Theories of Counseling and Therapy: An Experiential Approach

This unique review of therapeutic theories gives students knowledge and skills for clinical practice while presenting key concepts that are immediately and directly applicable to their lives. Thus, Theories of Counseling and Therapy: An Experiential Approach bridges the gap between complex models of counseling and psychotherapy and students’ own personal experiences. Readers are introduced to key ideas and concepts in the discipline and encouraged to apply them in meaningful ways as they learn.

The text introduces students to theoretical “families,” since many strict boundaries between approaches have softened in recent years. This approach helps students learn the material strategically, as it facilitates the linking of related concepts from different approaches. In addition to studying “classic” theories of counseling and therapy, students are introduced to more contemporary and cutting-edge approaches that take into account a greater diversity of needs among client populations. Additionally, students are provided with illustrative cases, stories, and narratives from beginning practitioners, seasoned experts, and the personalities behind the theories. They will also learn about integrative and pragmatic models that take into account the importance of cultural, worldview, spirituality, and gender sensitivity within the helping professions.

This thoroughly revised and updated third edition features new applications of theories to populations with particular needs, expanded information on the translation of theoretical knowledge into practice plans and treatment goals, critical thinking exercises, and more.

Both practical and personal in nature, Theories of Counseling and Therapy is well-suited to courses in counseling and psychotherapy theory.

Jeffrey A. Kottler is one of the most prominent authors in the fields of counseling, psychotherapy, health, and education, having written over 100 books across a broad range of topics. He is a clinical professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and professor emeritus of counseling at California State University, Fullerton. He has served as a counselor, therapist, supervisor, educator, and social justice advocate in a variety of professional settings throughout his career.

Marilyn J. Montgomery is a core faculty member at Capella University, where she designs and teaches counselor education courses and provides clinical supervision to masters and doctoral-level students. She has authored and coauthored numerous books, chapters, and professional journal articles on topics related to counseling and human development. She previously served as a principle investigator on a NIAAA-funded grant assessing a theory-based counseling intervention in urban schools. Throughout her career, she has refined her theoretical perspectives by engaging in clinical practice with children, teens, and adults.