Systems, Strategies, and Skills of Counseling and Psychotherapy

by Linda Seligman

This book categorizes theories into four groups based on their focus?background, emotions and sensations, thoughts or actions, and behaviors?and provides meaningful and coherent organization of both well-established and emerging approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. An engaging writing style connects content to the reality of counseling practice, promotes skill development, and clearly highlights the relationship between research, theory, and practice. By the conclusion of the book, readers will have learned the important theories in the field and will have developed some competence in the essential skills of the clinician. Key chapters cover Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis, Alfred Adler and individual psychology, Carl Jung and Jungian analytical psychology, Carl Rogers and person-centered counseling, Gestalt Therapy, Aaron Beck and cognitive therapy, and Albert Ellis and rational emotive behavior. For professionals in counseling, psychology, social work, and human development programs.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Textbooks, Grad School

614 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2013

Reviews

[Emma Wissman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Eleanor Axt]

I 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.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jared Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Gracie Stallbaumer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank God I’m done w this so I can read REAL books

[chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

you know you made the right decision about grad school when you genuinely enjoy reading the theories textbook!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Analie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Maren]

For my class. Absolutely riveting! :)

[Sedo]

it is very good

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

[Kari Schooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carrie Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Master's Program. Heavy text

[Megan Bumgardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent introduction to counseling theories. Some sections seemed a little too simplified.