Counseling
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Review of Counseling and psychotherapy: Theoretical analyses and skill applications.
By Prout, H. Thompson
Professional School Psychology, Vol 1(2), 1986, 143-144.
Abstract
Reviews the book Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theoretical Analyses and Skill Applications (1985) by L. G. Baruth and C. H. Huber. The book is divided into four sections: a description of a theoretical framework Baruth and Huber call the "pragmatic therapeutic position;" an overview of major theories of counseling and psychotherapy; a section on counseling skills and processes; and a summary of clinical accountability and professional issues. The authors begin on a positive note in their cogent arguments for a systematic eclectic approach (i.e., the pragmatic therapeutic position). By dividing the major therapeutic theories into affectively, behavior ally, and cognitively oriented approaches, they demonstrate how a change in one domain leads to change in the other domains and how treatment can shift focus as the intervention progresses. Furthermore, behavioral strategies might be followed or linked with affective or cognitive strategies. The authors build a strong case for the interrelationship of the domains and the possibility of systematically combining theoretically different strategies. The theoretical section is the weakest part of the text. Descriptions of the major theories are simplistic and brief. Barely enough information is presented for the student or professional to make the theoretical distinctions argued for in the authors' pragmatic therapeutic position. In general, this book seems somewhat weak for a graduate-level text or professional resource in counseling and psychotherapy. Considering the strongest sections of the book, it might best be viewed as a skills-oriented text. The book might also be appropriate for use in undergraduate courses in counseling or interviewing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
By Prout, H. Thompson
Professional School Psychology, Vol 1(2), 1986, 143-144.
Abstract
Reviews the book Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theoretical Analyses and Skill Applications (1985) by L. G. Baruth and C. H. Huber. The book is divided into four sections: a description of a theoretical framework Baruth and Huber call the "pragmatic therapeutic position;" an overview of major theories of counseling and psychotherapy; a section on counseling skills and processes; and a summary of clinical accountability and professional issues. The authors begin on a positive note in their cogent arguments for a systematic eclectic approach (i.e., the pragmatic therapeutic position). By dividing the major therapeutic theories into affectively, behavior ally, and cognitively oriented approaches, they demonstrate how a change in one domain leads to change in the other domains and how treatment can shift focus as the intervention progresses. Furthermore, behavioral strategies might be followed or linked with affective or cognitive strategies. The authors build a strong case for the interrelationship of the domains and the possibility of systematically combining theoretically different strategies. The theoretical section is the weakest part of the text. Descriptions of the major theories are simplistic and brief. Barely enough information is presented for the student or professional to make the theoretical distinctions argued for in the authors' pragmatic therapeutic position. In general, this book seems somewhat weak for a graduate-level text or professional resource in counseling and psychotherapy. Considering the strongest sections of the book, it might best be viewed as a skills-oriented text. The book might also be appropriate for use in undergraduate courses in counseling or interviewing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)