Theories of Counseling and Therapy
An Experiential Approach
- Jeffrey A. Kottler - California State University, Fullerton, USA
- Marilyn J. Montgomery - Florida International University, USA
A brief, hands-on, and experiential text that helps students understand and apply theory in counseling and psychotherapy
This fully updated Second Edition helps students comprehend the variety and complexity of theories and internalize and apply the material to their own lives through the use of the reflective exercises in every chapter. Among the many approaches to theory discussed, the book includes an introductory chapter that provides the background necessary for understanding the theories, text that describes the main theory "families," and content that focuses on synthesis and application. Throughout the chapters, authors Jeffrey A. Kottler and Marilyn J. Montgomery seek to excite students with the best of the past and the vitality of the present, and to prepare them for their futures as therapists.
“The personal touch of the authors view point was amazing. I also liked the 'Voices from the field' and 'Voices from the past' - so often students don't have access to the original source or current practitioners. This book was much more engaging than traditional theories texts and my students actually read it and enjoyed it.”
This book bring new life to the way how to explore the different Theories of Counselling and Therapy. In a very agreeable way helps to see how an integrative approach can be used in therapy. Discussion of different personal experiences helps other professionals to relate to them and add another level of reflection to their journey`s.
This is an excellent text book for counselling students. It covers most of the theoretical approaches one may adopt in practice and the suggested reflective exercises are a useful tool. It is written in a manner which would be suitable for any level of study.
This is a great book, very easy to read and help students to think critically and understand the theories through experiential approach. However, I found this book suits postgraduate students more.
This is a truely creative, comprehensive, well developed approach providing so much more than mere substantive knowledge. The experiential approach engages the student and takes him further than just learning about a theory. I also liked the "voice from the past" as it encourages students to read more of the original texts rather than books written about these texts. If you've never worked in an experiential manner this book will teach you how. If you don't like everything that's there or want to add extra, it's easily adaptable. Kettler and Montgomery have done the foot work for you: I applaud them.
Another great book by Sage, filled with excellent personal reflection exercises for students, and actually suitable for graduate students. Chapter 12 on Personalizing and Customizing Theory is particularly helpful. I would have adopted it, but I found another book that is bigger, denser, better organized, and one which I believe will serve my students long after they become professionals.
Kottler takes a personal and idiosyncratic approach in this survey of models of counselling. A useful source but too idiosyncratic - and American - to use as a core text.
Chose another book that was more indepth- Almost chose this one- I liked it, but needed more!
An easy to use student friendly text that assists an in depth understanding of the various theories. Would definatley recommend.
