Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

by Robert Rocco Cottone PhD (Author)

A unique and useful overview of important approaches to counseling and psychotherapy by an expert author and educator. Focusing on contemporary approaches and practical applications, it is a must-have for students and clinicians alike.

This innovative new text presents a comprehensive review of major theories of counseling and psychotherapy using four paradigms: organic-medical, psychological, systemic/relational, and social constructivist. Designed to be accessible and relevant to practice, the book reinforces learning with the inclusion of objectives, chapter summaries, applications of each theory in practice, and brief biographies of major theorists.

The text moves beyond traditional approaches with expansive coverage of relationship-centered and postmodern theories such as Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and others. Each theory is explored in depth in a student-entor dialogue that examines and debates the challenges that arise with each theory. The book also addresses the counseling role in psychiatric case management, reflecting the growing reality of cross-professional collaboration.

Practical yet rigorous, the text is a state-of-the-art introduction to contemporary approaches in counseling and psychotherapy for students in counseling, social work, professional psychology, marriage and family therapy, and related professions.

Key Features:

Delivers comprehensive coverage of relationship-centered counseling theories
Addresses contemporary approaches in depth, including postmodern theories and psychiatric case management
Presents material in a unified voice by an expert teacher and researcher in the field
Consistently presents goals, process, counselor role, assessment, management, ideal outcomes, and criticisms pertinent to each approach
Provides learning objectives, key terms, concluding summaries, and brief biographies of major theorists
Includes unique mentor-student dialogues at the end of each chapter that explore, conversationally, the significance of each theory and its application to practice

About the Author
Robert Rocco Cottone, PhD, is a professor of counseling in the Department of Education Sciences and Professional Programs at the University of Missouri—St. Louis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Missouri—Columbia, and he earned a PhD from St. Louis University. He is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Missouri and a licensed psychologist in Missouri and Arizona. He is certified as a health service provider psychologist by the Missouri psychology licensure authority, and as a family therapist (CFT) by the National Credentialing Academy. Dr. Cottone has written more than 100 articles and chapters, many on theoretical and philosophical issues in counseling and psychology, and he has published six books. He has practiced as a counselor and psychologist for more than 30 years. He is married and has five children, which he counts as his greatest accomplishments.