
An Introduction to Psychodynamic Counselling
Laurence Spurling(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
4th Edition
Published on 2. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-1-350-54361-4 (ISBN)
Description
Now in its fourth edition, this book introduces the key theoretical ideas, assumptions and techniques behind psychodynamic approaches to therapeutic practice.
Written by an experienced and leading expert in psychodynamic counselling, this key text addresses a range of issues that challenges practitioners of all levels, ranging from basic concepts to more complex cases, and providing practical guidance across various therapeutic settings.
This new edition:
- Includes a brand-new chapter on basic psychoanalytical ideas, exploring the link between psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles
- Explores the rise in digital technology and remote access to therapy
- Makes extensive use of vivid clinical examples now presented in a more reader-friendly way
By paying attention to the setting, particularly in organizations, and the different stages of counselling, this book remains a valuable text for all counsellors, psychotherapists and professionals in related psychological and mental health fields.
Written by an experienced and leading expert in psychodynamic counselling, this key text addresses a range of issues that challenges practitioners of all levels, ranging from basic concepts to more complex cases, and providing practical guidance across various therapeutic settings.
This new edition:
- Includes a brand-new chapter on basic psychoanalytical ideas, exploring the link between psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles
- Explores the rise in digital technology and remote access to therapy
- Makes extensive use of vivid clinical examples now presented in a more reader-friendly way
By paying attention to the setting, particularly in organizations, and the different stages of counselling, this book remains a valuable text for all counsellors, psychotherapists and professionals in related psychological and mental health fields.
Reviews / Votes
Spurling's new edition expertly integrates traditional psychoanalytic constructs with the realities of contemporary counselling in an extraordinary fashion, helping both novice and experienced clinicians practice their craft with greater sophistication. With observations from the psychodynamic counselling "founders and masters", such as Freud, Winnicott and Bowlby, this text explains how these theories apply to and can inform our best modern-day counselling service practices. * Charles A. Waehler, Associate Professor Emeritus in Counselling Psychology, University of Akron, US * In this book, Spurling's great strength is the way he unfolds his clinical examples, which are deep and layered, alongside compelling discussions of theory. Each section is written beautifully in clear and engaging prose, enriched by references to literature. Whether you are a new practitioner or an experienced psychotherapist or counsellor, you will make exciting discoveries within these pages. * Chris Nicholson, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex, UK * This accessible account of psychodynamic theory and practice is an essential text for prospective psychodynamic counsellors and psychotherapists. It successfully conveys the substance and significance of once-weekly psychodynamic work. * Clea McEnery-West, Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Birkbeck, University of London, UK *More details
Edition
4th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
5
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
384 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-54361-4 (9781350543614)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Laurence Spurling was Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Birkbeck College, University of London, and a Consultant Adult Psychotherapist in the National Health Service. He continues to teach and supervise and works now in private practice.
Content
Preface to the 4th edition
Introduction
Chapter One: General Principles of Therapeutic Practice
Chapter Two: Basic Principles of the Psychoanalytic Approach
Chapter Three: Creating and Maintaining a Psychodynamic Setting
Chapter Four: Dynamics and Structures of the Mind
Chapter Five: The Inner World
Chapter Six: Transference and its Manifestations
Chapter Seven: Working in the Transference
Chapter Eight: Phases of the Counselling Work
Chapter Nine: Working with Psychotic and Borderline States of Mind
Chapter Ten: Working with Difference
Chapter Eleven: The Organizational Framework
Further Reading
References
Index
Introduction
Chapter One: General Principles of Therapeutic Practice
Chapter Two: Basic Principles of the Psychoanalytic Approach
Chapter Three: Creating and Maintaining a Psychodynamic Setting
Chapter Four: Dynamics and Structures of the Mind
Chapter Five: The Inner World
Chapter Six: Transference and its Manifestations
Chapter Seven: Working in the Transference
Chapter Eight: Phases of the Counselling Work
Chapter Nine: Working with Psychotic and Borderline States of Mind
Chapter Ten: Working with Difference
Chapter Eleven: The Organizational Framework
Further Reading
References
Index