Author: Daisy Best
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 100057413X
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
Roles and Contexts in Counselling Psychology looks at the different contexts that counselling psychologists typically work within, offering a snapshot of the ‘day job’. The book provides insights into roles that reflect the human lifespan from birth to death, focusing upon specific mental health experiences and considering roles external to healthcare settings such as expert witness and independent practice. Each chapter is written by a counselling psychologist and offers an overview of their particular specialism and their experiences within it, bringing a unique transparency and personal insight. The book describes the skills that are required for the different roles and their challenges and rewards. It also discusses how the philosophy of counselling psychology is maintained and explores the associated ethical and legal considerations. Further, it takes note of the issues relating to leadership and diversity. The book is an essential resource for undergraduate psychology and counselling students and trainee clinical or counselling psychologists, as well as qualified practitioners.
Roles and Contexts in Counselling Psychology
Author: Daisy Best
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 100057413X
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
Roles and Contexts in Counselling Psychology looks at the different contexts that counselling psychologists typically work within, offering a snapshot of the ‘day job’. The book provides insights into roles that reflect the human lifespan from birth to death, focusing upon specific mental health experiences and considering roles external to healthcare settings such as expert witness and independent practice. Each chapter is written by a counselling psychologist and offers an overview of their particular specialism and their experiences within it, bringing a unique transparency and personal insight. The book describes the skills that are required for the different roles and their challenges and rewards. It also discusses how the philosophy of counselling psychology is maintained and explores the associated ethical and legal considerations. Further, it takes note of the issues relating to leadership and diversity. The book is an essential resource for undergraduate psychology and counselling students and trainee clinical or counselling psychologists, as well as qualified practitioners.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 100057413X
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
Roles and Contexts in Counselling Psychology looks at the different contexts that counselling psychologists typically work within, offering a snapshot of the ‘day job’. The book provides insights into roles that reflect the human lifespan from birth to death, focusing upon specific mental health experiences and considering roles external to healthcare settings such as expert witness and independent practice. Each chapter is written by a counselling psychologist and offers an overview of their particular specialism and their experiences within it, bringing a unique transparency and personal insight. The book describes the skills that are required for the different roles and their challenges and rewards. It also discusses how the philosophy of counselling psychology is maintained and explores the associated ethical and legal considerations. Further, it takes note of the issues relating to leadership and diversity. The book is an essential resource for undergraduate psychology and counselling students and trainee clinical or counselling psychologists, as well as qualified practitioners.
Handbook for Social Justice in Counseling Psychology
Author: Rebecca Toporek
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9781412910071
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 640
Book Description
Counseling psychologists often focus on clients′ inner conflicts and avoid getting involved in the clients′ environment. This handbook encourages counseling psychologists to become active participants in changing systems that constrain clients′ ability to function. . . . Besides actual programs, the contributors cover research, training, and ethical issues. The case examples showing how professionals have implemented social action programs are particularly valuable. . . . [T]his book provides an outline for action, not only for psychologists, but also for social workers, politicians, and others interested in improving the lot of disadvantaged populations. Summing up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, professionals. -- W. P. Anderson, emeritus, University of Missouri-Columbia, CHOICE The Handbook for Social Justice in Counseling Psychology: Leadership, Vision, and Action provides counseling psychology students, educators, researchers, and practitioners with a conceptual road map of social justice and social action that they can integrate into their professional identity, role, and function. It presents historical, theoretical, and ethical foundations followed by exemplary models of social justice and action work performed by counseling psychologists from interdisciplinary collaborations. The examples in this Handbook explore a wide range of settings with diverse issues and reflect a variety of actions. The book concludes with a chapter reflecting on future directions for the field of counseling psychology beyond individual and traditional practice to macro-level conceptual models. It also explores policy development and implementation, systemic strategies of structural and human change, cultural empowerment and respect, advocacy, technological innovation, and third and fourth generations of human rights activities. Key Features: Integrates research and ethical implications as well as guidelines for developing and evaluating specific types of social justice activities Addresses a comprehensive arena of issues examined from historical, theoretical, systemic, and practical perspectives Clarifies social justice in counseling psychology to distinguish it from other helping professions Provides readers with specific examples and guidelines for integrating social justice into their work supported by a solid theoretical framework and acknowledgement of interdisciplinary influences Includes contributions from prominent authors in counseling psychology to provide expert examples from the field The Handbook for Social Justice in Counseling Psychology is an excellent resource for counseling psychology students, educators, researchers, and practitioners. It will be a welcome addition to any academic library or research institution.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9781412910071
