Common Presenting Issues in Psychotherapeutic Practice

For too long Counselling Psychology perspectives to understanding human distress have been drowned out by medical and clinical voices. This book challenges this, adding as it does to the emerging literature offering reflection and debate as to what a human – and humane - approach to such distress might be. By reflecting on the dilemmas embedded in this area this book offers a rare chance to thinkmeaningfully about distress rather than simply ‘do something’ to it. -- Dr Martin Milton, CPsychol, CSci, AFBPsS, UKCP Reg
I believe that this book makes a really useful and timely contribution to the literature and therefore potentially to clinical practice. It will be valuable to psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists and others engaged in therapeutic practice in a wide range of contexts. It combines elements of critical thinking with a real depth of clinical experience and a useful selection of examples. The book contains contributions from both the authors and a range of clinicians with many years of experience. Each of the authors deconstructs some of the difficulties and dilemmas associated with the use of diagnostic categories and considers the contextual factors which are at play. The structure of the book is very helpful in that each chapter gives a historical perspective on a particular diagnostic category; this is followed by a discussion of the real life dilemmas in clinical practice, followed by a section which explores research and practice with service users labelled with this diagnostic categorisation. The reflection box at the end of each chapter is particularly useful as it will enable individuals or groups to consider and reflect upon the issues raised in the preceding chapter. I believe this book will be a real asset to the work of a range of professionals and will stimulate debate and critical thinking which can only ultimately benefit the service user and the delivery of psychological and therapeutic services.
-- Professor Rachel Tribe
This is an excellent and timely evaluation of some of the most common presenting problems  faced by the contemporary psychological therapist. What makes this book so unique is  constant linking between theory and practice, allowing the reader true insight into the thinking behind the conceptualisation of distress as well as how to work with it effectively in the consulting room.  The book will appeal to students, practitioners and academics alike. -- Professor Ewan Gillon
For me, a therapist but not a psychologist, the book’s greatest strength was the insight it gave me into the breadth of counselling psychology practice and the inclusion by the authors of multiple perspectives in their interventions with clients.  It is, I would suggest, essential reading for counselling psychologists and may also be of interest to other therapists. -- Louise Guy
This insightful book [...] should be in the library of every counselling, psychotherapy and counselling psychology practitioner, whether experienced or in training [...] This is a thoroughly refreshing read that validates the importance of keeping the client in mind and providing a type of care that is individual, attuning and compassionate via the therapeutic relationship.  -- Sandra Zecevic-Gonzalez, counselling psychologist and CBT therapist