Values Clarification in Counseling and Psychotherapy: Practical Strategies for Individual and Group Settings
"What a great resource! This book represents an important contribution to a long neglected area of practice. Values are truly the basis of so much we do and think, yet they so often go unexamined. How many times have counselors thought that we have covered all the ground and have reached that point in the therapeutic alliance where action is warranted, only to hear, 'Yes, But'? This is a clear indication that we may have helped the client reach a cognitive understanding but missed the underlying values present in the issues and that must be addressed in any steps toward change. This book clearly addresses often overlooked, and sometimes avoided, crucial aspect of the therapeutic process."E.H. Mike Robinson, III, Ph.D., Robert Heitzelman Eminent Scholar and Chair, Department of EdEducational and Human Sciences, College of Education, University of Central Florida"Dr. Howard Kirschenbaum is the most qualified person I know to write this book. His background in education, psychotherapy, group training and writing is an unbeatable combination for helping therapists and counselors do their best work. This is a remarkable tool that will enhance the skills of anyone in the field of human growth."Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, Ed.D., lecturer, consultant; author, Clarifying Jewish Values."This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical book on values clarification. Straightforward examples and real life applications make this book a must read for students and professional helpers from diverse fields. As therapist-educator, I am thrilled to have a resource that will support my students in discovering their inner selves."Stephen P. Demanchick, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Creative Arts Therapy, Director, Nazareth College Play Therapy Center for Children and Families, Rochester, NY; co-editor, Person-Centered Journal."Counseling and psychotherapy is by no means a 'value free' enterprise; both clients and mental health professionals have preferred values and beliefs. Furthermore, both professionals and clients may need help in understanding and clarifying their values in the therapeutic process. Dr. Kirschenbaum has developed an excellent book that not only helps mental professionals develop the skills necessary to facilitate client value clarification, but also assists professionals in understanding clarifying their own personal values, and thereby avoiding the juxtaposition of those values onto clients in therapy."Richard E. Watts, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor of Counseling, Sam Houston State University, immediate past editor of Counseling and Values.