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Theories Of Counseling And Psychotherapy: Systems, Strategies, And Skills
For courses in Counseling Theories and Techniques. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: Systems, Strategies, and Skills categorizes theories by their focus (background; emotions and sensations; thoughts; or actions). This structure helps students better understand similarities and differences among theories and provides an overarching framework that other texts lack. The book explores both established and emerging treatment systems. Using skill development sections, diverse case studies and innovative exercises, the text moves beyond traditional texts to directly connect counseling theories to clinical practice. It reflects current knowledge about effective treatment, theories and interventions, and continually promotes readers' skill development and confidence. By the end of the text, readers will have an introduction to the theoretical foundations of the field and the basic clinical skills needed to be an effective helping professional.
536 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 26, 2023
Very good for a textbook. I now know a lot about counseling theories. However, I do not recommend this for recreational reading plz don’t do that to yourself.
November 9, 2025
First textbook of my Master’s degree. I read a newer edition. It’s a lot to condense in one book, but a great tool to taste test each theory.
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June 23, 2024I don’t really know how to rate a textbook so I won’t. This is my first time reading a textbook in over 10 years and it was wildly interesting. What a great way to start my Masters! Been a fan of therapy for a long time and it was very cool to learn about all the different theories and approaches. There are so many ways to do therapy and truly something that works for every one and every problem.
July 25, 2023
I read the new fifth edition of this book for a counseling theory class. It’s a LOT to take in at once, but, generally, it was well-organized and helpful. Chapter 15 has some great overviews that I wish I would have paid attention to before noticing them in the last week of class.
December 6, 2023
A lot of good info
This text covered a lot of information and is very well organized. This newest edition covers a lot of things the previous edition did not.
This text covered a lot of information and is very well organized. This newest edition covers a lot of things the previous edition did not.
November 11, 2024
Thank God I’m done w this so I can read REAL books
March 24, 2026
you know you made the right decision about grad school when you genuinely enjoy reading the theories textbook!
March 31, 2009
So I didn't read this, exactly, but I'm using it as a supplement to my preparation for class and I'm finding it excellent. It's clear and organized and includes good case examples, large-group exercises, small-group exercises, etc. I particularly like the last section which provides an overview of the treatment systems studied and offers a self-test guide for choosing a system which is most compatible with your personality.
If I teach this course again, I will seriously consider assigning this text instead as my students found their assigned text difficult to read. The question is whether I would then be dumbing the course down by assigning the easier text as opposed to challenging the students with more academic reading to develop their skills. Also, with all the activities and case examples, this was such a great supplement that I'm reluctant to give away my tricks by having the students read it!
If I teach this course again, I will seriously consider assigning this text instead as my students found their assigned text difficult to read. The question is whether I would then be dumbing the course down by assigning the easier text as opposed to challenging the students with more academic reading to develop their skills. Also, with all the activities and case examples, this was such a great supplement that I'm reluctant to give away my tricks by having the students read it!
June 27, 2016
I like the textbooks that I have been assigned for schooling thus far. This book does a good job bringing all the theorists and their upbringing into light which helped to determine how they came up with their theories in general.
It informs you on how the theories are most often used today and lets the reader be aware of the limitations and cultural aspects each brings to the table. I enjoyed the insight into the lives and theories to discover how they came to be and to help determine later on what my theory will be.
It informs you on how the theories are most often used today and lets the reader be aware of the limitations and cultural aspects each brings to the table. I enjoyed the insight into the lives and theories to discover how they came to be and to help determine later on what my theory will be.
October 8, 2021
This was a good introduction into counseling theories. It does take a very postmodern perspective. I liked the BETA ((Background, Emotions, Thoughts, Actions) structure, but it needs to be updated. Two of the founders of counseling theories who are spoken of as alive have since passed away (one in 2013). It doesn't include any information on Internal Family Systems Therapy, EMDR, or Brain Spotting, which are all becoming popular evidence-based therapies and techniques.
June 2, 2015
Decent overview of counseling theories with examples of how it applies to a fictitious family. Lacking in content for some theories, but does include some theories that aren't always covered in other basic books like feminist therapy.
September 1, 2009
A text book.... boring read but great information. If you want to know about Counseling theories, then this is probably a great read for you.
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August 5, 2010For my class. Absolutely riveting! :)
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November 24, 2010it is very good
February 10, 2015
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
April 12, 2018
This book was for a class. It is very informative and filled with information on many, many theories and therapies in counseling. I’ll keep this one for future use.
December 9, 2020
For Master's Program. Heavy text
January 16, 2022
Decent introduction to counseling theories. Some sections seemed a little too simplified.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews















