About this Book

`My congratulations to Colin Feltham for assembling a set of contentious issues and lively authors which together made me forget my surroundings′ - Person-Centred Practice

`Editor Colin Feltham′s choice of topics shows an astute, on-the-ground awareness of the issues that dog the industry, while still making lively reading′ - New Therapist

In this book, leading practitioners, critics and commentators take sides on many topical and core debates including:

· Theoretical issues: Does the unconscious really exist? Is birth trauma a fiction? Should one believe in `false memories′?

· Clinical issues: Is therapy effective? Is `the relationship′ central to success? Do therapists pathologize their clients? Are boundaries necessary?

· Professional issues: Do trainees need therapy? Is professionalization of the field desirable? Are counselling and psychotherapy really distinguishable?

· Social issues: Can therapy be proven necessary? Does therapy benefit individuals or contribute to social control? Does stress really exist?