The Values of Psychotherapy

The result of a collaboration between a practitioner and a philosopher, this work confirms the importance of psychotherapy through an examination of its ehtical and philosophical basis. The authors set out to show what is valuable about psychotherapy, and to answer its scientific, philosophical, and political critics. They focus on specific, moral and ethical dilemmas that arise in the different forms of psychotherapy, and offer possible solutions. Must therapists always be truthful with their clients? What should happen if therapist and client form a sexual relationship? Can therapy be beneficial even it is imposed on clients? The problem of psychotherapy for the less well off is also discussed and a possible code of practice for psychotherapists put forward. The book ends by putting the case for the establishment of an independent profession of psychotherapy.