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 640
Book Description
Counseling psychologists often focus on clients′ inner conflicts and avoid getting involved in the clients′ environment. This handbook encourages counseling psychologists to become active participants in changing systems that constrain clients′ ability to function. . . . Besides actual programs, the contributors cover research, training, and ethical issues. The case examples showing how professionals have implemented social action programs are particularly valuable. . . . [T]his book provides an outline for action, not only for psychologists, but also for social workers, politicians, and others interested in improving the lot of disadvantaged populations. Summing up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, professionals. -- W. P. Anderson, emeritus, University of Missouri-Columbia, CHOICE The Handbook for Social Justice in Counseling Psychology: Leadership, Vision, and Action provides counseling psychology students, educators, researchers, and practitioners with a conceptual road map of social justice and social action that they can integrate into their professional identity, role, and function. It presents historical, theoretical, and ethical foundations followed by exemplary models of social justice and action work performed by counseling psychologists from interdisciplinary collaborations. The examples in this Handbook explore a wide range of settings with diverse issues and reflect a variety of actions. The book concludes with a chapter reflecting on future directions for the field of counseling psychology beyond individual and traditional practice to macro-level conceptual models. It also explores policy development and implementation, systemic strategies of structural and human change, cultural empowerment and respect, advocacy, technological innovation, and third and fourth generations of human rights activities. Key Features: Integrates research and ethical implications as well as guidelines for developing and evaluating specific types of social justice activities Addresses a comprehensive arena of issues examined from historical, theoretical, systemic, and practical perspectives Clarifies social justice in counseling psychology to distinguish it from other helping professions Provides readers with specific examples and guidelines for integrating social justice into their work supported by a solid theoretical framework and acknowledgement of interdisciplinary influences Includes contributions from prominent authors in counseling psychology to provide expert examples from the field The Handbook for Social Justice in Counseling Psychology is an excellent resource for counseling psychology students, educators, researchers, and practitioners. It will be a welcome addition to any academic library or research institution.
The Handbook of Counselling Psychology
Author: Barbara Douglas
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1473966191
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 697
Book Description
This fourth edition provides the most comprehensive guide to the field of counselling psychology, exploring a range of theories and philosophical underpinnings, practice approaches and contexts, and professional issues. It has been updated to reflect current issues and debates and to map onto the training standards, and offers the ultimate companion for your journey through counselling psychology training and into the workplace. New to the fourth edition: Chapters on: Person-Centred Therapy; Mindfulness; Neuroscience; Engaging with and Carrying out Research; Reflective Practice; International Dimensions; and Ecopsychology A companion website offering hours of video and audio, including conversations with counselling psychology practitioners and trainees, and articles, exercises and case studies Other new features include: Further Reading, ‘Day in the Life of’ dialogues with practitioners; Reflective Exercises, and Discussion Points, and new case studies. Special attention has been paid to the topic of research, both as a theme throughout the book, and through four new chapters covering the use, carry out and publication of research at different stages of training and practice. The handbook is the essential textbook for students and practitioners in the field of counselling psychology and allied health professions, at all stages of their career and across a range of settings, both in the UK and internationally.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1473966191
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 697
Book Description
This fourth edition provides the most comprehensive guide to the field of counselling psychology, exploring a range of theories and philosophical underpinnings, practice approaches and contexts, and professional issues. It has been updated to reflect current issues and debates and to map onto the training standards, and offers the ultimate companion for your journey through counselling psychology training and into the workplace. New to the fourth edition: Chapters on: Person-Centred Therapy; Mindfulness; Neuroscience; Engaging with and Carrying out Research; Reflective Practice; International Dimensions; and Ecopsychology A companion website offering hours of video and audio, including conversations with counselling psychology practitioners and trainees, and articles, exercises and case studies Other new features include: Further Reading, ‘Day in the Life of’ dialogues with practitioners; Reflective Exercises, and Discussion Points, and new case studies. Special attention has been paid to the topic of research, both as a theme throughout the book, and through four new chapters covering the use, carry out and publication of research at different stages of training and practice. The handbook is the essential textbook for students and practitioners in the field of counselling psychology and allied health professions, at all stages of their career and across a range of settings, both in the UK and internationally.
Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice
Author: John Sommers-Flanagan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119279143
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 480
Book Description
Get to know the origins, development, and key figures of each major counseling theory This comprehensive text covers all the major theories in counseling and psychotherapy along with an emphasis on how to use these theoretical models in clinical practice. The authors cover the history, key figures, research base, multicultural implications, and practical applications of the following theoretical perspectives: Psychoanalytic, Individual/Adlerian, Existential, Gestalt, Person-Centered, Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, Feminist, Constructive, Family Systems, Multicultural, and Eclectic/Integrative. This text has case examples that bring each theory to life. The entire book has been updated with the latest research and techniques. Pedagogical features include learner objectives, "Putting It in Practice" boxes, questions for reflection, case examples and treatment planning, and chapter summaries. Every theory is examined from cultural, gender/sexual, and spiritual perspectives. The instructor supplement package includes a Respondus test bank, chapter outlines, supplemental lecture ideas, classroom activities, and PowerPoint slides. Video demonstrations corresponding to every major theory and linked to each chapter's contents. In addition, a WPLS course will be available after publication. Expanded video elements closely tied to sections of the text New visuals, including graphics, charts, and tables to facilitate student understanding of theories and how they relate to one another Increased coverage of multicultural and ethical issues in every chapter Cultural, gender, sexuality, and spiritual issues are integrated into every chapter The Sommers-Flanagan's hands-on, practical approach emphasizes how students and practitioners can apply these theories in real-world practice. Students are empowered to develop theoretically-sound and evidence-based approaches to conducting counseling and psychotherapy.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119279143
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 480
Book Description
Get to know the origins, development, and key figures of each major counseling theory This comprehensive text covers all the major theories in counseling and psychotherapy along with an emphasis on how to use these theoretical models in clinical practice. The authors cover the history, key figures, research base, multicultural implications, and practical applications of the following theoretical perspectives: Psychoanalytic, Individual/Adlerian, Existential, Gestalt, Person-Centered, Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, Feminist, Constructive, Family Systems, Multicultural, and Eclectic/Integrative. This text has case examples that bring each theory to life. The entire book has been updated with the latest research and techniques. Pedagogical features include learner objectives, "Putting It in Practice" boxes, questions for reflection, case examples and treatment planning, and chapter summaries. Every theory is examined from cultural, gender/sexual, and spiritual perspectives. The instructor supplement package includes a Respondus test bank, chapter outlines, supplemental lecture ideas, classroom activities, and PowerPoint slides. Video demonstrations corresponding to every major theory and linked to each chapter's contents. In addition, a WPLS course will be available after publication. Expanded video elements closely tied to sections of the text New visuals, including graphics, charts, and tables to facilitate student understanding of theories and how they relate to one another Increased coverage of multicultural and ethical issues in every chapter Cultural, gender, sexuality, and spiritual issues are integrated into every chapter The Sommers-Flanagan's hands-on, practical approach emphasizes how students and practitioners can apply these theories in real-world practice. Students are empowered to develop theoretically-sound and evidence-based approaches to conducting counseling and psychotherapy.
