Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: Towards a common framework for counselling and psychotherapy --
Directionality: philosophical foundations --
A phase model of directionality: from fantasy to action --
Wellbeing and emotions: a life 'on track' --
Goal dimensions: what we strive for counts --
A structural model of directionality: what we really, really want --
Effectiveness: better ways of getting where we want to be --
Synergies are good --
From intrapersonal to interpersonal levels of organisation: playing to win-win --
Psychodynamic approaches within a directional framework: change through awareness --
Humanistic approaches within a directional framework: helping directions unfurl --
Existential approaches within a directional framework: choosing to choose --
Cognitive-behavioural approaches within a directional framework: effective strategies for life --
Goal-oriented practices --
Working with directions in counselling and psychotherapy --
Developing interpersonal synergies --
Conclusion: Towards better.

"How can therapists integrate theories and practices from across the psychological therapies? This book presents a framework for understanding distress and change that can unite different orientations, along with sociopolitical perspectives. Its starting point is that therapy aims to help clients move towards the things they most deeply want. It shows how the actualisation of these 'directions' leads to greater well-being, and how this can be brought about through the development of internal and external synergies. Using in-depth cases, the book provides detailed guidance on how this framework can be applied. After reading this book, you'll feel better equipped to understand, and work with, your clients' directions--tailoring the therapy to their unique wants."--Publisher's website.

This book presents a model for understanding distress and change in counselling and psychotherapy by demonstrating the key similarities between different therapeutic approaches.

College of Education Graduate Studies Master of Arts in Education major in Guidance and Counseling

Text in English