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Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
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Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy



November 2010 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Mick Cooper and John McLeod pioneer a major new framework for counselling theory, practice and research - the 'pluralistic' approach. This model breaks away from the orientation-specific way in which counselling has traditionally been taught, reflecting and responding to shifts in counselling and psychotherapy training.

As accessible and engaging as ever, Cooper and McLeod argue that there is no one right way of doing therapy and that different clients need different things at different times. By identifying and demonstrating the application of a range of therapeutic methods, the book outlines a flexible framework for practice within which appropriate methods can be selected depending on the client's individual needs and the therapist's knowledge and experience.

This is a must-read for anybody training or practising in the counselling or helping professions - it should not be missed!

 
Introducing the Pluralistic Approach
 
Foundations for a Pluralistic Approach
 
Building a Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship
 
Client Goals: The Starting Point for Therapy
 
Tasks: Focusing the Therapeutic Work
 
Methods: Resources for Facilitating Change
 
Research: Developing Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
 
Supervision, Training, CPD and Service Delivery: Pluralistic Perspectives
 
Discussion: Towards a New Paradigm
 
References

Clear well written and comprehensive, easy to read and digest. Client illustrations + commentary very useful (e.g. page 61 and page 67). Verbatim extracts a bit stilled at times.

Chapter 3 particularly useful to us as it links with or current teaching (Spinelli and Yalom).

We intend to add the book to our Psychotherapy Year 2 booklist- students beginning in private practice very useful practical application sections will be helpful to them.

Interesting philosophical basis – fits with out questioning of underlying assumptions of theory.

Really innovative bibliography – including novels plays and films – very refreshing.

Mr Simon Smart
Training, BCPC
April 18, 2011

Excellent, well written, timely and an excellent resource for students in relation to strengths based solution focused interventions in counseling and social work

Ms Rachel Mcmanus
Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University
April 15, 2011

This is a hot topic in Counselling Psychology at the moment. In a climate in which certain specific "evidence-based therapies" are often unquestioningly accepted and pursued, Mick Cooper and John McLeod are offering important food for thought and guidance for action.

Dr Elaine Kasket
Department of Psychology, London Metropolitan University
March 29, 2011

As a lecturer on an integrative course of study I feel that I can recommend this book. It explores and give an understanding of the differeng approaches to therapy.

Mr Geoff Gordon
Social work and Counselling, Stockport College
March 16, 2011

This book explores the central debate currently facing counsllors and counselling traininers. We made this an essentail text because our trainees need to be are of the conclusions suggested by the authors whether they agree with them or not. We like the way it has been written, inviting the reader to consider their experience and allowing them to find their own position. It doesnt demand full agreement, but rather stimulates debate.

Louise Young
Schl of Education & Life Long Learning, University of East Anglia
March 14, 2011

Very useful text to provide a wider context for first year counselling students.

Mr Tony Moynihan
Health and Care, Colchester Institute
March 13, 2011

This is an important book in that it provides a very good discussion of how to think about and practice a pluralistic approach to counselling. The book offers a useful balance between a theoretical and philiosphical discussion and practical directions for pluralistic practice.

Dr Denis O'Hara
Tayside Institute for Health Studies, University of Abertay, Dundee
March 10, 2011

Will be invaluable to students on a humanistic-integrative course. Clear, accessible style and covering a wealth of research findings.

Ms Lynne Lacock
Dept of Counselling Studies, York St John University College
March 4, 2011

For 3rd year students wishing to extend their knowlegde and understanding.

Ms Elizabeth Lefroy
Institute for Health, Medical Sciences and Society, Glyndwr University
March 3, 2011

This is a very welcome text that is relevant to the nitty gritty of practice. Although I teach on a person-centred course the principles are sound and can be usefully incorporated into our model. I think it gives students a better understanding of the counselling process by considering different ways of responding to individual client need.

Ms Raje Suzanne Airey
Counselor Education , Colchester Institute
February 16, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1