Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases (with InfoTrac®) [Hardcover]

Richard S. Sharf (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534531040 | ISBN-13: 978-0534531041 | Publication Date: May 16, 2003 | Edition: 3

Comprehensive in scope yet succinct in its description and explanation of individual theories, Sharf's book introduces students to the systematic theories. For each major theory presented in the text, basic information about background, personality theory, and theory of psychotherapy provides a way for students to understand the application of the theory. Using case summaries and client-therapist dialogues, Sharf demonstrates how twelve theories can be applied to individual therapy and to common psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and borderline disorders. Sharf shows how each theory can be applied to work with groups. Sharf also describes how each theory can be applied to families, as well as providing a description of family systems theories in Chapter 13, Family Therapy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Overall, I would say that the strengths of the Sharf text are its: (a) organization, clarity of presentation, and brevity; (b) consistency; and (c) extensive use of examples. The organization makes it attractive to students, particularly at the introductory level. The consistency allows the students to expect specific information on each theory, and the use of examples allows them to crystallize their understanding go each approach."

"The necessity of describing complex theory in less complex terms is no simple task and Sharf is extremely skilled in this regard."

About the Author

Richard S. Sharf has been an Associate Professor of Individual and Family Studies and Psychology at the University of Delaware where he continues to teach. He worked as a psychologist in the Center for Counseling and Student Development for over thirty years doing therapy with University students until his retirement in 2005. Dr. Sharf has additional books published by Thomson Brooks/Cole including APPLYING CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORY TO COUNSELING, Fourth Edition and LIFE'S CHOICES: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 752 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 3 edition (May 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534531040
• ISBN-13: 978-0534531041
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,102,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard S. Sharf served as Associate Professor of Individual and Family Studies and Psychology at the University of Delaware where he continues to teach. For more than 30 years, he worked as a psychologist in the Center for Counseling and Student Development, doing therapy with university students until his retirement in 2005. Additional Cengage Learning titles from Dr. Sharf include APPLYING CAREER DEVELOPMENT THEORY TO COUNSELING, 5E and LIFE'S CHOICES: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great comparisons of each counselling theory!, December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases (Hardcover)

It's a great text book for counselling and psychotherapy and it often has the answers you need for assignments. It also covers some of the more modern therapies such as psychodrama and body therapies.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, complete, comprehensive., November 20, 2003

By 

Rocco B. Rubino "Rocco R." (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases (with InfoTrac®) (Hardcover)

If you enjoyed Sharf's text on Career Development, you will definately profit from this work on the theories of psychotherapies.

Sharf provides the reader/student/scholar with a clear-eyed, unbiased look at each of the main schools of thought. Fair and evenhanded treatment is given to each approach. Sharf starts each chapter off with a biography of the theorist, conceptualization of his/her paradigm, and detailed, comprehensive treatment of what the therapy process looks like under the auspices of this viewpoint.

This text has given me a very clear understanding and has even motivated me to look at several of the approaches more in depth as I consider my own approach to counseling.

Instructors will be pleased at the amount of information Sharf provides in this text, the companion study guide, and on the Info-trac. This book is well worth the money as it will give the practioner-to-be an excellent background on the craft of counseling.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Certainly worthwhile, May 18, 2009

By 

Paul B. Schlosberg "pschlos" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theories of Psychotherapy & Counseling: Concepts and Cases (Hardcover)

This was the text used for the psychotherapeutic theory course as part of my masters degree in counseling psychology. Over the years I have read hundreds of books connected to my schooling (both graduate and undergraduate)and personal development, and training as a counselor; and, Sharf's is one of my favorite textbooks. I just love the solid understanding of psychotherapy and counseling theory I have gained from it. The clarity it has provided for me and the big-picture perspective have been invaluable.

With the "pop" psychology explosion today, including the explosion in self-help books and informational materials, I wanted to find out what is authentic in the study of the mind and psyche from an evidence-based perspective. Sharf states that before 1950 there were relatively few psychotherapeutic theories existing, but since there has been a marked increase, now with likely over 400 out there.

Sharf's work helps explain that many of the theories emanate from primary theoretical orientations or at least have been influenced by them in some way. Very few counselors today devote themselves to one primary orientation such as Gestalt, Existential, Person-centered, or other, but rather they are "integrative" meaning influenced by multiple paths. Unless counselors understand history and foundational work in counseling psychology, they may have a tendency to be easily overwhelmed, trying to sift through the oodles of latest and greatest therapies.

The study of psychotherapeutic theory has been described or categorized in stages, or "forces." The first force is considered Freudian or psychodynamic; the second, behaviorism; and the third, humanistic. I was surprised to see that Sharf did not even mention what many refer to as the fourth force - transpersonal psychology. Transpersonal psychology is a study of the transpersonal, which moves beyond the personal into the metaphysical, including energetic and spiritual realms of mind-body research. This is important for me personally because I take a holistic approach in my work with influence coming from complementary and alternative therapies (CAM). Nonetheless, that stated, I still think Sharf has done an excellent job providing an overview of what is important, and what is occurring currently in the field of conventional psychotherapy, including how the field has developed.