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Contemporary Theory and Practice in Counseling and Psychotherapy
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Contemporary Theory and Practice in Counseling and Psychotherapy

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May 2015 | 544 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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This comprehensive, topically arranged text provides a contemporary account of counseling theories as practiced by internationally acclaimed experts in the field. Each chapter covers the way mindfulness, strengths-based positive psychology, and the common factors model is integrated into the theory. A special emphasis on evidence-based practice helps readers prepare for their work in the field.

Key Features

  • The text focuses on how each theory presents a useful and effective basis for contemporary practice, providing students with the most up-to-date scholarship on current theories and how these theories guide the practice of today’s counselors and psychotherapists.
  • Chapters are written by internationally acclaimed experts offering a truly global and complete perspective of the field.
  • Discussion of the pros and cons of each theoretical approach allows students to explore all sides of an approach, offering an opportunity for balanced, critical analysis of the material. 
  • Brief therapies or “manualized” approaches, developed in response to the limits imposed by insurance companies on the number of reimbursable therapy sessions per client, are addressed, as many theoretical approaches offer strategies for providing these therapies.
  • Careful discussion in every chapter of the applicability of theories to a diverse client population allows readers to address the specific needs of a broader clientele while acknowledging gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion, etc.
  • Integrated coverage of and a separate chapter on evidence-based practice introduce students to what is becoming the expected standard for effectively working with clients.
  • Lists of additional resources from expert contributors allow students to further explore the concepts presented.
 
Part I: Contemporary Theory In Its Historical and Empirical Context
Howard E. A. Tinsley, Suzanne H. Lease, Noelle S. Giffin Wiersma
Chapter 1: Introduction.
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
The Therapy Process

 
Research on Counseling Effectiveness

 
The Common Factors Model

 
Who Needs A Theory

 
Ethical and Legal Issues

 
Conclusion

 
Britt-Marie Schiller
Chapter 2: Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and the genesis of psychotherapy
Abstract

 
Historical Background

 
Freud’s Basic Theoretical Constructs

 
Jung’s Basic Theoretical Constructs

 
Basic Personality Dynamics - Freud

 
Jung’s Psychology of Personality Development and Personality Types

 
Fundamental Principles of Treatment

 
Fundamental Principles of Contemporary Treatment

 
Other Resources

 
References

 
Everett L. Worthington Jr., Nathaniel G. Wade, William T. Hoyt
Chapter 3: Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology
Abstract

 
Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology: What Psychotherapists Can Learn from Research on Treatment and Psychotherapist Responsiveness

 
An Evolution of Evidence-Based Practice

 
Current Thoughts about Integrating Common Factors and Specific Treatments

 
A Model of Treatment and Responsiveness to Treatment

 
Research on client characteristics: Expectations for psychotherapy.

 
Research on evidence-based relationship factors.

 
The Complex Interactions among These Factors

 
Status of the Field—What Is Now Needed?

 
Additional Materials

 
Websites listing EBPs:

 
References

 
 
Part II: Theories Emphasizing Client Upbringing And Family History
Jon Carlson, Patricia Robey, Martha Mason
Chapter 4: Alfred Adler and individual psychology
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Alfred Adler

 
Basic Assumptions

 
Theory of Personality

 
Stages of Adlerian Counseling

 
Techniques to Encourage Reorientation

 
Extensions of the Theory

 
Applications of Adlerian Therapy

 
Limitations of Adlerian Counseling

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
Anna L. Dickerman, Elizabeth L. Auchincloss
Chapter 5: Neo-Freudians and ego-analytic, object-relations, attachment, and brief psychoanalytic theory
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Historical Origins of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 
Principles of Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 
Contemporary Psychodynamic Approach to Understanding Psychopathology

 
Goals and Procedures of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 
Core Concepts in the Practice of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 
Limitations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 
Research and Evidence-Basis in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

 
Common Factors and Areas of Overlap

 
Overlap Between the Psychoanalytic Model and Cognitive Science

 
Cultural Factors in Psychodynamic Psychiatry

 
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Atypical Treatment Settings

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Materials

 
References

 
 
Part III: Theories Focusing On Client Actions
Joseph J. Pear, Heather D. Simister
Chapter 6: B. F. Skinner, Albert Bandura, and behavioral modification
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Basic Principles of Behavior

 
Behavioral Techniques

 
Overview of Major Behavior Therapy Approaches

 
Special Behavior Therapy Techniques

 
Treatment Applications to Specific Disorders

 
Special Considerations in Diverse Populations

 
Conclusions

 
Additional Materials

 
References

 
Robert Wubbolding
Chapter 7: William Glasser and reality therapy
Abstract

 
Overview of Reality Therapy

 
Choice Theory: Human Motivation and Personality

 
Reality Therapy: Applying Choice Theory

 
Choice Theory/Reality Therapy and Mindfulness Interface

 
Potential Criticisms Related to Reality Therapy

 
Research Support for Reality Therapy

 
Summary

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
Sheila Crowell, Kendrick Rith
Chapter 8: Marsha Linehan and dialectical behavior therapy
ABSTRACT

