Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide (Paperback)

by Kenneth S. Pope (Author), Melba J. T. Vasquez (Author)
Key Phrases: ethical decision making, ethics office, multicultural education, American Psychological Association, Ethics Committee, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Pop and Vas-quez take the reader on an engaging and fascinating tour of the most pressing ethical challenges that confront professional therapist today." (Psychiatric Times, Jan 2008)

Review
"This is absolutely the best text on professional ethics around. . . . This is a refreshingly open and inviting text that has become a classic in the field."
—Derald Wing Sue, professor of psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University

"I love this book! And so will therapists, supervisors, and trainees. In fact, it really should be required reading for every mental health professional and aspiring professional. . . . And it is a fun read to boot!"
—Stephen J. Ceci, H. L. Carr Professor of Psychology, Cornell University

"Pope and Vasquez have done it again. . . . an indispensable resource for seasoned professionals and students alike."
—Beverly Greene, professor of psychology, St. John's University

"[The third edition] focuses on how to think about ethical dilemmas . . . with empathy for the decision-maker whose best option may have to be a compromise between different values. If there is only room on the shelf for one book in the genre, this is it."
—Patrick O’Neill, former president, Canadian Psychological Association

"This third edition of the classic ethics text provides invaluable resources and enables readers to engage in critical thinking in order to make their own decisions. This superb reference belongs in every psychology training program’s curriculum and on every psychologist’s bookshelf."
—Lillian Comas-Diaz, 2006 president, APA Division of Psychologists in Independent Practice

"Ken Pope and Melba Vasquez are right on target once again in the third edition, a book that every practicing mental health professional should read and have in their reference library."
—Jeffrey N. Younggren, risk management consultant, American Psychological Association Insurance Trust

"Without a doubt, this is the definitive book on ethics within psychology that can inform students, educators, clinical researchers, and practitioners."
—Nadine J. Kaslow, professor, department of psychiatry and behavioral science, Emory University School of Medicine

"This stunningly good book . . . should be on every therapist’s desk for quick reference."
—David Barlow, professor of psychology and psychiatry, Boston University

"Drs. Pope and Vasquez have done a masterful job in their third edition in helping practitioners think through how to respond to complex ethical dilemmas and assume personal responsibility for their actions. This book also provides an excellent articulation of best practices in negotiating and clarifying complex ethical dilemmas. The authors explore the complexities of ethical decision-making in creative ways that encourage mindful awareness and continual inquiry. They use an active approach with scenarios followed by a set of questions to explore each topic. This is an essential book for every clinician—from trainees to seasoned practitioners. It will have a powerful impact on the field for many years to come by providing practitioners a solid foundation and road map upon which to provide competent and ethical treatment."
—Linda Garnets, UCLA

"Moving away from the idea of ‘ethics’ as an abstract set of prescriptions for being good, the authors skillfully locate their discussion at the intersection of a host of practical themes such as self-scrutiny, sound decision-making, creation of a professional will, and responding to a variety of complaints. Though labeled under the rubric of ethics, the book is actually a superb and comprehensive discourse on what constitutes professionalism in clinical work. Backed by useful appendices of the ethical codes of various organizations, the book leads the reader on a thoughtful exploration of a central organizing principle in our work."
—Thomas G. Gutheil, Harvard Medical School; cofounder, Harvard Program in Psychiatry and the Law

"This dynamic third edition invites the reader into an active questioning process that goes well beyond ethics codes and standards. The engaging autonomy-based approach empowers practitioners to discover the most ethical and positive response to a unique client with unique needs and resources in a unique context."
—Carol D. Goodheart, treasurer and member of the board of directors, American Psychological Association; past president, Psychologists in Independent Practice

"A splendid book. . . . This is essential reading for all those in psychotherapy and related fields."
—Clifford Stromberg, Esq., partner, Healthcare Law, Hogan & Hartson, Washington, D.C.

