KEY CONCEPTS IN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY: A Critical A-Z Guide to Theory

Book Details

• Author: Vicki Smith, Patrizia Collard, Paula Nicolson

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2013

• ISBN: 9788131605936

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.5 x 1.0 inches

About the Book

Key Concepts in Counselling and Psychotherapy is a practical and insightful reference guide designed to support students, practitioners, and academics alike in understanding the core theories and frameworks of modern counselling. This compact yet comprehensive resource outlines more than 140 key concepts within four major therapeutic approaches—psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioural, and integrative—offering critical discussions in a clear and accessible format.

Each entry, ranging from 500 to 1200 words, provides a concise yet engaging overview, helping readers to develop critical thinking, improve academic writing, and strengthen their conceptual understanding of psychological practice. The book also features biographical sketches of influential theorists such as Freud, Jung, and Rogers, providing historical and theoretical context for each approach.

Presented in an easy-to-navigate alphabetical format, this volume serves as an ideal starting point for students writing essays, analyzing case studies, or exploring foundational questions in counselling. For professionals and educators, it functions as a quick refresher on key concepts and the latest discussions in psychotherapy theory and application.

About the Authors

• Vicki Smith is Senior Lecturer in Counselling Studies at the University of Huddersfield, UK, with extensive experience in training and mentoring future therapists.

• Patrizia Collard is an international mindfulness educator, writer, and psychotherapist, currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Integrative Psychotherapy at the University of East London.

• Paula Nicolson is Emeritus Professor of Social Health Psychology at the University of London and a practicing psychodynamic couple counsellor at the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships.

• Rowan Bayne is Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Counselling at the University of East London, renowned for his contributions to counselling theory and applied psychology.