 
KEYWORDS

 
INTRODUCTION

 
Biosocial Theory

 
Assumptions of DBT

 
Functions and Modes of Treatment

 
Treatment Targets

 
Stages of Therapy

 
Dialectics and Dialectical Dilemmas

 
Mechanisms of Change

 
DBT and Mindfulness

 
Empirical Evidence for DBT

 
Common Factors in DBT

 
DBT and Positive Psychology

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Materials

 
References

 
 
Part IV: Theories Focusing On Client Thoughts
Catharine MacLaren, Kristene A. Doyle, Raymond DiGiuseppe
Chapter 9: Albert Ellis and rational-emotive behavior therapy
Abstract

 
Overview

 
Core Theory of REBT

 
REBT Therapeutic Process

 
Research and Evidence-Basis in REBT

 
Common Factors and REBT

 
Cultural Factors in REBT

 
Specialized Applications of REBT

 
References

 
Brian Johnson
Chapter 10: Aaron Beck, Donald Meichenbaum and cognitive behavioral therapy
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Origins and Development of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 
Core Theoretical Assumptions and Key Concepts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

 
Common Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

 
Empirical Support for CBT

 
Contemporary Applications

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Part V: Theories Focusing On Client Emotions
David Murphy, Catherine Hayes
Chapter 11: Carl Rogers and client-centered counseling
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Core Theoretical Assumptions of Person-Centered Theory

 
Theory of Personality Development and Change

 
The Practice of Person-Centered Therapy

 
Empirical Evidence Evaluating Client-Centered Therapy

 
Extensions of Person-Centered Theory

 
Application of Person-Centered Theory to Common Factors, Positive Psychology, and Diversity

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
Stephen Diamond
Chapter 12: Rollo May, Irvin Yalom and existential therapy
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Core Philosophical and Theoretical Concepts

 
Existential Technique: To Do or to Be?

 
Psychiatric Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology: A Modern Existential Dilemma

 
Clinical Applications of Contemporary Existential Therapy

 
Empirical Support for Contemporary Existential Psychotherapy

 
Confronting Psychotherapy's Current Existential Crisis

 
Summary and Conclusion

 
Additional Materials

 
References

 
Sara Bridges
Chapter 13: Bruce Ecker, Laurel Hulley, and coherence therapy
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Main Concepts and Methodology

 
Guiding Principles

 
Coherence Therapy Process and Effective Techniques

 
Mechanisms of Change

 
Empirical Evidence and Efficacy

 
Outcomes

 
Theoretical Extensions

 
Applications

 
Managed Care

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
Scott Meier
Chapter 14: Michael White and narrative therapy
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
Theoretical Aspects of Narrative Approaches

 
Process and Technique in Narrative Approaches

 
Potential Outcomes in Narrative Approaches

 
Conclusions

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
 
Part VI: Integration of Counseling and Psychotherapy Theory
Philip Brownell
Chapter 15: Contemporary Gestalt Therapy: An Early Case of Theoretical Integration come of age
Abstract

 
Introduction

 
The Early Integration of Classical Gestalt Therapy

 
Theoretical Core for Contemporary Gestalt Therapy

 
Gestalt’s Evidence Base

 
Gestalt Therapy and Contemporary Issues in Psychotherapy

 
Suggestions for Further Study

 
References

 
Jeff Harris
Chapter 16: John Norcross and integrative theories of counseling
Abstract

 
Integrative Theories of Psychotherapy: The Core Theory

 
Techniques Advocated by Integrative Psychotherapy

 
Extensions of Integrative Psychotherapy

 
Applications of Integrative Psychotherapy

 
Conclusion

 
Additional Resources

 
References

 
Noelle Wiersma, Howard Tinsley, Suzanne Lease
Chapter 17: Developing your personal theoretical orientation

Supplements

Instructor Teaching Site

Password-protected Instructor Resources include the following:

  • A Microsoft® Word® test bank is available containing multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions for each chapter. The test bank provides you with a diverse range of pre-written options as well as the opportunity for editing any question and/or inserting your own personalized questions to effectively assess students’ progress and understanding.
  • A Respondus electronic test bank is available and can be used on PCs. The test bank contains multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions for each chapter and provides you with a diverse range of pre-written options as well as the opportunity for editing any question and/or inserting your own personalized questions to effectively assess students’ progress and understanding. Respondus is also compatible with many popular learning management systems so you can easily get your test questions into your online course.
  • Editable, chapter-specific Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides offer you complete flexibility in easily creating a multimedia presentation for your course.
  • Chapter summaries from the book emphasize key concepts on a chapter-by-chapter basis to help with preparation for lectures and class discussions.
  • Additional resources from the book are included by chapter.
  • An Instructor’s Manual collates resources chapter-by-chapter for use in teaching your course.
Student Study Site

The open-access Student Study Site includes the following:

  • A scales and exercises page provides access to the scales, exercises and assessments from the book, which can be downloaded and edited in Microsoft® Word®.
  • Each chapter includes web resources covering important topics and designed to supplement key points within the text.
  • EXCLUSIVE! Access to certain full-text SAGE journal articles have been carefully selected for each chapter. Each article supports and expands on the concepts presented in the chapter. This feature also provides questions to focus and guide your interpretation.
  • Additional resources from the book are included by chapter-by-chapter.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 3

Chapter 9

For instructors

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