WHAT IS COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

Book Details

• Author: Norman Claringbull

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2025

• ISBN: 9789354796647

• Pages: 208 pages

• Cover: Hardback

• Sale Territory: India Only

About the Book

Specially written for students pursuing counselling and psychotherapy courses, this insightful book presents a comprehensive overview of the field—from its historical roots to its future trajectory. It begins with the origins of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis and follows the development of major talking therapies, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, and humanistic (person-centred) approaches.

The book then explores what therapists actually do, examining how various therapeutic stories unfold in practice. It also reflects on the interplay between personality and therapy in modern contexts. Real-world working environments are addressed in a dedicated section that highlights counselling and psychotherapy within the commercial, educational, and public health (NHS) sectors.

In its concluding part, the book discusses the evolving nature of the profession, offering thoughtful reflections on where counselling and psychotherapy may be heading.

Written in a clear and student-friendly style, the book acts as both an academic guide and a reflective companion, helping readers understand not only what therapy is, but also how it works across different contexts and why it continues to be relevant in modern society.

Contents Overview

PART 1: Where has counselling and psychotherapy come from?

• Counselling and psychotherapy – the opening story

PART 2: What do therapists do?

• Repairing people – the tales begin

• The psychodynamic story

• The cognitive-behavioural story

• The humanistic story

• Personality and therapy – today's story

PART 3: Where do therapists work?

• Working in the commercial sector

• Working in the educational sector

• Working in the National Health Service

PART 4: Where is counselling and psychotherapy going?

• Counselling & psychotherapy – the next story

About the Author

Norman Claringbull is a psychotherapist and former Head of Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies at the University of Southampton. Alongside his academic work, he maintains a private practice and serves as an organizational counselling consultant for numerous private companies and government agencies. His professional involvement often includes trauma response services, making his insights deeply grounded in real-world therapeutic challenges.