The Professional Counselor's Desk Reference
Author: Mark A. Stebnicki, PhD, LPC, DCMHS, CRC, CCM, CCMC
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826171826
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 731
Book Description
This award-winning, bestselling reference for professional counselors and graduate students is extensively updated and expanded to encompass critical developments that are immediately relevant to the counseling professions, including the 2014 American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, CACREP/CORE accreditation standards, DSM-5, the Affordable Care Act, and many other important changes. It reflects the ongoing consolidation of a strong identity for professional counselors and the need to address mental health and other counseling concerns amidst marked socio-cultural changes. The only resource of its kind, it is an extremely useful guide for counseling students working toward licensure and certification as well as experienced counselors, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, psychologists, and social workers. The second edition offers a unique interdisciplinary approach inclusive across all counseling disciplines and features contributions from over 110 highly regarded experts in counselor education, research, and practice. It is based on the core content and knowledge areas outlined by CACREP and CORE accreditation standards and disseminates, in 93 chapters, both contemporary insight and practical strategies for working with the complexity of real-life issues related to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse clients. New chapters address military and veteran health issues; evidence-based practice for training; counseling transgender individuals, partners, and families; counseling caregivers;; social justice; and so much more. In addition to being a quick-access resource for all counseling professionals, the second edition serves as a concise, accessible reference for graduate students preparing for certification and licensure exams. It features an expanded, comprehensive self-exam of over 340 multiple-choice items based on the CORE/CACREP core content and knowledge areas for counselor education and training. New to the Second Edition: Updated and expanded discussion of the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics Affordable Care Act and its impact on delivery of mental health services Coverage of DSM-5 Promotes an interdisciplinary approach inclusive across all counseling disciplines Includes an expanded self-exam with over 340 study questions for NCE and CPCE prep New chapters on military and veteran mental health issues New chapter on evidence-based practices for counseling New chapter on behavioral health and health disparities in the U.S. New chapter on social justice and health equity issues New chapter on counseling caregivers New chapter on counseling children with psychiatric conditions New chapter on counseling for wellness New chapter on counseling survivors of natural disasters New information on complementary, alternative, and integrative approaches New information on counseling LGBTQ couples, partners and families Key Features: Covers all key foundational content for CACREP/CORE-accredited programs within one volume Provides quick access to a vast compendium of counseling information Edited and authored by leading counseling scholars, educators, and practitioners Relevant across all counseling specialties Updated to reflect 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, Affordable Care Act, DSM-5, and revisions to licensure requirements in many states
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826171826
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 731
Book Description
This award-winning, bestselling reference for professional counselors and graduate students is extensively updated and expanded to encompass critical developments that are immediately relevant to the counseling professions, including the 2014 American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, CACREP/CORE accreditation standards, DSM-5, the Affordable Care Act, and many other important changes. It reflects the ongoing consolidation of a strong identity for professional counselors and the need to address mental health and other counseling concerns amidst marked socio-cultural changes. The only resource of its kind, it is an extremely useful guide for counseling students working toward licensure and certification as well as experienced counselors, counselor educators, clinical supervisors, psychologists, and social workers. The second edition offers a unique interdisciplinary approach inclusive across all counseling disciplines and features contributions from over 110 highly regarded experts in counselor education, research, and practice. It is based on the core content and knowledge areas outlined by CACREP and CORE accreditation standards and disseminates, in 93 chapters, both contemporary insight and practical strategies for working with the complexity of real-life issues related to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse clients. New chapters address military and veteran health issues; evidence-based practice for training; counseling transgender individuals, partners, and families; counseling caregivers;; social justice; and so much more. In addition to being a quick-access resource for all counseling professionals, the second edition serves as a concise, accessible reference for graduate students preparing for certification and licensure exams. It features an expanded, comprehensive self-exam of over 340 multiple-choice items based on the CORE/CACREP core content and knowledge areas for counselor education and training. New to the Second Edition: Updated and expanded discussion of the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics Affordable Care Act and its impact on delivery of mental health services Coverage of DSM-5 Promotes an interdisciplinary approach inclusive across all counseling disciplines Includes an expanded self-exam with over 340 study questions for NCE and CPCE prep New chapters on military and veteran mental health issues New chapter on evidence-based practices for counseling New chapter on behavioral health and health disparities in the U.S. New chapter on social justice and health equity issues New chapter on counseling caregivers New chapter on counseling children with psychiatric conditions New chapter on counseling for wellness New chapter on counseling survivors of natural disasters New information on complementary, alternative, and integrative approaches New information on counseling LGBTQ couples, partners and families Key Features: Covers all key foundational content for CACREP/CORE-accredited programs within one volume Provides quick access to a vast compendium of counseling information Edited and authored by leading counseling scholars, educators, and practitioners Relevant across all counseling specialties Updated to reflect 2014 ACA Code of Ethics, Affordable Care Act, DSM-5, and revisions to licensure requirements in many states
