Book Reviews: Handbook of Professional and Ethical Practice for Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists

HANDBOOK OF PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICE FOR
PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELLORS AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
Edited by Rachel Tribe and Jean Morrissey, Routledge
ISBN 1583919694, £17.99

STAR RATING: 5/5

I thought I might find this on the dull side, but was pleasantly
surprised when I started reading what turned out to be an excellent
read, writes Richard Curen.

The authors have brought leading academics and practitioners
together under a broad psychological umbrella, and they write in a
consistently clear and informative way about a wide range of
topics.

The book is divided into five sections that cover professional
practice; legal considerations and responsibilities; clinical
considerations; working with diversity; and research, supervision
and training. Each of these sections in turn has about five
chapters that cover a range of pertinent ethical
considerations.

The highlight for me was the chapter on confidentiality and the
Data Protection Act 1998, which is an absolute must for all
practitioners engaged in face-to-face work. It informs the reader
about the complexities of notekeeping and the issues that arise
when practitioners come into contact with the legal system.

This book is full of essential information that all professionals
providing psychological support must read. I recommend it
highly.

Richard Curen is a psychotherapist and counsellor, and is
director of Respond