An increasing number of people are engaging in therapy. As a consequence there is a growing debate about the benefits of therapy and its place in global society. In this exciting and engaging new text Peter Morrall argues that therapy should be treated with healthy scepticism and provides a compelling, contemporary, and controversial argument as to how we should construct a sceptical view. In an engaging style akin to authors such as Oliver Burkeman, Stan Ferudi and Alain de Botton, the author offers a sociology of psychotherapy as well as placing sociology in therapy. The author explores the links between therapy and science, therapy and power, therapy and reality, madness and normality, and personal misery and the values of global society. The author asks questions about therapy and the "therapy culture" of the modern day. Is therapy dysfunctional, arrogant, selfish, abusive, infectious, insane and deceitful? The author illustrates different aspects of therapy using a troubled character called Heather, who undergoes therapy and features in vignettes throughout the book. This innovative, engaging, and compelling analysis of therapy is a wake-up call about therapy. It is essential reading for anyone interested in psychotherapy, counselling, sociology or the human condition.

John McLeod’s bestseller provides a comprehensive, research-informed overview of the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. This new edition has been expanded to cover emerging aspects of contemporary practice, such as debates around neuroscience and integration; third-wave cognitive–behavioural therapies such as ACT, mindfulness and FAP; the experience of being a client; motivational interviewing; interpersonal psychotherapy; social dimensions of therapy; leaving therapy; gender and sexuality; spirituality; and key counselling and therapeutic skills and techniques. This sixth edition has been fully updated and revised throughout and is separated into a four-part structure for easy navigation. Each chapter also enhances learning with the following resources: • Case studies • Landmark and contemporary research studies • Topics for reflection and discussion • Suggested further reading An Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy has been the book of choice for students and tutors on introductory courses for over 25 years. “Professor John McLeod’s Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy is a classic text. In providing a comprehensive perspective on the field, it goes well beyond being a mere ‘introduction’. Not only does it deliver an encyclopaedic amount of information, but it also presents this information in an incredibly captivating manner. There is simply no other book on the topic to match it. This new edition, truly faithful to its predecessors, maps new innovations in the context of previous generations’ viewpoints. This is ‘the’ book on counselling and psychotherapy.” Ladislav Timulak, PhD, Course Director, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Trinity College Dublin “John McLeod has a talent for bringing readers into intimate contact with the experience of another person's experience. Through his evocative descriptions, accessible language, and plentiful examples you will find yourself looking through the eyes of both clients and therapists and developing a depth of understanding about important processes in psychotherapy. His position at the vanguard of psychotherapy research allows him to bring to life the practice of psychotherapy while posing research questions and stimulating curiosity about findings. His valuing of varied approaches to psychotherapy invites the reader to connect with diverse perspectives and consider their own beliefs.” Heidi M. Levitt, PhD, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA

"For anyone in a caring, facilitative or managing role, Counselling Skills provides a uniquely comprehensive, accessible and practical guide to interpersonal helping. It introduces a way of working that is both focused and personalised: tailored to an individual client's specific goals and preferences. The book will be invaluable to anyone who wants to help others deal with their problems." Mick Cooper, University of Strathclyde, UK "Not everyone possesses the skills required to ensure that professional communication is compassionate and supportive, but the skills can be learned and this book on Counselling Skills provides just the resource needed. Its authors have the experience as practitioners and teachers to imbue the text with wisdom derived from life, academia and counselling. The book is carefully crafted and beautifully written; it includes exercises and examples that enhance learning; it is comprehensive and completely relevant for anyone who seeks to use counselling skills competently in their work." Professor Sue Wheeler, University of Leicester, UK "The book offers a sound and accessible introduction for anyone considering formal counselling skills training ... As a bereavement counsellor I will gladly keep a place for this book on my bookshelf, as it offers a useful refresher in basic skills. I would certainly recommend it to colleagues within pastoral caring roles and other caring professions." Sally Smith, Counselling Psychology student at The University of Wolverhampton, UK This bestselling book is designed to help counselling trainees acquire and develop the skills and techniques needed to have therapeutic impact with their clients. It also provides those in the helping professions with an easy-to-follow model of 'embedded counselling' that provides tools and strategies for offering counselling relationships within a diversity of work settings. The new edition is thoroughly revised and features nine new chapters, addressing such topics as: an A-Z of practical counselling skills, dealing with difficult relationships, issues caused by cultural diversity or life transitions, and issues in loss and bereavement. The book also covers: Key counselling skills such as caring, listening, questioning and reframing, reflection, attunement to a client, challenging and giving advice Building a counselling relationship Developing understanding of clients' issues Resolving difficult feelings and emotions Ethical principles of counselling practice Working together to change behaviour Counselling Skills, 2nd edition is packed with exercises and information on recent studies, to help readers relate theory to their own practice. Written in an accessible, engaging style, with numerous case examples, this book is suitable for students taking courses or modules in counselling skills, counsellors in training, and any professionals who may provide counselling support within their roles, including teachers, doctors, community workers, social workers and nurses.