Psychotherapy and Politics
Author: Nick Totton
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 0761958495
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
This stimulating book explores the long-standing relationship between psychotherapy and politics and argues that from the beginning psychotherapy has had a political face. Documenting instances where ideas from psychotherapy have been incorporated into the political agenda, the book demonstrates the practical value of psychotherapy as an instigator of social and political change. Related to this, attempts to understand and evaluate political life through the application of psychotherapeutic concepts are examined. The author poses a number of key questions, including: What is human nature? Are aggression and violence innate in us? Is the therapeutic relationship inherently unequal? And, is the political an a
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 0761958495
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
This stimulating book explores the long-standing relationship between psychotherapy and politics and argues that from the beginning psychotherapy has had a political face. Documenting instances where ideas from psychotherapy have been incorporated into the political agenda, the book demonstrates the practical value of psychotherapy as an instigator of social and political change. Related to this, attempts to understand and evaluate political life through the application of psychotherapeutic concepts are examined. The author poses a number of key questions, including: What is human nature? Are aggression and violence innate in us? Is the therapeutic relationship inherently unequal? And, is the political an a
Professional Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Author: Peter Jenkins
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1526421445
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Developing and maintaining a secure framework for professional practice is a core part of any counselling and psychotherapy training, as all therapists need to understand the key values, ethics and laws that underpin the profession today. But what does being a member of a ′profession’ actually mean, and what does being a ‘professional’ actually involve? Structured around the BACP Core Curriculum, and with the help of exercises, case studies and tips for further reading, this book covers everything from the requirements of the BACP Ethical Framework to broader perspectives on good professional practice. It includes: Practising as a therapist in different roles and organizational contexts. Working with key issues, including difference, vulnerable clients and risk. Understanding the law and relevant legal frameworks for practice. Working ethically, including contrasting models and approaches to ethics.
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1526421445
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
Developing and maintaining a secure framework for professional practice is a core part of any counselling and psychotherapy training, as all therapists need to understand the key values, ethics and laws that underpin the profession today. But what does being a member of a ′profession’ actually mean, and what does being a ‘professional’ actually involve? Structured around the BACP Core Curriculum, and with the help of exercises, case studies and tips for further reading, this book covers everything from the requirements of the BACP Ethical Framework to broader perspectives on good professional practice. It includes: Practising as a therapist in different roles and organizational contexts. Working with key issues, including difference, vulnerable clients and risk. Understanding the law and relevant legal frameworks for practice. Working ethically, including contrasting models and approaches to ethics.
School Psychologist As Counselor, 2nd Edition
Author: Cynthia A. Plotts
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780932955234
Category : School psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 266
Book Description
Successfully incorporating counseling into your psychological services may seem like a daunting task. Can you incorporate counseling into a student’s IEP? Where does consultation fit into counseling? How do you define counseling goals and evaluate whether these goals are being met? School Psychologist as Counselor is the best book to address how counseling can be integrated with academic and behavioral interventions. This book contains 12 chapters that overview different counseling approaches, provide example situations for their use, and demonstrate why these techniques are valuable skills for any school mental health professional to develop.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780932955234
Category : School psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 266
Book Description
Successfully incorporating counseling into your psychological services may seem like a daunting task. Can you incorporate counseling into a student’s IEP? Where does consultation fit into counseling? How do you define counseling goals and evaluate whether these goals are being met? School Psychologist as Counselor is the best book to address how counseling can be integrated with academic and behavioral interventions. This book contains 12 chapters that overview different counseling approaches, provide example situations for their use, and demonstrate why these techniques are valuable skills for any school mental health professional to develop.
