more in depth understanding of the respective theory. It was a very useful tool in developing my initial concept of the counseling theory I will use in practice, and is likely to be a great reference throughout my career.

[Rocky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written and easy to read. I apprecate that it included cultural considerations in reviewing each theory. I enjoyed the Narative, Existential and Feminist chapters especially. Oh yeah the DVD that comes with it is a little creepy but its nice to see some of the theories in action.

[Blaze-Pascal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another theories book... don't have the energy to critique it.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

great theoretical text

[Hope McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent text book.