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Counselling for Alcohol Problems
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Counselling for Alcohol Problems

Third Edition
  • Richard Velleman - University of Bath and the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust


February 2011 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This revised and updated third edition is a highly practical guide to the steps that counselors can take on a day-to-day basis to help those who have problems with their use of alcohol. It is the key book recommended by most alcohol counseling courses in the UK, including the Scottish national alcohol counselors training scheme.

This highly acclaimed text provides clear guidance for counselors and demonstrates the need to treat every client as an individual, attempting to understand and therefore enable the client to understand, what they are doing and why. The book has been thoroughly revised to take into account the current political, social and counseling context surrounding alcohol use. It now includes a wider range of case-studies and many new ideas which will help students and trainees develop the skills and strategies they need for working with their clients.

Backed up with detailed case studies and useful resource material, the Third Edition of this bestselling text will continue to be invaluable for all practitioners, both those specializing in work with alcohol misusers and those who encounter problem drinkers in the context of a more general counseling practice.

 


 
PART ONE: APPROACHES
 
Understanding Alcohol Problems
 
Therapeutic Approaches
 
PART TWO: HELPING PEOPLE WITH ALCOHOL PROBLEMS
 
The Process of Counselling and the Cycle of Change
 
Specific Issues Concerning Alcohol
 
Preventing and Dealing with Relapse
 
Working with Groups
 
PART THREE: OTHER IMPORTANT TOPICS
 
Dealing with Difficult Situations
 
'Dual Diagnosis' or 'Co-Morbidity' - Co-Existing Problems: Working with People with More Than One Problem
 
Myths and Facts about Problem Drinkers
 
Relatives of Problem Drinkers
 
Summary

'A terrific text for courses that train counsellors to deal with alcohol problems, this book is destined to become a classic text in the field. I highly recommend it!'
Timothy J. O'Farrell, Chief, Families and Addiction Program
Harvard Medical School


'The book remains reeking of alcohol in every page and useful for one human being to help another human being using ideas, strategies and skills that are not only evidence based but full of wisdom.'

John Marletta, Alcohol Focus Scotland
John Marletta
Alcohol Focus Scotland


This is an excellent book, which explores both theoretical and practical aspects of this subject. The inclusion of case studies brings the subject to life and the summaries at the end of each chapter offer helpful reminders of what has been covered. The book is very readable and well organised.

Mrs Hilary McNair
Kent Adult Education, Kent Adult Education
August 5, 2016

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Not only does it provide an excellent outline for working as a counsellor with clients who have alcohol consumption concerns, but also with clients who are struggling with many addictive behaviours.

Ms Nathalie Griffin
Counselling Dept, City of Bristol College
September 14, 2015

The third edition brings keeps this text up to date and relevant. This is a well-structured and accessible book, with an exceptionally good range of information and background to this area of client issues as well as strategies for the client work itself. I particularly like the fact that it details the range of difficulties in the wide range of relationships within client’s lives. Case studies inform the reader and frame much of the theory. Definitely one for the reading list.

Mr Mike Bancroft
Counselling, Alton College
June 27, 2013

Very useful for students who are interested in alcohol problems and wish to write an essay in this field

Professor Anthony Goodman
School of Social Science - Criminology, Middlesex University
January 2, 2013

A useful book for those working with clients who use alcohol, though not specifically for counsellors. The author, does in fact acknowledge the wider use that this book, now in its third edition, has for all professionals working with alcohol users. In addition to the basic premise of the first book, which include that: that counselling involves empowerment of the client; that activities happen with, not to, the client; and that individuals may move in either direction, the author includes relevant recent research information & updated references and referral information.

This is a helpful text for those counselling students who might be considering use of counselling skills in work with alcohol users, though it does not describe any particular theoretical orientation.

Ms Helene Baker
counse, City Lit
May 10, 2012

This is a clear, concise and comprehensive text book which is an absolute must for those working alongside, supporting individuals and those affected by alcohol.

Mrs Val Howatson
School of Health and Social Care, Glasgow Caledonian University
March 31, 2011

This third edition incorporates many of the curricular areas that we focus on within our Professional Development Award: Addiction Counselling course. In particular, the content on treatment models including Cycle of Change and groupwork suggest that this will be a popular text with our students.

Ms Kirsten Amis
Please select your department, Please select your institution
February 28, 2011

For instructors

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