It is only in the last two or three decades that the medical model has come to dominate psychological theory and practice. This book considers the evidence that points us towards freeing ourselves from this creeping medicalisation and recognising the influence of our environments and circumstances on our psychological wellbeing. Contributors from a range of modalities illustrate how to practise in a demedicalised way. Drawing on these examples from the field and perspectives from different theoretical models, the book demonstrates that an approach freed from the medical model provides the ethically axiomatic framework for psychological practice today.

What causes mental health problems? Nature or nurture? Brain and biology? Genetic inheritance or social environment? Revised and updated, this concise book explains what we know today about the origins of mental distress, drawing on the latest research from across the world. The answer is of course a bit of everything in combination - because the human body and brain are shaped by the environments we inhabit and what happens to us. Human distress is caused by loss, trauma, violence, childhood abuse, social injustices, poverty and deprivation. How well we are able to cope with these stressors likewise depends on a multiplicity of factors and is unique to each individual. An essential addition to the Straight Talking Introduction series, the book supports the call for more understanding of the social determinants of mental wellbeing. It adds to the arguments for treatments that do not rely on the busted hypothesis of neurochemical imbalances.

This timely book explores the interface between the Person-Centred Approach and radical political theory and activity. Specifically, it explores the contribution that a critical analysis of social and political factors can make to the practice of person-centred therapy, and to examine the contribution that person-centred theory and practice can make to the wider sphere of socio-political theory and activity. An international collection of chapters offers critical analysis of the PCA and difference and diversity; class; culture and racism; sexuality; power and feminism. Other contributions present a range of work involving social change as a necessary and sufficient condition for therapeutic personality growth; emotional literacy; sociotherapy; work with refugees and asylum seekers; peace groups; ecopolitics and spirituality." Politicising the Person-Centred Approach" is primarily aimed at practitioners and, to some extent, students, of the person-centred approach who have an interest in political issues and concerns, but will also be of interest to service users, practitioners and theorists in the field of critical psychiatry and critical psychology, who may be interested in developing the theoretical foundations of their work and expanding their theoretical and practical horizons.

This fourth, updated and revised edition of this bestselling classic offers essential guidance to student counsellors and psychotherapists starting out on their training. Most books about training focus on the training; this book is about you, the trainee and student, and your needs. Written by two highly experienced trainers/lecturers, Step in to Study Counselling and Psychotherapy will be your friend and guide across this new terrain. An array of voices from the world of counselling and psychotherapy training also contribute their expertise on the topics discussed. Training in counselling and psychotherapy demands much of the trainee in terms of what you give of yourself to the process, as well as the academic and practice skills required to successfully complete the course. This book will help you choose your course and where to study, fund it, manage your relationships with fellow trainees and teaching staff, prepare for and write/deliver your assignments, negotiate placements and follow your learning through into continuing professional development. It also covers clinical supervision, personal therapy, experiential learning and self-care, and - as a one-stop resource - it provides useful links to other sources of information and support.

This 5th edition of the bestselling introduction to counselling is thoroughly revised and updated. Pete Sanders, Paula J Williams and Andy Rogers position counselling in contemporary society and render the theory, practice and origins of counselling understandable to all. Other short contributions explore the role of power, language and race in the field of counselling.

It is widely acknowledged that research is an essential component of the counselling and psychotherapy core curriculum. Therapists and all care practitioners not only need to be able to understand and evaluate research literature, but are also increasingly expected to carry out simple practitioner research to monitor their own practice. With its emphasis on practice-based evidence, this book provides a much-needed, reliable and accessible introduction by two trusted and well-known authors. It builds confidence by not only outlining contemporary methodologies in everyday language, but also by explaining how to approach, understand and evaluate a range of published research. Written for complete beginners in the tried and tested, best-selling style of the other books in the "Steps" series, the book covers first principles through to the development of a simple research project. In simple terms "First Steps in Practitioner Research" provides a 'how to understand and do it' resource for students, tutors and practice supervisors with little or no previous experience.

Understudied to the point of being ignored, conditions one and six of Carl Rogers' 'Necessary and Sufficient' conditions are given due attention for the first time in this volume. Writers from three continents put psychological contact and the client's perception of the therapist not only on the theoretical map, but at the very centre of it. The result is a series of papers outlining genuine new theory and practice for all counsellors and therapists, not only those of a person-centred persuasion.

As founder of the person-centred approach, Carl Rogers (1902-1987) is arguably the most influential psychologist and psychotherapist of the 20th century. This book provides unique insights into his life and a clear explanation of his major theoretical ideas.

This Third Edition is co-authored by Brian Thorne and Pete Sanders, leading person-centred practitioners and bestselling authors. Pete Sanders contributes a new chapter on "The Ongoing Influence of Carl Rogers," covering topics such as research, the emerging tribes in person-centred tradition, and its interaction with the medical profession.

Brian Thorne draws on his experience of having known and worked with Rogers to beautifully describe the way in which Rogers worked with clients and from that, to draw out the practical implications of what is, in effect, a functional philosophy of human growth and relationships.

In the twenty years since the first edition of "Carl Rogers" appeared, the book has continued to provide an accessible introduction for all practitioners and students of the person-centred approach.

The new "Counselling Primer" series from PCCS Books, supplementary to the bestselling "Steps in Counselling" series, is suitable for beginners and higher level students who want a succinct boost to their knowledge of a particular area. "Counselling Primers" bridges the gap between introductory, intermediate and diploma level courses, each book providing a concise overview of a particular counselling approach. The perfect essay resources or a springboard for further study. "The Person-Centred Counselling Primer" by popular author Pete Sanders is the first in the "Counselling Primers" series, comprising 120 pages of essential information in Sanders' approachable and encouraging style. This book presents an unparalleled, comprehensive description of person-centred counselling in the twenty-first century. Personality theory, motivation, therapy theory, non-directivity and the process of change are all covered in Pete Sanders' easy and accessible style. It is written for: students requiring: comprehensive introductory text for initial person-centred training, input for comparative essays and therapeutic approaches on integrative courses, a theory bridge between introductory and certificate/diploma level texts. It is useful for anyone requiring a concise, understandable yet authoritative guide to person-centred counselling theory and practice.