What's the Good of Counselling & Psychotherapy?: The Benefits Explained

Psychological therapy is widely criticized by those who question its necessity and effectiveness. While much has been written within the field about the advantages of one form of therapy over another, much less attention has been given to either defending or promoting the practice of psychological therapy in general. In response to the critics What's the Good of Counselling & Psychotherapy presents the case for psychological therapy, as seen by those at the leading edge of practice. Analyzing the nature of human distress and the social and political factors which give rise to it, the first part examines the extent to which individuals can realistically be helped in areas such as: - relationship difficulties - borderline personality disorders - suicidal thoughts, - psychological effects of abuse in childhood. While it is often a personal crisis which prompts individuals to seek help from a counsellor or psychotherapist, practitioners themselves see benefits to their clients, which extend beyond crisis intervention to facilitating personal growth and greater emotional intelligence. Part Two considers this aspect of the therapist's role and the benefits for clients both as individuals and members of society. Taking as examples health care, industry and the military, the final part highlights the benefits of counselling in both public and private organizations and addresses the particular question of how the cost of services can be justified where public money is concerned. This is thought-provoking reading for all who believe in the benefits of counselling and psychotherapy and a challenging response to those who stand on the outside as critics.