First Steps in Counselling (5th Edition): An Introductory Companion

I am starting a CPCAB level 2 in October and this was the final book I needed to read to complete the course reading list. I chose to wait for the 5th edition and I received it on the day of publication. From the start, the authors embrace you as a participant on a mutual journey. I am quite academically minded (BA and an MA alongside other professional qualifications) and I wondered whether the authors would succeed or if it would feel forced or even twee. However, they achieved it with aplomb and I found myself engrossed in the text throughout, almost as if I were a participant on a course where the tutors were carefully tailoring the learning to my needs. There was even a pang of sadness as we ended our journey together, which they carefully prepared me for. The content is excellent. The authors have that rare gift of being able to make the complicated straightforward to understand, whilst maintaining its impact and instruction. All the topics you would expect are explained clearly from the theories through to the politics and other contextual factors. On this, there is no other book that has covered the issues of the 21st century as well as can be found here. The impact of the pandemic, racism (including systemic, white fragility and privilege), sexual identity and issues around poverty and access to services are all covered and much more. This is not merely because the book was written during 2020, it’s because the authors have chosen to raise these crucial issues and not shy away from them. They are issues I must think about as I train, but more importantly, if I can follow their inspiration, I will be able to stand up for what’s right and help make the world a better place. This, I believe, is the ambition of the authors, whatever your motivation for reading the book. I am not sure where my journey will take me, but I wish I had started with this book as it elucidates many of the ideas I wrestled with whilst trying to work out whether I had what it takes to even begin thinking about training. If you are considering a course like me, want to learn about counselling skills as a helper or want an up to date look at current issues around counselling, then I wholeheartedly recommend you purchase this book. It doesn’t shy away from difficult questions, but you will feel nurtured and much better prepared by the end.

Really helpful introduction to counselling. A core text.

I'm currently undertaking a Level 2 college course in Counselling and this book was on the reading list. Rather than rely on library loans throughout the academic year I thought I'd invest in my own copy. In short it's a worthwhile purchase that goes into detail on what might be covered briefly in the classroom and it's helped me out on several homework assignments.

Excellent

I’ve enrolled on an ‘Introduction to Counselling’ course and this was the recommended pre-reading. It contains all the basics that are helpful to know before starting the course and makes a great reference book. It’s so well written, easy to understand and ‘friendly’ for a beginner. Would 100% recommend for anyone hoping to delve in to the world of counselling.

Bought this book as a gift for my daughter, who is needing to use counselling skills in her charity work. This book seems a good introduction that she can always refer to for more information. Pleased.

I like this book as it’s easy to read and understand. Brought it for my counselling course and it will be a great learning tool for me to use. Reasonable price and great quality.

Helped loads with level 2 counselling course