How do we understand mental health problems in their social context? A former BMA Medical Book of the Year award winner, this book provides a sociological analysis of major areas of mental health and illness. The book considers contemporary and historical aspects of sociology, social psychiatry, policy and therapeutic law to help students develop an in-depth and critical approach to this complex subject.New developments for the fifth edition include: Brand new chapter on prisons, criminal justice and mental health Expanded coverage of stigma, class and social networks Updated material on the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act and the Deprivation of Liberty A classic in its field, this well established textbook offers a rich and well-crafted overview of mental health and illness unrivalled by competitors and is essential reading for students and professionals studying a range of medical sociology and health-related courses. It is also highly suitable for trainee mental health workers in the fields of social work, nursing, clinical psychology and psychiatry. "Rogers and Pilgrim go from strength to strength! This fifth edition of their classic text is not only a sociology but also a psychology, a philosophy, a history and a polity. It combines rigorous scholarship with radical argument to produce incisive perspectives on the major contemporary questions concerning mental health and illness. The authors admirably balance judicious presentation of the range of available understandings with clear articulation of their own positions on key issues. This book is essential reading for everyone involved in mental health work." Christopher Dowrick, Professor of Primary Medical Care, University of Liverpool, UK "Pilgrim and Rogers have for the last twenty years given us the key text in the sociology of mental health and illness. Each edition has captured the multi-layered and ever changing landscape of theory and practice around psychiatry and mental health, providing an essential tool for teachers and researchers, and much loved by students for the dexterity in combining scope and accessibility. This latest volume, with its focus on community mental health, user movements criminal justice and the need for inter-agency working, alongside the more classical sociological critiques around social theories and social inequalities, demonstrates more than ever that sociological perspectives are crucial in the understanding and explanation of mental and emotional healthcare and practice, hence its audience extends across the related disciplines to everyone who is involved in this highly controversial and socially relevant arena." Gillian Bendelow, School of Law Politics and Sociology, University of Sussex, UK "From the classic bedrock studies to contemporary sociological perspectives on the current controversy over which scientific organizations will define diagnosis, Rogers and Pilgrim provide a comprehensive, readable and elegant overview of how social factors shape the onset and response to mental health and mental illness. Their sociological vision embraces historical, professional and socio-cultural context and processes as they shape the lives of those in the community and those who provide care; the organizations mandated to deliver services and those that have ended up becoming unsuitable substitutes; and the successful and unsuccessful efforts to improve the lives through science, challenge and law." Bernice Pescosolido, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Indiana University, USA

Ebook: Life-Span Development

This unique collection by leading authors explores the links between therapy and the political world, and their contribution to each other. Topics covered include: Psychotherapy in the political sphere, including the roots of conflict, social trauma, and ecopsychology Political dimensions of psychotherapy practice, such as discrimination, power, sexuality, and postcolonial issues Psychotherapy, the state and institutions, including the law and ethics, and psychotherapy in healthcare Working at the interface, examples of therapy in political action from Croatia, the USA, the UK and Israel/Palestine How to ‘place’ political issues in therapy is highly controversial – for example, whether political themes should be interpreted psychologically in the consulting room, or respected as valid in their own right: similar issues arise for the role of therapeutic insights in political reality. This book provides a map through these complex and demanding areas for therapists and counsellors in training, as well as for experienced practitioners or other interested readers. Contributors: Lane Arye, Arlene Audergon, Emanuel Berman, Sandra Bloom, Jocelyn Chaplin, Petruska Clarkson, Chess Denman, Dawn Freshwater, Kate Gentile, John Lees, Renos Papadopoulos, Hilary Prentice, Mary-Jayne Rust, Judy Ryde, Andrew Samuels, Nick Totton.

Health Psychology is essential reading for all students and researchers of health psychology. Organized into four sections, the 7th edition is structured with a clear emphasis on theory and evidence throughout. With renewed focus on thinking critically about health psychology, Ogden’s revised edition maintains its accessible style and broad coverage. Each chapter features rich examples to empower students to expand their understanding of this dynamic psychological sub-discipline. Health Psychology comes with an Online Learning Centre created to support course delivery. This site boasts: • Multiple choice questions for knowledge checks • Suggested essay questions to supplement in-class or homework activities • PowerPoint presentations to aid with structuring your module Within the book you will also find a range of pedagogic features designed to engage students including: • “For Discussion” boxes • End of Chapter questions • “Thinking Critically” sections in each chapter • Suggestions for Further Reading These features will encourage debate and critical thinking in turn contributing to deeper understanding and improved course outcomes. Updated to include sections on LGBTQ+ health and to reflect the most recent research studies and their implications for practice, Ogden’s new edition takes a rigorous approach that highlights the role that psychology plays in all aspects of physical health. Jane Ogden is a Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Surrey, UK and has been researching and writing about eating behaviour and weight management for nearly 30 years. Her research interests include obesity management, aspects of women’s health and communication in healthcare.