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Long-Term Counselling
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Long-Term Counselling


April 1998 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Counseling can be a long-term process, whether by initial design or because of the emergence of new concerns within work originally planned as short-term or focused. Occasionally, counseling is long-term by default, when the counselor or client cannot face ending the therapy or when the counselor cannot find other ways of working with a client. Long-term counseling is frequently practiced, but until now little has been written about the complex and varied issues that can arise. Long-Term Counselling encourages trainees and practitioners to think about the day-to-day realities and issues of long-term work by identifying some working parameters and considerations for issues of definition, setting, and orientation. The book also focuses on assessing and managing the work and discusses the practical and emotional concerns that will require thought as the relationship between counselor and client is established, develops, or falters and ends. Detailed case studies are used to illustrate who might benefit from long-term counseling and give some sense of the nature of the relationships that may arise during long-term work. The authors also address the importance of evaluating, researching, and promoting this kind of counseling, and the emphasis throughout is on skilled, professional, and ethical practice. Long-Term Counselling will be a valuable guide for trainee and experienced counselors and psychotherapists.

 
Introduction
 
Parameters
 
Who Might Benefit?
 
How To Assess?
 
Day-to-Day Considerations
 
Practical and Emotional Issues for the Counsellor
 
Final Thoughts

`This book makes a welcome appearance in today's climate where the stress is upon short-term, brief, focused counselling and therapy... the approach of the authors is comprehensive and thorough. They look at many issues which arise in the debate about long-term counselling... [it is] a very useful book for those in training. It would also be of interest to those already in practice who are involved in or considering long-term work. Where I think the book scores, especially in a society where many voices speak out against counselling in general and long-term counselling in particular, is that it constantly stresses the need for counsellors to remain open and aware, to take a professional approach, to be well-supported and supervised, to monitor their work, and to be concerned with their personal and professional development... I wish to give the authors credit for taking on the task of presenting the case for long-term counselling. They have treated the subject with care and respect, and have done credit to counselling's "unsung craft" ' - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

`Geraldine Shipton and Eileen Smith's contribution goes a long way towards filling a gap in the literature. As such it is invaluable for counsellors, trainers and supervisors working in an area of counselling which is now more usually to be found in the private sector but which, the authors argue on grounds of humanity and economics, should be available for all who need it... a valuable source for all those working with clients long term' - Counselling, The Journal of the British Association for Counselling

`The strength of this book comes from the authors' obvious extensive experience of undertaking long-term counselling. It is crammed with insights, observations and anecdotes that could only have come from people who really do know the tribulations and occasional joys of this type of work' - Clinical Psychology Forum

`The book pivots on six imaginary and convincing case studies, describing counselling within a variety of voluntary and statutory agencies, a range of client backgrounds, presenting problems, counsellor ability and outcome. These case presentations successfully lift the book out of the ordinary run of earnest contemplation of the counselling scene. The brain stays working; challenged and intrigued.... Rather like the best traditions in counselling, the book represents an astute balancing act. The structure, style and attitude of the book give the impression of an easy read but has has broad and deep ambitions. The co-authors achieve a digestible combination of new and old; intellect and feelings, skills and theory; good humour and hard work. They offer food for thought and development to readers from differing backgrounds and needs' - Sally Day, Psychodynamic Counselling