Mental Health and Illness: Questions and Answers for Counsellors and Therapists (Questions And Answers For Counsellors And Therapists (Whurr))

This book is unique in that it specifically addresses the concerns that counsellors and psychotherapists may have about the mental health of their clients. It is published at a time of significant change in the management and treatment of mental illness both within the UK and internationally. In addition the roles of mental health practitioners and counsellors within NHS practice are undergoing notable review. The content provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in mental health, sign posting the importance and relevance of the topic to those working within the counselling and psychotherapy fields. The background to the current context of mental health care, treatment and management both within the UK and globally is outlined and definitions of mental health are discussed by way of drawing attention to the complex and diverse understanding of what constitutes mental illness.Dawn Freshwater is currently Professor of Mental Health, Institute of Health and Community Studies, BournemouthUniversity. She is a United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) registered psychotherapist and an experienced supervisor and trainer. She has authored, co-authored and edited several books and numerous papers, and is editor of Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.

With contributions from Jeni Boyd and Sabi Redwood

The way we understand, manage and treat mental illness has changed extensively in recent times, and the roles of mental health practitioners in the NHS are undergoing significant review.

Mental Health and Illness: Questions and Answers for Counsellors and Therapists addresses the common concerns that frequently confront psychotherapists and counsellors in their work with clients.

Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in mental health, this accessible guide discusses the current definitions of mental health, drawing attention to its complexities and diversities. Each chapter focuses on specific issues, identified by practitioners as being of relevance to their everyday work, such as:

• understanding and assessing mental illness

• the relationship between mental health and physical symptoms

• socio-political influences

• working collaboratively with other mental health teams

• professional and legal matters

With its easy-to-use format, this practical and informative volume will be a valuable resource for established psychotherapists and counsellors, as well as those in training.

This book is unique in that it specifically addresses the concerns that counsellors and psychotherapists may have about the mental health of their clients. It is published at a time of significant change in the management and treatment of mental illness both within the UK and internationally. In addition the roles of mental health practitioners and counsellors within NHS practice are undergoing notable review.

The content provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in mental health, sign posting the importance and relevance of the topic to those working within the counselling and psychotherapy fields. The background to the current context of mental health care, treatment and management both within the UK and globally is outlined and definitions of mental health are discussed by way of drawing attention to the complex and diverse understanding of what constitutes mental illness.

Providing a comprehensive introduction to contemporary issues in mental health, this work presents chapters on psyche-soma connection, with questions that particularly link the mind and body, and emotional responses to mental illness