These ten fictional short stories give students of counselling and psychotherapy a unique insight into what actually goes on in therapy. Exploring aspects of the client-therapist relationship, the reader is given a fly-on-the-wall view of the therapeutic process. Rather than suggesting a ′correct′ approach, they explore possibilities and provide entertaining, vivid and thought-provoking descriptions of the therapeutic journey. Issues explored include: - contracting - boundaries and confrontation - self-disclosure on the part of the therapist - dream interpretation - the influence of the consulting room environment - conflicting belief systems. These are much more than just engaging stories - Phil Lapworth draws on over 25 years of clinical experience to show how the student can integrate theory into real practice with real clients. The final chapter explicitly highlights the specific theories, models and issues that are illustrated throughout and provides questions, learning objectives, exercises and further reading to encourage critical thinking. A door into the often-hidden perspective of what a therapist might think and feel within the therapy session, this ′shrink-wrapped′ resource will be treasured by counselling and psychotherapy trainees and practitioners for years to come. Reader Responses to Tales from the Therapy Room: ′Delightful, moving stories, recounted with pith and wit′ ′What a little gem this book is. Each short story distinct, crisp and unpredictable′ ′A delightful, thoughtful and often funny peek into an imaginary therapy room′ ′I′m limiting myself to 1 tale a night, so that I can savour it a bit longer′ ′These tales have something of a detective story about them...unnerving and compelling at the same time like a good thriller, with a wonderful twist in the end′ ′Beautifully constructed and lightly executed′ ′Distinct, crisp and unpredictable... I came to believe that even the author was surprised by what came next′ ′I found this book un-put-down-able and re-read several of the stories′ ′Phil Lapworth seems to have invented a new genre of his own. Each story is a little jewel, and I had to keep reminding myself that they were fictional′ ′He has caught the poignancy of human vulnerability as well as its absurdity and humour′ ′These stories stand undeniably on their own as surprising and delightful duets of the psychotherapeutic relationship, often concluding with a wry and humorous twist, always entertaining and warm-hearted. We look forward to reading more such tales′

Dr. Randy Kamen takes you into the stories of six women whose search to find greater life satisfaction paves the way for readers to do the same. This is a journey to acquire health-enhancing tools and strategies and learn essential life lessons that will help you develop more loving and sustainable relationships and lead you to your best possible life.

Psychotherapists just starting out in the field often have more questions than answers: "Am I really cut out for this job?" "Where do I want my career to be heading?" "How do I deal with my reactions to clients, or theirs to me?" In this empathic book, seasoned therapist and supervisor Robert Taibbi speaks directly to new clinicians about the world of work and the workplace, the arc of careers, and the keys to staying creative and energized. The book can be read sequentially or readers can dip into any of the 59 concise chapters on such topics as honing clinical skills, first aid when sessions go off the rails, supervision problems, transitioning into private practice, and how to be wise. Insightful reflection questions are woven throughout.

Proven to be highly effective for the treatment of a wide range of problems, cognitive-behavior therapy is the most widely used psychotherapeutic technique. Building on the success of the previous edition, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Second Edition presents specific direction for cognitive behavior therapy techniques. Fully updated and expanded, this edition contains contributions from world-renowned experts on problems including smoking cessation, stress management, and classroom management. Its step-by-step illustrations create a hands-on reference of vital cognitive-behavioral therapy skills. This reference is essential for psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

Filled with rich case examples, this pragmatic book provides a complete toolkit for couple-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The book presents guidelines for planning and implementing evidence-based treatment for diverse couples. It explains how to assess relationship functioning as well as the strengths and needs of each partner and the sociocultural factors that shape their experiences. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, the authors demonstrate ways to tailor CBT for couples struggling with partner aggression; infidelity; sexual problems; financial issues; parenting conflicts; depression, anxiety, and other individual problems; and more. Therapists of any theoretical orientation will find tools they can easily incorporate into their work with couples. More than 20 ready-to-use client handouts discussed in the book are available to download and print.

With the aim of renewing motivation, energy, and creativity in a therapists clinical work, this book explores how common factors may be utilized to increase effectiveness in couple and family therapy. Practicing a specific approach or model for couple and family therapy may fulfill many initial therapist needs, but over time it is developmentally normal for your enthusiasm to wane for a specific way of practicing this therapy. This book therefore provides a common factors framework which may help alleviate feelings of "staleness" and reinvigorate your practice. Different from previous theoretical texts about common factors, this practical book will help you construct a personalized plan that will allow you to take charge of your therapeutic development. The authors present helpful strategies and exercises to build on your previously existing therapeutic skill set, stoke curiosity for the work, counter against burnout and frustration and, most importantly, achieve consistently better outcomes for your clients. This new resource is an essential read for seasoned couple and family therapists who want to improve their clinical skills and personal effectiveness, as well as students and professionals just starting their journey into this type of clinical work.

Developed over decades of ongoing clinical research, acceptance-based behavioral therapy (ABBT) is a flexible framework with proven effectiveness for treating anxiety disorders and co-occurring problems. This authoritative guide provides a complete overview of ABBT along with practical guidelines for assessment, case formulation, and individualized intervention. Clinicians learn powerful ways to help clients reduce experiential avoidance; cultivate acceptance, self-compassion, and mindful awareness; and increase engagement in personally meaningful behaviors. Illustrated with vivid case material, the book includes 29 reproducible handouts and forms. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download printable copies of the reproducible materials and audio recordings of guided meditation practices. A separate website for clients includes the audio recordings only.