"An updated version of a classic text on ethics in psychology. Drs. Pope and Vasquez provide the reader with an outstanding set of tools for enhancing ethical behavior in an increasingly complex professional world."
—Ronald F. Levant, former president, American Psychological Association

"It should be part of every therapist’s basic library."
—Allen Webb, former president, American Board of Professional Psychology

"A wonderfully insightful and unique book for all therapists, supervisors, and students; an affirmation of our rich scientific and professional heritage and values."
—Jack Wiggins, former president, American Psychological Association

"The talents of Drs. Pope and Vasquez relative to their abilities to translate difficult and sensitive material into a user-friendly resource continue to shine forth in this latest work. Their appreciation of the multiple contexts (multicultural, social, political, historical, and intrapersonal) within which ethical decision-making is framed and their attention to the emotion-laden human component that fuels a professional’s response to the ethical circumstances and dilemmas they confront adds a shining touch to their impeccable scholarship. This text represents an invitation to mental health professionals across levels of academic and clinical experiences to sharpen their service-provider talents and tools, and a response in the affirmative to these distinguished authors is highly encouraged."
—William D. Parham, president, Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 17 of the American Psychological Association; dean, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, John F. Kennedy University

"An excellent blend of case law, research evidence, down-to-earth principles, and practical examples from two authors with outstanding expertise. Promotes valuable understanding through case illustrations, self-directed exercises, and thoughtful discussion of such issues as cultural diversity."
—Dick Suinn, former president, American Psychological Association

"A wonderful, helpful guide to the complexities of modern-day ethics. As hard as it is to imagine, this revision by Drs. Pope and Vasquez of their landmark text is even more timely, insightful, and important."
—Patrick Deleon, former president, American Psychological Association

"The Pope and Vasquez text will stand as a premier reference source for ethics codes, practice guidelines, and leading-edge topics of expanding practice. The authors do a masterful job of blending relational aspects of practice (e.g., power, trust, cultural and contextual differences, self-care, and boundaries) with areas of continuing competency development (e.g., practice in electronic services, evolving skills in assessment and evaluation, and procedures for responding to complaints). The result is a powerhouse of resources and tools for practice today and into the future."
—Linda Campbell, professor, counseling and human development, University of Georgia

"This unique volume provides invaluable ethical guidance for psychologists engaged in professional practice. The scenarios and accompanying questions added to most chapters will prove especially helpful to those who offer courses and workshops concerned with ethics in psychology."
—Charles D. Spielberger, former president, American Psychological Association

"A wise and useful book that should be in every practitioner’s library and be required in all clinical and counseling training programs."
—David Mills, former director, APA Ethics Office

"An excellent analysis of the meaning of ethics in the everyday life of practicing therapists."
—Patricia Keith-Spiegel, former chair, APA Ethics Committee

"An outstanding book. The chapter on testing, assessment, and diagnosis is heartening; it identifies the ethical responsibilities as well as dilemmas and pitfalls we face as practitioners."
—Philip Erdberg, former president, Society for Personality Assessment

"A comprehensive and practical guide for practitioners who strive to have an ethical, competent, and caring practice, this book is a practical resource for those who aspire to be excellent psychotherapists and counselors. Useful and relevant, it will not gather dust."
—Jessica Henderson Daniels, Children’s Hospital, Boston; APA Board of Directors

"Pope and Vasquez’s expansion of this enormously useful ethics book is a resounding success. A practical, engaging, empowering guide to ethical practice."
—Laura Brown, independent practice, Seattle

"This is an excellent, well-written blend of scholarship, common sense, and wise counsel that is easy to read and full of practical illustrations likely to benefit both the novice and experienced psychotherapist."
—Gerald Koocher, dean, School for Health Studies at Simmons College; 2006 president, American Psychological Association

"A necessary book for those who want to take their risk management strategies to the next level."
—Eric Harris, risk management consultant, American Psychological Association Insurance Trust

"Useful to every psychologist. I expect it will land on everyone’s bookshelf as a well-thumbed source of important information on such topics as working with suicidal clients. We will use it in training at our Cen...

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 3 edition (March 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787994006
• ISBN-13: 978-0787994006
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,626 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not All Ethics Texts are Created Equal, July 9, 2006

By	Richard A. Singer Jr. "Author of Eastern Wisd... (Grand Cayman, British West Indies) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide (Paperback)

I thought I read every ethics text throughout my close to ten years in higher education. Obviously, this one was left out. This is an excellent text, easily readable, engaging, practical, and down to earth. I look forward to picking it up and continuing on each day. This text should be used in every ethics class and by every professional in the field of human service. Incredible job by the authors. Definitely recommended to every practicing clinician.

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy Ethics, November 23, 2008

By	S. Adelman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I used this book for my text in my graduate Ethics study and enjoyed it. I found it easy to read and comprehend. The scenarios and questions make you think about your responses to ethical dilemmas. I would recommend this for anyone interested in ethical psychological debate, or for those who set up their own curriculum for an ethics-based class.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Pratical Guide, May 29, 2008

By	C. Seavon Bell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is great for any you who needs to caught up on their use of ethics in the psychological realm.