In this innovative book, the authors set out their theory of Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy (SIRP), advocating for the integration of relational, self, and physical intimacy needs in the conceptualization and treatment of psychological problems, placing human needs at the center of treatment. This marks a shift in how psychological and relational problems are understood, currently being perceived in terms of affects, cognitive processes and behaviors. Using numerous illustrations from their own clinical practice, Meier and Boivin contend that this understanding overlooks the pivotal role that needs play in all aspects of peoples' personal lives and relationships. Children, adolescents, and adults do not live primarily from feelings and thoughts, but from basic psychological and relational, needs such as wanting to be in a meaningful relationship, having the autonomy and freedom to make decisions about their lives, experiencing being competent, being regarded as a significant and important person, and experiencing emotional, intimate, and sensual and/or sexual connections. By taking such an approach this book stands out among other books on psychotherapy theories. Authored by two seasoned psychologists who have provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults for 40 years, this book comprises the foundational theory for practicing Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy, making it of interest to graduate students, clinicians in training, and practicing psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists alike.

In this innovative book, the authors set out their theory of Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy (SIRP), advocating for the integration of relational, self, and physical intimacy needs in the conceptualization and treatment of psychological problems, placing human needs at the center of treatment. This marks a shift in how psychological and relational problems are understood, currently being perceived in terms of affects, cognitive processes and behaviors. Using numerous illustrations from their own clinical practice, Meier and Boivin contend that this understanding overlooks the pivotal role that needs play in all aspects of peoples' personal lives and relationships. Children, adolescents, and adults do not live primarily from feelings and thoughts, but from basic psychological and relational, needs such as wanting to be in a meaningful relationship, having the autonomy and freedom to make decisions about their lives, experiencing being competent, being regarded as a significant and important person, and experiencing emotional, intimate, and sensual and/or sexual connections. By taking such an approach this book stands out among other books on psychotherapy theories. Authored by two seasoned psychologists who have provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults for 40 years, this book comprises the foundational theory for practicing Self-in-Relationship Psychotherapy, making it of interest to graduate students, clinicians in training, and practicing psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists alike.

"Spirituality and Health: Multidisciplinary Explorations" examines the relationship between health/well-being and spirituality. Chap-lains and pastoral counsellors offer evidence-based research on the importance of spirituality in holistic health care, and practitioners in the fields of occupational therapy, clinical psychology, nursing, and oncology share how spirituality enters into their healing practices. Unique for its diversity, this collection explores the relationship between biomedical, psychological, and spiritual points of view about health and healing.

This is the first book on counselling skills to look in detail at the practical interventions and tools used to establish the therapeutic relationship. Step-by-step, the text teaches the reader exactly how to use these skills with clients to address their concerns and achieve therapeutic change. Integrative and pluralistic in approach, the text covers the key techniques from all the major therapeutic models, placing them in their historical and theoretical contexts. Techniques covered include empathic responding, experiential focusing, Gestalt, metaphors, task-directed imagery, ego state therapy, solution focused therapy, cognitive behvioral therapy, narrative therapy and self-in-relationship therapy. The book: - presents each technique from the perspective of its underlying theory; - gives practical instruction on how to deliver each intervention; - provides extracts from counselling sessions to demonstrate the technique in action. This book is crucial reading for all trainees on counselling and psychotherapy courses or preparing to use counselling techniques in a range of other professional settings. It is also helpful for professionals who wish to acquire additional skills. Augustine Meier, certified clinical psychologist, professor Emeritus, Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario and Founder and President of the Ottawa Institute for Object Relations Therapy. Micheline Boivin, certified clinical psychologist, Psychological Services of the Family, Youth and Children's Program at the Centre for Health and Social Services, Gatineau, Quebec.

The increased use of and emphasis on managed care, manualized treatment protocols, evidence-based treatments and quick treatments have marginalized the role of the helping relationship in the helping professions. This shift has sparked a debate within the helping professions over whether the helping relationship or technique is primarily responsible for healing and change. "The Helping Relationship" weighs in on this debate, arguing that healing and change always take place within the context of relationships and that the relationship is more important than the technique. While recognizing the value of techniques, the authors valorize the helping relationship, considering it in unconventional contexts, such as formal education, supervision, and faith communities to show its flexibility and efficacy. This alternative approach adds a new perspective on the helping relationship debate, shedding new light on the roles of relationship and technique in the healing process.