Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective - Paperback

Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective presents readers with an in-depth but student-friendly look into the counseling profession. It uniquely considers counseling and psychotherapy as both art and science in order to highlight the balance between the subjective and objective dimensions of the field. Author Michael Scott Nystul writes from the perspective that counseling concepts can be useful to address challenges of daily living.

The book is divided into three parts (An Overview of Counseling and the Counseling Process; Multicultural Counseling and Counseling Theories; and Special Approaches and Settings). The rich pedagogy includes "A Counseling Frame of Reference for Daily Life," a handbook that can be downloaded for free by students to apply information from the text to opportunities and challenges of everyday life.

The seventh edition has been updated to address a number of new trends, topics, and information from the field such as the impact of the mental health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic (and the enhanced telebehavioral health strategies that resulted) and the pluses and minuses of artificial intelligence on counseling services. It incorporates the latest standards from key associations such as AMHCA (including the CACREP standards), ACA, and APA and also reflects the DSM-5-TR.

Designed for both majors and nonmajors, this comprehensive resource is well-suited for undergraduate and graduate courses like Introduction to Counseling and Professional Issues in Counseling.