Well-being and Performance at Work
Author: Marc van Veldhoven
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 1317588789
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 191
Book Description
Psychology has been interested in the well-being and performance of people at work for over a century, but our knowledge about both issues, and how they relate to each other, is still evolving. This important new collection provides new understandings on what it means to work productively while also feeling happy, socially related and healthy. Including contributions from a range of international experts, the book begins with a conceptual framework for understanding both concepts, before showing how a variety of different contexts, both organizational and personal, impact upon well-being and performance. The book includes chapters on specific job roles, from creative work to service positions, as well as the importance of HR policies and how the individual worker can determine their own well-being and performance. Also featuring a chapter on researching this fascinating area, Well-being and Performance at Work will be essential reading for all students and researchers of organizational or occupational psychology, HRM and business and management. It is also hugely relevant for any professionals interested in the productivity and well-being of their organizations.
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 1317588789
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 191
Book Description
Psychology has been interested in the well-being and performance of people at work for over a century, but our knowledge about both issues, and how they relate to each other, is still evolving. This important new collection provides new understandings on what it means to work productively while also feeling happy, socially related and healthy. Including contributions from a range of international experts, the book begins with a conceptual framework for understanding both concepts, before showing how a variety of different contexts, both organizational and personal, impact upon well-being and performance. The book includes chapters on specific job roles, from creative work to service positions, as well as the importance of HR policies and how the individual worker can determine their own well-being and performance. Also featuring a chapter on researching this fascinating area, Well-being and Performance at Work will be essential reading for all students and researchers of organizational or occupational psychology, HRM and business and management. It is also hugely relevant for any professionals interested in the productivity and well-being of their organizations.
Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Care
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
ISBN: 9241547626
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
The main aim of this practical Handbookis to strengthen counselling and communication skills of skilled attendants (SAs) and other health providers, helping them to effectively discuss with women, families and communities the key issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, postnatal and post-abortion care. Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Careis divided into three main sections. Part 1 is an introduction which describes the aims and objectives and the general layout of the Handbook. Part 2 describes the counselling process and outlines the six key steps to effective counselling. It explores the counselling context and factors that influence this context including the socio-economic, gender, and cultural environment. A series of guiding principles is introduced and specific counselling skills are outlined. Part 3 focuses on different maternal and newborn health topics, including general care in the home during pregnancy; birth and emergency planning; danger signs in pregnancy; post-abortion care; support during labor; postnatal care of the mother and newborn; family planning counselling; breastfeeding; women with HIV/AIDS; death and bereavement; women and violence; linking with the community. Each Session contains specific aims and objectives, clearly outlining the skills that will be developed and corresponding learning outcomes. Practical activities have been designed to encourage reflection, provoke discussions, build skills and ensure the local relevance of information. There is a review at the end of each session to ensure the SAs have understood the key points before they progress to subsequent sessions.
Publisher: World Health Organization
ISBN: 9241547626
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 240
Book Description
The main aim of this practical Handbookis to strengthen counselling and communication skills of skilled attendants (SAs) and other health providers, helping them to effectively discuss with women, families and communities the key issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, postnatal and post-abortion care. Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Careis divided into three main sections. Part 1 is an introduction which describes the aims and objectives and the general layout of the Handbook. Part 2 describes the counselling process and outlines the six key steps to effective counselling. It explores the counselling context and factors that influence this context including the socio-economic, gender, and cultural environment. A series of guiding principles is introduced and specific counselling skills are outlined. Part 3 focuses on different maternal and newborn health topics, including general care in the home during pregnancy; birth and emergency planning; danger signs in pregnancy; post-abortion care; support during labor; postnatal care of the mother and newborn; family planning counselling; breastfeeding; women with HIV/AIDS; death and bereavement; women and violence; linking with the community. Each Session contains specific aims and objectives, clearly outlining the skills that will be developed and corresponding learning outcomes. Practical activities have been designed to encourage reflection, provoke discussions, build skills and ensure the local relevance of information. There is a review at the end of each session to ensure the SAs have understood the key points before they progress to subsequent sessions.