Through the development of increasingly complex human social groups, social and economic changes and challenges, industrialisation, technological advancement, global mobility and electronic communication, a significant gap of care has emerged.

The erosion of the intimate social support systems that originally nurtured, protected and developed the human psyche, has necessitated the emergence of various talk therapies as alternative forms of psychosocial and emotional support. Talk therapy toolkit is a practical and accessible text aimed at introducing emergent practitioners to the theory, techniques and practice of counselling and psychotherapy.

Talk therapy toolkit may be used to apply counselling and psychotherapy tools to promote the development of people in various contexts, ranging from healthcare and coaching to the workplace and beyond. Features include illustrative composite case studies and examples from the South African context, learning objectives and practical suggestions on the application of core principles and practices. Chapters on spirituality and neuroscience in psychotherapy will appeal to advanced practitioners and offer beginners a comprehensive overview.

Contents include the following:

• Basic counselling skills
• Supportive psychotherapy
• Grief, trauma and crisis counselling
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Group therapy

Talk therapy toolkit is aimed at beginner therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counsellors, coaches, nurses and health care professionals working in the South African context.