Introduction to Counseling: Voices from the Field

by Jeffrey A. Kottler, David S. Shepard

INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING, Eighth Edition provides a comprehensive overview of the counseling profession while encouraging readers to examine the day-to-day realities of being a counselor as well as their motivation for choosing the profession. Coverage includes information on what counseling is as well as its history, theoretical orientations, applications, and professional issues. As readers become engaged in the process of learning and applying counseling concepts, they get an unparalleled look at what their professional futures may hold.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Counselling, Psychology

560 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2007

About the author

Jeffrey A. Kottler is a professor, psychologist, author, consultant, workshop leader, keynote speaker, and social justice advocate who has spent the past 40 years working throughout the world to promote personal and professional development among professionals and marginalized groups. Jeffrey has worked as a teacher, counselor, therapist, and consultant in a variety of settings including a preschool, primary and secondary school, university, mental health center, crisis center, and corporate settings.

Reviews

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book for anyone who is considering moving into the field of counselling. The book is scattered with vignettes of individual counsellor's experience of working in this field. Also, the text is a very easy-to-read and warm description of the work.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect introduction to counseling - a general overview of the profession and all the capacities that professionals serve in. The book discussed the history of counseling, the various approaches, and the different types of counseling that exist. This isn't to say that they covered everything, but that's the whole introduction part. I particularly loved the vignettes that were placed throughout to give readers insight into some of the struggles and triumphs that newly minted and veteran counselors alike experience.

If there was one thing that I would have loved to be included in the book was more queer voice. A lot of textbooks tend to be quite heteronormative and typically talk in context of 'men' and 'women' and 'he' and 'she' and 'moms' and 'dads'. I think all textbook authors could use the advice to include more queer experiences and terminology in their publications.

[Kevin Driskill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good text book. Comprehensive and engaging.

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, easy read. Great for a textbook!