Tales from the Therapy Room

'These engaging, moving, informative, warm and surprising stories convey the key points in counselling and psychotherapy practice. Overall, a beautifully written book that should be a real asset to the counselling and psychotherapy literature.' Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling, University of Strathclyde "I've read each of these stories through several times, simply because to do so was a sheer delight. They are written with warmth and humour, and give a valuable insight into the world of therapy." Mike Simmons, University of Wales, Newport "I honestly thought this was the best book I have come across relating to therapy. I picked up more than I had in course handouts or from the reading list textbooks." HNC Counselling & Psychotherapy student, Anniesland College These ten fictional short stories give students of counselling and psychotherapy a unique insight into what actually goes on in therapy. Exploring aspects of the client-therapist relationship, the reader is given a fly-on-the-wall view of the therapeutic process. Rather than suggesting a 'correct' approach, they explore possibilities and provide entertaining, vivid and thought-provoking descriptions of the therapeutic journey. Issues explored include: - contracting - boundaries and confrontation - self-disclosure on the part of the therapist - dream interpretation - the influence of the consulting room environment - conflicting belief systems. These are much more than just engaging stories - Phil Lapworth draws on over 25 years of clinical experience to show how the student can integrate theory into real practice with real clients. The final chapter explicitly highlights the specific theories, models and issues that are illustrated throughout and provides questions, learning objectives, exercises and further reading to encourage critical thinking. A door into the often-hidden perspective of what a therapist might think and feel within the therapy session, this 'shrink-wrapped' resource will be treasured by counselling and psychotherapy trainees and practitioners for years to come.