Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The book is lengthy, but it isn't a real difficult read. The problem I have is that Amazon said I needed to buy it new because a used book would not have the CD or the activities in the back of the book. I bought it new and there is no CD with this book. I have purchased from Amazon in the past (used books) and have never seen that warning so I didn't think it was there regular disclaimer. So be aware that you may get that disclaimer, it doesn't mean there is a CD at all. I spent an extra $40 for a CD that didn't even exist.

I had absolutely no problems getting my book on time! I really look forward to doing business with this company again.

This book quickly and briefly describes different theories. It will get you started. Once you find a theory you like you will need to read more indepth books, but this text will give you an exellent intro to theories, explain briefly treatment methods that go with each theory, and has helpful examples.

I needed this book within 4 days for an exam and I got it whitin 3 days. The book was in good conditions and fit the descriptions the seller posted. I was content with my purchase.

Richard has provided clear and distinct elaborations on the theories. He has given scenarios and examples to allow reader to comprehend the therapies better. Great book for an overall view of major theories to allow beginners to grasp the concepts better.

I got great service. However, this is an out-of-date version of the textbook I needed, so I had to buy the updated version. Buyer beware!

This book served the purposes as a textbook for my counseling theories and techniques class. It was a very complete and authoritative reference.