Abstract

This is an invaluable resource for counsellors and therapists looking to reinvigorate their practice and enhance their understanding of clients' needs. Each chapter focuses on different discoveries in neuroscience, explains them in plain English and provides guidance on how to put this knowledge to practical use in the therapy room. It covers specific psychological and neurological diagnoses including bipolar affective disorder, eating disorders and ADHD, as well as other more general issues such as attachment and addiction. The book also contains recommendations backed by evidence from neuroscience for optimum mental health involving nutrition, sleep and exercise, and a comprehensive glossary of technical terms.

Presenting the practical applications of neuroscience, this book will be of immeasurable use to counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists, and also of interest to social workers and mental health practitioners.

This is a highly informative and practical book and will be an essential resource for dramatherapists (as well as other mental health practitioners)... The book includes up-to-date information on the current state of brain research and how it makes an impact on how we understand therapy and counselling... . I recommend this book as essential reading for training courses in all the arts therapies but in particular for dramatherapy where our interactive techniques can make such an impact of the brain.
Sue Jennings PhD, author
Promt 92) 2014
Rachal Zara Wilson practices as both a Counsellor and a Social Worker for Family Works Northern, Auckland, NZ, and is currently working with children as well as adults. She has three children, and lives with the youngest one and her oldest grandchild. She has four cats, enjoys summer, loves the smell of roses and paints when she gets the time.
In this work, Rachal Zara Wilson has made the complexity of neuroscience research accessible to practicing counsellors, seamlessly weaving in the evidence base at the same time. She then manages to distil practical strategies for counselling practice that are at once readable, logical and understandable. Neuroscience for Counsellors is essential reading for experienced counsellors and students alike.
Brent Gardiner, Postgraduate programme leader, Counselling & Guidance, Massey University, New Zealand
For a rich and pluralistic perspective on how neuroscience informs counselling practice, this is an exceptional book. Firstly, it draws on a range of psychotherapeutic theories including cognitive behavioural, narrative and creative approaches; secondly, it takes a uniquely holistic view. In Maori and Pacific traditions about human well-being, neuroscience is only one recent lens to provide more information about different “parts of the elephant”. Finally, this book offers some practical applications of neuroscientific findings from first-hand experience of therapy, and a very useful glossary to explain scientific terms.
Jeannie Wright, University of Warwick, Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy Programmes
This superb resource presents new discoveries in the field of neuroscience that will help counsellors make a difference in their work with clients. Accessible, practical and timely, this beautifully written book is underpinned by the author's belief that change is possible. Her palpable humanity lies at its heart.
Nan Blanchard, Counsellor, Wellington, New Zealand
The book explains the neurological processes in a number of conditions, ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to psychosis, and how the counsellor can use this knowledge when working with a client with that diagnosis. The focus throughout is on encouraging the client to practice different ways of thinking, acting and responding so they establish new neural pathways... This is an accessible work on a complex subject that is constantly producing new findings. Even as she finished the book, Wilson was aware of the wealth of new material coming through. I hope she brings out an updated version... this excellent book is essential reading for trainees, experienced counsellors and trainers... The book will also appeal to 'curious non-professionals' - clients or people with a general interest in psychology and psychotherapy...I found the sections on history and theory enlightening, and it was helpful for me to see where my own developing practice is situated within the context of the relationship between body psychotherapy and contemporary psychoanalysis.
Diane Parker is a coach, dance movement psychotherapist and editor of Coaching Today
Therapy Today
This is a practical book aimed at those working with people in a therapeutic or helping capacity, namely counsellors, therapists and mental health practitioners... each chapter within the sections (...) divided further into "What do we know?" and "What does this mean for counselling?"... It offers not only a way of creating new perspectives in case conceptualization and hypothesizing, by also an alternative view when considering the neuroscientific base for cognitive behavioural, narrative and solution-focused therapy, with all of which it concurs strongly.
Alison Smyth/Counsellor and clinical supervisor
BACP Children & Young People