Controversies in Psychotherapy and Counselling

Practitioners, critics and commentators from psychotherapy and counselling discuss classic controversies and contemporary debates, including: does the unconscious really exist; should one believe in "false memories"; and does therapy benefit individuals or amount to social control. `My congratulations to Colin Feltham for assembling a set of contentious issues and lively authors which together made me forget my surroundings′ - Person-Centred Practice `Editor Colin Feltham′s choice of topics shows an astute, on-the-ground awareness of the issues that dog the industry, while still making lively reading′ - New Therapist In this book, leading practitioners, critics and commentators take sides on many topical and core debates including: · Theoretical issues: Does the unconscious really exist? Is birth trauma a fiction? Should one believe in `false memories′? · Clinical issues: Is therapy effective? Is `the relationship′ central to success? Do therapists pathologize their clients? Are boundaries necessary? · Professional issues: Do trainees need therapy? Is professionalization of the field desirable? Are counselling and psychotherapy really distinguishable? · Social issues: Can therapy be proven necessary? Does therapy benefit individuals or contribute to social control? Does stress really exist?