Introduction to Counseling: Voices from the Field

This is one of the best textbooks I've had the pleasure to use, and believe me, I've used a lot. It is clear and well-written, and in reading it you understand not just the information it presents but also why that information is important. Each chapter contains many anonymous comments called "Voices from the Field," written by practicing mental health counselors. These "voices" give a sometimes gritty but always authentic perspective that grounds and comforts the student. Here is one example:Of all the theories I've used--and believe me, I've used a bunch--REBT is the one I found most usefulin my own life. I don't even practice it that much anymore with my clients, but I still use it every dayinside my own head. So often, I get down on myself because I feel like i'm failing my clients or notdoing as good a job as I should. Then I hear Ellis's voice in my head, confronting me about my"shoulds" and absolute judgments. It really does work miracles.Why don't I use it anymore with my clients? I don't know. I guess I just got bored with it after awhile. It's not that it stopped working; really, it's powerful stuff. It's just that I got tired disputing thesame old irrational beliefs over and over. I moved on to something new and more dynamic. But Istill use it sometimes with clients who really seem like good candidates for a more confrontational,thinking approach.When I read this account I could almost feel the counselor's weariness and self-doubt. Kottler should be commended for making a strong effort to portray the realities that students will face when they enter the "real world."

On can not say enough how easy of a read this book is. I have never had a text book be so real. I feel like I can truly connect with this book and the author is very knowledgeable about new counselors. Very good insight on what to except and basically a walk though step by step in how to shape your self into a counselor.

I placed an order for this book and couldn’t believe the price, it was so much cheaper than other sellers, I understood it was used and expected some wear and tear, to my surprise when it was delivered; the book is in perfect condition. I would definitely buy more products from this seller again.

I was required to purchase the book for graduate school and was disappointed at first when I saw it was a textbook. However, the book is so interesting I just sat down and read it even before I started class. The author provides so much information about counseling and the personal stories from counselors in the field is a fantastic feature. All of the information in the book is exactly what you want to know as a new counselor. This is a textbook that I will definitely keep and recommend to others.

This is the second book I have read by Kottler. After a couple of years in a counseling MA program, you start to differentiate between poorly written texts and those that are helpful. Kottler is an engaging writer (no small feat for a textbook) and the "voices from the field" are found throughout the book. For a neophyte counselor, it's reassuring to hear from others in the field whose contributions reflect your own concerns. I took one star away because of the order of chapter topics, which I think could have been organized in a way that flowed better, but I would definitely recommend this book.

The book arrived in good quality ish missing some pages but overall okay. Easy read as well.

I purchased this book for a required class. I have already taken several counseling classes and found this book to be a great introduction to the field of counseling. The Voice From the Field sections add to the text and give real life examples of being in the counseling field.

Most of the book was fine, but the cover and several pages after it were cut in half and taped back together.