Key Topics in Counselling Psychology

This accessible and engaging text introduces the reader to the history and development of counselling psychology before outlining its values, its ways of working (therapeutically and when engaging with research), and beyond. It promotes the diverse ways that counselling psychologists engage with individuals and the wider communities in which they work and serve and in doing so, emphasises the core philosophical thinking that commonly underpins the work of counselling psychologists in therapy, research, education, or other leadership roles. Through practical examples and reflexive questions, the book highlights the roots of the discipline in value-based ethics and humanistic thinking, then explores the important psychological theories informing counselling psychology practice. These include the core therapeutic theories underpinning psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and humanistic therapies, and also contributions from intersectionality, social justice, and ecological systems approaches. Following a section on research methodology, the book goes on to look at the impact of counselling psychology across society and the avenues for further development. It is core reading for students in counselling psychology as well as those training in therapeutic disciplines such as counselling or psychotherapy.