This sixth edition of ‘Practical Counselling and Helping Skills’ is a formidable achievement. Its comprehensiveness, clarity of style and structure and its attention to the latest developments in the field make it an outstanding resource for experienced practitioners, trainers and trainees alike. What is more, Richard Nelson-Jones’ reflectiveness on his immense experience over many decades and in differing cultures gives the book a quality of generous inclusiveness which is rare in the counselling literature.
As I read the 6th edition of Richard Nelson-Jones' Practical Counselling and Helping Skills (PCaHS) I recalled the excitement I experienced when I read the first edition. That was a time when a skills-based approach to counselling was a topic of fierce controversy. It was refreshing to have a book which extended the model from helping to living. Through subsequent editions, Nelson-Jones' basic three-stage helping model has endured because of its utility across a wide range of practice contexts. Many of the ideas which once seemed radical are now accepted widely.
This is a key textbook for anybody wanting to read an influential summary of all the major approaches and theories of counselling.
Detailed, up-to-date explanations and very clear writing makes the book useful to a wide audience: from students and researchers at all levels, to practitioners and their clients.
Richard Nelson-Jones is a master of counselling and training and this excellent text is a tribute to what he describes as an 'integrative theoretical framework and model of practice'. Each chapter is packed with insights on the counselling relationship and the practical application of counselling skills. I value it as a resource for teaching communication skills to social workers and counsellors. It is well written, accessible, has numerous case examples and an attention to the languaging of counselling that is grounded in Richard's expertise as a counselling practitioner.
Excellent resource for students
This book is a helpful resource for senior students embarking on the counselling journey. It covers the most fundamental principals, theories and practical aspects of counselling. The inclusion on activities adds value to the students' experience of counselling. The book is very user friendly and progresses in a logical sequence. I would recommend this book to all new counsellors.
A clear and well structured book, that has useful activities for learners who are embarking on counselling training from a basic level and beyond.
Extremely informative and well structured
A useful resource to aid with skill development
Nelson-Jones presents a comprehensive book about counselling skills which enhances student skills practice
Good book for added research to the subject under discussion
Very useful addition to texts used on the course for midwives during genetic counselling in haemoglobinopathies.
This is an informative and comprehensive book, which provides robust links to practice.
Very useful text and will be incprporated into the Psychological therapies awarde.
Library informed
an easy to access work for level 5 students and is also useful to level 6 students for exam revision
This book encourages students to look at generic counselling and helping skills. The case studies and practical exercises are used in class
This has proved a useful book so far in relation to case studies and activities for student involvement. Some of the concepts take the students to the next level of intereventions and in that respect have generated much discussion in class in relation to how theory is put into practice (or not in some cases). The book has been on loan to a number of students who have reported back positively.
A very welcome updated edition of a core text.
Excellent book for level 2 and above. Very easy to read and understand. Would definitely recommend this book to my students.
A really good practical text for counselling and mental health students.