Loneliness can be a terrible experience. Yet, surprisingly counsellors, therapists and professional helpers are rearely taught how to help their clients manage loneliness. Written specially for professional helpers, Loneliness, Stress and Well-Being provides a thorough background to the theories concerning the nature of loneliness and a basic introduction to its management. It describes a simple method of assessing the degree and nature of loneliness and includes invaluable practical strategies for helping clients to manage their social problems.

Loneliness can be a terrible experience and often contributes to a range of psychological difficulties. Yet, surprisingly counsellors, therapists, and other professional helpers are rarely taught how to help their clients cope with loneliness. Written specially for professional helpers, "Loneliness, Stress and Well-being" provides a thorough background to theories concerning the nature of loneliness and a basic introduction to its management. The authors, who have extensive experience of treating both interpersonal and psychological difficulties, provide a new hierarchical perspective on the nature of social difficulties and describe a simple method of assessing the degree and nature of the client's loneliness. They provide the helper with practical strategies for helping clients manage their social problems, going beyond the traditional skills training approaches by introducing a multi-level intervention, including thought management and interpersonal problem-solving. Essential reading for anyone whose clients have difficulties in establishing or maintaining social relationships, the book will be of particular value to counsellors, community nurses, psychologists and social worker