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Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law
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Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law

Second Edition


August 2007 | 256 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
`Jenkins' book makes the law relevant, understandable and manageable to counsellors and psychotherapists. It makes clear, reassuring and essential reading for therapists in training as well as those in practice. [All] counsellors and psychotherapisys need to be up to speed with the law and with how it relates to their work. This book is more than timely with the impending introduction of regulation, and the fact that increasingly the work of counsellors and psychotherapists is being subjected to legal scrutiny' - Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal

Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law is the long-awaited Second Edition of Peter Jenkins' comprehensive introduction to legal issues in relation to counselling and psychotherapy in the UK. This text has been fully updated to include coverage of the key developments in the law that have had major impact on therapists' practice with regard to data protection and the management of confidentiality. The book breaks new ground by exploring in detail the relationship of ethics to the law and providing a framework for relating the BACP Ethical Framework to legal decision-making.

Key features of this new edition include:

" extensive use of case studies. These bring legal examples to life and give a human dimension to powerful ethical dilemmas such as seeking agreement to end medical treatment, or client's gaining access to their own confidential records

" key points, which provide quick summaries of complex material and reference guides for professional practice

" the multiple points of crossover and intersection of law and therapy. These are identified and explored, ranging from the use of narrative theory, to the provision of pre-trial therapy for abused children, to the role of the therapist as expert witness.

This new edition provides clarity and reassurance for practitioners at all levels about the exact nature of their responsibilities, and how these can best be managed, in order to enable them to comply with the law and focus on their therapeutic work with clients. Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law, Second Edition provides an essential source of reference in a single volume, making a fascinating and complex topic understandable and bringing it to life.

Peter Jenkins, formerly a member of the BACP Professional Conduct Committee and currently a member of the Ethics Committee of the UKCP, has been described by Counselling at Work as 'probably the foremost authority on legal issues in counselling'. He is Co-Director of the Counselling and Psychotherapy Directorate at the University of Salford.

More reviews:

`Despite requiring real concentration, this is an essential read for counsellors and psychotherapists irrespective of background and theoretical orientation. Trainers, supervisors and agency coordinators especially would benefit from the up to date material contained here' - Therapy Today

`Peter Jenkins has consulted widely over the content of this book, both within the psychological therapies field and with legal eagles. [His] use of clear flow diagrams and comparison boxes enable the reader to identify the similarities and differences between professional and moral/ethical debates. It is a thoroughly researched and accessible text' - Association for University and College Counselling Journal

`a comprehensive overview of a rapidly evolving field. This book represents a helpful addition to practitioners' bookshelves as a reference work, but also a beneficial read to stimulate thoughtful responses to practical dilemmas. It provides a good support to both therapeutic and supervision practices across the spectrum of experience and theoretical models' - The Psychotherapist

 
THERAPY, ETHICS AND THE LAW
 
Therapy and the Law
 
Ethical Principles and the law
 
THE LEGAL CONTEXT OF THERAPY
 
Content and Structure of the Law
 
Communicating Information
 
Law Relating To Service Provision and Employment
 
THERAPISTS, COURTS AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM
 
Reform of the Civil Law System
 
Structure of the Court System
 
Practical Aspects of Therapists' Involvement with the Courts
 
Professional Aspects of Therapists' Involvement with the Courts
 
PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE, LIABILITY AND DUTY OF CARE
 
Professional Negligence
 
Therapy Case Law
 
Indemnity Insurance and Professional Protection Societies
 
CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVILEGE AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST
 
Confidentiality
 
Privilege and Confidentiality
 
Confidentiality and the Public Interest
 
Breaking Confidentiality
 
DATA PROTECTION AND ACCESS TO CLIENT RECORDS
 
Recording Therapeutic Work
 
Access to Client Material
 
THERAPY WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
 
The Rights of Children and Young People
 
Key Issues in Therapy with Children and Young People
 
Settings for Therapy with Children and Young People
 
STATUTORY REGULATION OF THERAPISTS
 
Statutory Recognition of Therapy
 
Statutory Regulation of Therapists
 
Therapy, Professional Power and Society

this is an excellent book. But it will be a suplemental reading.

Ms Fatima Peters
Department of Psychology , University of Venda
May 14, 2013

This is a good book in an area where legal books are limited. The book gives a good introduction to the legal principles relating to counselling and psychotherapy. The case studies are useful in applying legal principles to issues in practice. As the focus is on the English legal system the book will be a refernce text for students.

Miss Helen O'Shea
School of Nursing & Midwifery Studies, Trinity College Dublin
February 26, 2013

This is quite the best and most interesting book I have read on the subject of the law related to issues specific to professionals dealing with mental health. Although the primary audience is those working in the counselling and psychotherapy fields, the book is also highly recommended for mental health nursing students and students of any discipline who are interested in case and common law outside of the Mental Health Act. An excellent book.

Ms Jane Horrex
Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University
September 10, 2012

A most valuable addition to our library.

Mr Gerald Willmore
Health and Social Care, Bromley College of FE & HE
June 28, 2012

This book already exists on our recommended reading list for the module Personal and Professional Development Ethics and the Law. I have recommended this title to my students. It has benifited me with the delivery of this module.

Mrs Gisela Oates
Counselling & Psychotherapy Dept, PCI College
January 4, 2012

Comprehensive and readable guide to working within the Law.

Mr James Pope
HE Counselling, KGV College/Edge Hill University
September 26, 2011

An absolute must read for all Foundation Degree Students.

This book leaves no stone unturned with it's comprehensive coverage of the topic.

The case studies are perfect for new students struggling with the abstract as it gives something concrete and simple to follow.

I appreciated the straight forward and easy to track layout of the book.

Mr Richard Carroll
School of Health , Guildford College of Further and Higher Education
November 1, 2010

A fascinating read about the interface between counselling and law

Dr Glynis Van Der Hoek
Dept of Psychology (Mickleover Cps), Derby University
September 10, 2010
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ISBN: 9781412900065
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