Based on a deeply held belief that theory does matter in effective helper-client interactions, this text examines with clarity and with wit fourteen theories of counseling and psychotherapy. At the beginning each chapter, readers "meet" a new client through a case example. The author then presents the theory's basic philosophical assumptions; its beliefs about what motivates human behavior; its central constructs; its picture of how humans develop; its ideas about what constitutes mental health and dysfunction; its perspective on how our relationships with those around us impact our functioning; and its view of how our behavior, thoughts, and emotion impact our functioning. Throughout each chapter, the author immediately illustrates the application of a construct or process by showing how it relates to the client case described at the beginning of the chapter, demonstrating the translation of each theory into practice.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Theory Is a Good Thing Chapter 2 Psychoanalysis Chapter 3 Neoanalytic Approaches Chapter 4 Individual Psychology Chapter 5 Person-Centered Therapy Chapter 6 Existential Psychotherapy Chapter 7 Gestalt Therapy Chapter 8 Behavior Therapy Chapter 9 Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Chapter 10 Cognitive Therapy Chapter 11 Reality Therapy Chapter 12 Feminist Therapy Chapter 13 Family Systems Theory Chapter 14 Solution-Focused Therapy Chapter 15 Narrative Therapy Chapter 16 Conclusion

Author Biography

Nancy L. Murdock, Ph.D. is Professor and Chair of the Division of Counseling and Educational Psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has served as the Vice President for Education and Training of the Society of Counseling Psychology and is a past chair of the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs. Her research interests include professional issues, counseling/supervision process, and family systems theory.