Counselling Skills: Theory, Research and Practice 3e

“An ideal companion for any therapy programme.”

Dr. Marcella Finnerty, IICP College President, Dublin, Ireland

“This text really is a must-have for all involved in working with others; to empower and

enable through a collaborative process.”

Prof Andrew Reeves, Professor in Counselling Professions and Mental Health, University of

Chester and BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, UK

“For students of counselling and psychotherapy this is an invaluable resource that you

will keep returning to during and beyond training.”

Nicola Blunden, Director of Studies, Person-Centred Pluralist Counselling, Metanoia

Institute, UK

“Essential reading for any student, trainee, or experienced professional in the field.”

Hanne Weie Oddli, PhD, Clinical psychologist and Associate professor at the Department

of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway

Counselling Skills: Theory, Research and Practice provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the development of interpersonal helping skills used by counsellors, psychotherapists, life coaches, mental health workers, and practitioners in allied fields of practice. 

Distinctive features of its approach to this topic include:

• Attention to the cultural and historical aspects of counselling skills

• Tailored support for evidence-based practice

• Grounding in training models such as self-practice and deliberate practice

This new edition contains a wide range of learning tasks and reflection points to enable readers to work individually or with learning partners to deepen self-awareness, theoretical understanding, and practical skills.

Specific chapters focus on:

• Theoretical frameworks for making sense of counselling skills

• Listening, empathy and shared understanding

• Nonverbal and embodied presence

• Dealing with difficult situations in counselling

This book is a must-have for students and trainees who are in the process of acquiring and developing

counselling, psychotherapeutic and helping skills, as well as a staple resource for experienced

practitioners wishing to review and consolidate their skills.

Julia McLeod is Lecturer in Counselling at Abertay University, Dundee, UK. She has been a counselling trainer and tutor with students from many different backgrounds, as well as having extensive experience as a therapist and supervisor.

John McLeod is Emeritus Professor of Counselling at Abertay University Dundee, and Visiting Professor at the Institute for Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy in Dublin, Ireland. A leading figure in the field of counselling and psychotherapy research, his recent work has focused on the development of a flexible, pluralistic approach to therapy.