Abstract

SAGE celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Counselling in Action in November 2008. To view the video - click here

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`One of the best, and clearest, descriptions of the significance of the imposition of "masculine" patterns of thought on a culture... a lucid and non-jargon-fraught account of the strands of thought which make up the feminist approach to and adaptation of psychotherapy' - The Guardian

For counsellors, therapists, trainees and others who want a deeper understanding of how society affects them psychologically, the revised and updated edition of Feminist Counselling in Action is the ideal resource. Drawing on feminist theory, Jocelyn Chaplin points to the deeply entrenched, hierarchical ways of thinking which permeate every level of our lives.

The author presents an alternative rhythm model that when applied in counselling increases self-confidence, `wholeness' and improved relationships. In this model, the counsellor is not seen as the expert or the doctor, and the client is not a patient. They are two equal but different people using `clues' to understand and improve the life of the client. To illustrate, the author includes vivid case examples throughout.
Praise for the First Edition:

`One of the best, and clearest, descriptions of the significance of the imposition of `masculine' patterns of thought on a culture... a lucid and non-jargon-fraught account of the strands of thought which make up the feminist approach to and adaptation of psychotherapy... makes exciting sense and the women in her case histories are horribly familiar. Here are our friends, acquaintances and selves; here are our problems, conflicts and miseries' - Brenda Polan, The Guardian

`An attractively written account... There is a good deal of feminine wisdom and spirituality here' - British Journal of Medical Psychology

`The case studies are extremely vivid and absorbing. Through these, Chaplin demonstrates that while the themes and hierarchies of women's experience are both common and socially constructed, they are also unique in their individual manifestation... raises issues that are relevant to all counsellors. It will be of interest to both sexes - particularly those who would not necessarily define themselves as feminist. The whole issue of gender in counselling is in need of further exploration, and this book makes a very good start' - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

`Gentle and thoughtful... I would certainly put it on the indicative reading list for counselling courses as it provides valuable insights into some of the important issues at stake' - Feminism & Psychology