This key book in the Basic Texts in Counselling and Psychotherapy series is an authoritative and accessible introduction to psychodynamic counselling and its basic principles. The author, Laurence Spurling, is a leading figure in the discipline and, here, he examines the underlying psychodynamic approach, its main theoretical ideas and principles of practice, the techniques associated with it and ways of thinking about the conduct of counselling.

Looking at two major themes in particular, namely the involvement of counsellors working with clients with severe emotional and psychological problems and the influence of organisational settings on counselling work, this book is an essential guide for students and practitioners of counselling or psychotherapy, along with those from other professions, such as nurses and teachers, who are called upon to use counselling skills in their work.

New to this Edition:
- Includes a brand-new chapter on developing competence in working with social difference and diversity within the therapeutic relationship
- Discusses the different phases of counselling work, from referral through to the final session and beyond
- Examines the role of organisational settings in therapists’ everyday practice, providing insight into managing institutional demands
- Explores the challenges of working with clients with more severe emotional and psychological problems