This wide-ranging textbook offers a fascinating survey of the latest thinking and research on in-depth therapeutic encounters by bringing together the latest theory, research and practice on working at relational depth with clients in counselling and psychotherapy. By exploring the meaning, challenges and experiences of relational depth, it provides insight into an important dimension of therapeutic practice and, for many, will act as a guide to new ways of thinking about their therapeutic relationships. This book is an essential read for all trainees and practitioners in counselling and psychotherapy who want to deepen their levels of therapeutic relating.

Eagerly awaited by many counsellors and psychotherapists, this new edition includes an updated preface, new content on recent research and new developments and debates around relational depth, and new case studies. This groundbreaking text goes to the very heart of the therapeutic meeting between therapist and client. Focusing on the concept of ′relational depth′, the authors describe a form of encounter in which therapist and client experience profound feelings of contact and engagement with each other, and in which the client has an opportunity to explore whatever is experienced as most fundamental to her or his existence. The book has helped thousands of trainees and practitioners understand how to facilitate a relationally-deep encounter, identify the personal ‘blocks’ that may be encountered along the way, and consider new therapeutic concepts – such as ′holistic listening′ – that help them to meet their clients at this level. This classic text remains a source of fresh thinking and stimulating ideas about the therapeutic encounter which is relevant to trainees and practitioners of all orientations.

Watch Dave Mearns and Brian Thorne′s video on YouTube to hear the story behind the writing of the Third Edition, and to find out about Dave′s time spent under the stewardship of Carl Rogers. SAGE celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Counselling in Action series in November 2008. To view the video - click here ---------------------------------------------------------- REVIEWS `Thank you for revising the bible! I am a tutor on a so-called "integrative counselling course" and I thoroughly endorse the idea that Carl Rogers would have welcomed this honesty and new interpretatation of his model. Your SAGE book is indeed a bible and I have repeatedly recommended it to the students′ - lecturer, YouTube `For students and those new to person-centred counselling, there is a clear exposition of person-centred theory. For experienced practitioners, there are new and challenging theoretical developments within the person-centred approach. If new to counselling, this is a ′must have′. If wondering whether to invest in this edition when there is a already a copy of the earlier one on the shelf, the challenge of the new theoretical material is persuasive, but if that is not enough, then the updated practice guidance, the practical questions and answers, and the comprehensive references must make this new edition another bestseller′ - Therapy Today ---------------------------------------------------------- It is now almost twenty years since the first edition of Person-Centred Counselling in Action appeared. In that time this SAGE bestseller has maintained enormous popularity with trainees and practitioners and has achieved world-wide acclaim. This substantially revised Third Edition provides an excellent introduction to the theory and practice of person-centred counselling while incorporating exciting new developments in the approach. Dave Mearns and Brian Thorne have preserved the compelling and accessible style of its predecessors. At the same time they provoke reflection on many of the key issues which concern not only person-centred practitioners but those across the whole counselling and psychotherapy field. New to this edition is: - the inclusion of "relational depth", a key development for the person-centred approach and counselling generally - extended discussion of the counsellor′s use of self - a new chapter containing the authors′ answers to frequently-asked-questions - the inclusion of diversity issues covering religion, gender and sexual orientation - further reading suggestions. Much has changed in the person-centred orientation since the death of Carl Rogers in 1987. Not only have new schools of thought emerged with different emphases and therapeutic possibilities but the authors of this book have themselves been responsible for significant advances in key areas of person-centred theory and practice. These developments are fully reflected in the revised text. Continuing to offer a clear exposition of the theory and practice of the approach, Person-Centred Counselling in Action, Third Edition will be invaluable for those embarking on their first stages of training. Well-established practitioners and even seasoned scholars will continue to find much to interest and stimulate them. Praise for previous editions: `An important book... a most sophisticated text. Mearns and Thorne have written a book for all counsellors and psychotherapists. The reader will be left both grateful and hungry for more′ - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling `The discussion of empathy, acceptance and congruence is central and should be required reading for all trainees working to understand the richness of these core concepts... outstanding′ - Counselling and Psychotherapy, The Journal of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy `Without doubt the clearest description of the person-centred approach to counselling that I have read, apart from Carl Rogers′ own writings. I felt that I had got to know both Dave Mearns and Brian Thorne through their offering the reader their own congruence and I found this aspect of the book at times quite moving′ - Social Work Today `Gives real insight into person-centred counselling... This is a gentle book; an absolute delight to read (I couldn′t put it down) as it held me in the realm of my own feelings. I would like to thank both authors for sharing so much of their intimate selves. I recommend this book to trainee counsellors, trained counsellors, clients and those involved in the helping professions. It is a book that has influenced me and that I would not want to be without′ - BPS Counselling Psychology Review `Excellent "all rounder" for practitioners to learn and build upon counselling skills with young offenders′ - lecturer, Guidance, Youth and Youth Justice, Nottingham Trent University `An excellent text. Student friendly and covering all main issues′ - lecturer, Psychology Swansea Institute of HE `Stimulates a re-exploration of the doctor-patient relationship′ - British Medical Journal `I felt understood by this book!′ - Ann Weiser, PCA Letter Network `This book could very sensibly be placed on the reading lists of all counselling trainers and trainees.... this is the most informative and useful book I have read in a long time and I have no doubt that if Carl Rogers were still alive today, he would not only agree but also acknowledge experiencing some envy′ - Changes `The skilful conveying of tenderness and building of trust are well explained and described with lots of case study examples′ - Guidance Matters `Excellent book - a useful and practical way to underpin current emphasis on humanism in nursing′ - lecturer, West London NHS Mental Health Trust `Continues to be an excellent, easy introduction but with depth. Deserves to be a bestseller!′ - lecturer, Preston College `The book conveys the profound respect for the person, for his/her autonomy and uniqueness, which is inherent in the Rogerian approach′ - British Journal of Medical Psychology `A marvelous book; highly recommended. Someone has finally written an easily accessible book about the theory and practice - mostly practice - of the kind of therapy that makes the most sense to many focusers. Hurrah!′ - The Focusing Connection `Truly allows the reader to enter the world of the person-centered counsellor′ - Contemporary Psychology `Person Centred Counselling in Action, written by Dave Mearns and Brian Thorne was originally published in 1988 about a year after the death of Carl Rogers. It has helped to maintain and stimulate interest in this approach and has become a best-seller in the Counselling in Action series′ - The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy

