Out of Bounds

Clearly and sensitively, this book explores the problem of sexual exploitation in counselling and therapy. Janice Russell addresses the issues surrounding this emotive subject and offers models of practice designed to heighten awareness and contribute to the development of preventive strategies.

The first part of the book discusses the different dimensions of sexually exploitative practice, overviewing contexts and concepts and examining the effects of sexual exploitation on clients. The author focuses on practitioners in their particular settings, looking at sexuality and power and how these are relevant within the therapeutic process. Russell draws on her own research with clients, relating her analysis to clients' own accounts of their experiences of sexual exploitation.

The second part of the book addresses the implications for actual practice. Russell discusses the ethical perspectives on the problem and reviews and evaluates current codes of professional practice. She outlines the models she has developed for understanding and working with sexuality and sexual abuse within counselling and psychotherapy, and for supervision as a process concerned both with practitioner development and client safety.