Offers a framework for understanding the counseling and psychotherapy process that can be used in any training program. This book includes clinical examples and discussion questions which are based on a large-scale empirical study that qualitatively and quantitatively examines the experiences of trainees, clients, and supervisors.
First Published in 2008. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
"This book does much to help dispel myths, and also to empower and inspire new counselors. It also serves as a cautionary tale for beginnings therapists and supervisors alike about very real obstacles and roadblocks to effective counseling and supervision. At times using humor, at times simple candor, but mostly using sound clinical wisdom and practical advice derived from their own years of experience as trainees, educators, supervisors, researchers, and practitioners, the authors do an excellent job of illuminating the first steps that a trainee typically takes on his or her professional path.[I] highly recommend this book for anyone working with counseling and therapy trainees, particularly for trainees themselves, and for both new and seasoned supervisors. I also look forward to hearing more from the authors, perhaps Practicing Counseling...Psychotherapy Part II?" -Barbara Thompson, in Psychotherapy Research, September 2008; 18(5): 625-627
"The idea for the book was straightforward - the authors asked their students what type of book they wished they had had when they started their client work practice during their training, and then set out to write something that met the requirement of 'a practical, how-to book that included real life examples' (p.ix). It is a tribute to the authors that they have not only succeeded, but succeeded well in producing a book that is eminently readable, sensibly structured and liberally illustrated with anecdotes. Furthermore, the book is as descriptive as any book can possibly be in describing a perennially unique experience of what it is like for a beginning therapist in the counseling room with a real-life client in front of them. In short, I wish that I had had this book when I was training...I strongly recommend the book to all practitioners, since I think that everyone, new or experienced, will gain something from it." - Carl Stonier, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research