From the origins of Carl Rogers’ person-centred approach to the cutting-edge developments of therapy today, The Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy Handbook charts the journey of an ambitious vision to its successful reality. In this book, Lago and Charura bring together history, theory, research and practice to deliver a complete and unique perspective on the person-centred approach. Key topics include: •The groundbreaking journey of PCA’s early decades, spearheaded by Carl Rogers•Developments and extensions of the original theory and practice•The influence of PCA in developing new therapies and practice•The frontier of contemporary PCA, and therapists' work with client groups of difference and diversity With its broad view that explores the origins, variations and applications of PCA, The Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy Handbook gives a comprehensive overview of the knowledge required and the issues faced by practitioners, making it an important resource for the seasoned and training practitioner alike.

`This thoughtful and thought-provoking book is essential reading not only for those involved in the training of counsellors within the person-centred approach, but also for individuals who may have simplistic, dismissive or otherwise ill-informed notions of the depth of self-awareness required of the person-centred practitioner and the far-reaching challenges offered by the approach. For counsellors who define themselves as "person-centred" but who have had no substantial training, it should be compulsory reading' - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling Person-centred counselling probably requires more training - and a greater intensity of training - than most other mainstream counselling approaches, but

Written by a diverse range of expert contributors, unified by a relational, ethics-based reading of person-centred theory and practice, this seminal text is the most in-depth and comprehensive guide to person-centred therapy. Divided into four parts, it examines the theoretical, philosophical and historical foundations of the person-centred approach; the fundamental principles of person-centred practice (as well as new developments in, and applications of, person-centred clinical work), explorations of how person-centred conceptualisations and practices can be applied to groups of clients who bring particular issues to therapy, such as bereavement or trauma, and professional issues for person-centred therapists such as ethics, supervision, and training. 10 years after it was last published, this third edition includes new content on the climate crisis, intersectionality and working with racism and anti-racism. It includes new dedicated chapters on the Non-directive Attitude, Relational Depth, Experiential Practices, Working with Trauma, Online PCA and Person-Centred approaches around the Globe. International and interdisciplinary in conception, this is a cutting-edge resource for students of psychotherapy and counselling on a range of programmes, as well as professional practitioners working in the field.

Health beyond the absence of illness

Contemporary Theory and Practice in Counseling and Psychotherapy by Howard E. A. Tinsley, Suzanne H. Lease, and Noelle S. Giffin Wiersma is a comprehensive, topically arranged text that provides a contemporary account of counseling theories as practiced by internationally acclaimed experts in the field. Each chapter covers the way mindfulness, strengths-based positive psychology, and the common factors model is integrated into the theory. A special emphasis on evidence-based practice helps readers prepare for their work in the field.

Many hospice social workers must address spiritual issues with their clients, but do not feel competent to do so effectively. This targeted volume draws upon multidisciplinary theory and research to advance a relational model of spiritually sensitive hospice care. The book will help readers elevate their spiritual competence and foster a relationship with their clients that will enrich the experience for all involved. Spirituality and Hospice Social Work helps practitioners understand various forms of spiritual assessment for use with their clients. The book teaches practitioners to recognize a client's spiritual needs and resources, as well as signs of spiritual suffering. It also discusses religious and spiritual practices that clients may use to enhance their spiritual coping. Spirituality and Hospice Social Work stresses the need for interdisciplinary collaboration with other members of the hospice team, along with the value of maintaining professional ethical standards when addressing spiritual issues. Throughout, the importance of spiritual sensitivity and its effect upon client well-being is emphasized.

Core Approaches in Counselling and Psychotherapy is a comprehensive guide to the four main psychological approaches (Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Behavioural and Cognitive) and introduces several of the most common therapies used today. This textbook contains sufficient coverage to explain all of the most important elements of these core approaches and sufficient depth to provide a detailed analysis of the ten main therapies: Person-Centred Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Multimodal Therapy and Neurolinguistic Programming. The book focuses on the development of each approach and presents the associated therapy in its historical and psychological context, giving a deeper insight into the theories and clarifying the overlap between different therapies. Presented in a unique style, with a clear layout, rigorous content and extensive resources available online, Core Approaches in Counselling and Psychotherapy is an invaluable asset for undergraduate and postgraduate students at all levels of study and is the ideal textbook for any degree or higher-level module in counselling.