Never has there been such a hunger to understand relationships, both with our self and with others, and this book contains valuable insights into the fascinating and dynamic dialogues between clients and their counsellor. Although the clients presented here are entirely fictitious, they become real and easy to connect with as the reader is taken deeper into the unfolding intimacy of the counselling room. A variety of interventions are used but what is most instrumental in empowering the clients is the relationship that develops with themselves. These clients show us how we can successfully overcome outdated survival patterns and make effective new choices that work for us. The four topics covered are: Anorexia (including issues about cultural identity); Relationship Breakdown (including themes about boarding schools, class and cultural differences); Depression (including suicidal ideation); and Cocaine Addiction stemming from childhood sexual abuse. An introduction explains the structure and professional requirements of a counsellor; a brief outline of the themes precedes each case story and there is an appendix of useful books, articles and online information. From thirty-five years of experience as a counsellor, supervisor and Head of a University Counselling Service, the author shows how she has used her particular style of brief counselling to enable and witness this remarkable process.

About the Author
Maggie Yaxley Smith has worked as a humanistic counsellor, clinical supervisor, head of a university counselling service and group facilitator for more than thirty-five years. She has worked therapeutically with a varied and multi-cultural client group on a university campus, in a women's refuge, in private practice and for Relate. She is an Accredited Senior Registered Practitioner with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and has an M.A. in Women's Studies. She is also a member of a well-being writing network based in Kent, and is a Veriditas-trained Labyrinth Facilitator.

Reviews
'This rich, practical, and potentially transforming book provides the lay reader, as well as the counsellor, psychotherapist, and student of counselling, with a clear, practical guide to insightful dialogue, and the effective use of innovative techniques in counselling. Devising relevant case stories from her extensive experience in this field, Maggie Yaxley Smith offers us a fluent, personable, and compassionate approach to the struggles, vulnerabilities, and previously undiscovered potential and strength of human nature. This creative, illuminating, intimate, and authentic account makes an immensely significant contribution to personal growth, helping us to break from old patterns that limit us and allowing us to realise our potential and live life more fully.'- Brian Graham, clinical supervisor, counsellor, therapist and international educator'This is a beautifully written and multi-layered insight into the counsellor/client relationship. With each in-depth case study, the author reflects on the emotional and psychological subtleties and complexities that clients bring into the counselling room. Her honesty, warmth, sensitivity, and skill with each client shines through on every page as she invites you to share in each person's internal struggles, breakthroughs, and "a-ha" moments as they journey from past hurts to self discovery. This is an engaging and positive book. Whether you are a seasoned therapist, someone thinking about having counselling, or simply curious about what the counselling experience is like, then this book is for you.'-Anjula Mutanda, relationship psychologist, presenter, and author



Book Information
ISBN 9781782201243
Author Maggie Yaxley Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Karnac Books
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd