Books by Laurence (Birkbeck College - University of London Spurling

This key book in the Basic Texts in Counselling and Psychotherapy series is an authoritative and accessible introduction to psychodynamic counselling and its basic principles. The author, Laurence Spurling, is a leading figure in the discipline and, here, he examines the underlying psychodynamic approach, its main theoretical ideas and principles of practice, the techniques associated with it and ways of thinking about the conduct of counselling. Looking at two major themes in particular, namely the involvement of counsellors working with clients with severe emotional and psychological problems and the influence of organisational settings on counselling work, this book is an essential guide for students and practitioners of counselling or psychotherapy, along with those from other professions, such as nurses and teachers, who are called upon to use counselling skills in their work.

The psychoanalytic theory base for therapeutic practice is highly developed but the literature is thin when it comes to identifying practitioners' implicit knowledge base and developing more expert skills. This clear and vividly written book addresses the needs of practitioners moving beyond beginner level to more skilled and attuned practice.