Introduction to Counseling
An Art and Science Perspective (Sixth Edition)
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Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective provides students with an accessible overview of the counseling profession and also demonstrates how fundamental counseling concepts can be employed to successfully address everyday life challenges. The book posits that counseling is both an art and a science, highlighting the balance between the subjective and objective dimensions of counseling.
The first part of the book offers students an introduction to the counseling profession and the counseling process, introducing them to conceptual models for counseling, legal and ethical issues, and assessment, research, and evaluation. The second part of the text provides information on multicultural counseling and counseling theories, emphasizing models that are inclusive and adaptive. The final part of the text identifies special approaches and modalities that are helpful in the treatment of diverse populations in particular settings, including children and adolescents in school settings, individuals with mental health issues in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and more.
The sixth edition of Introduction to Counseling features increased focus on professional identity of counselors, content on wellness and positive psychology, increased focus and awareness of social justice issues and advocacy as important dimensions of multicultural counseling, new information on technology-assisted methods of counseling, increased focus on the role of neuroscience in counseling, updated information on the changes in ethical codes, and new guidelines for diagnosis in DSM-5. Presenting timely and critical information in an approachable way, the text is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing helping professions.
The first part of the book offers students an introduction to the counseling profession and the counseling process, introducing them to conceptual models for counseling, legal and ethical issues, and assessment, research, and evaluation. The second part of the text provides information on multicultural counseling and counseling theories, emphasizing models that are inclusive and adaptive. The final part of the text identifies special approaches and modalities that are helpful in the treatment of diverse populations in particular settings, including children and adolescents in school settings, individuals with mental health issues in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and more.
The sixth edition of Introduction to Counseling features increased focus on professional identity of counselors, content on wellness and positive psychology, increased focus and awareness of social justice issues and advocacy as important dimensions of multicultural counseling, new information on technology-assisted methods of counseling, increased focus on the role of neuroscience in counseling, updated information on the changes in ethical codes, and new guidelines for diagnosis in DSM-5. Presenting timely and critical information in an approachable way, the text is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing helping professions.
Michael Nystul received his Ph.D. in counseling from Oregon State University. He holds the position of professor emeritus in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. Dr. Nystul has served as a professor, mental health counselor, school counselor, and psychologist in a variety of clinical settings over the course of 45 years. He has authored or served as a contributor for more than 100 publications within the field of counseling, including journal articles, book chapters, and books.
“This textbook presents the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of counseling as it transports the student from wanting to become to counselor to the first steps in becoming a counselor.”
Candy H. Ratliff, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Texas Southern University
"This text provides a well-rounded and welcoming introduction to the counseling profession inclusive of up-to-date and relevant topics of interest to students entering this field."
Martha Mason, Ed.D., LCPC, NCC, Counselor Educator and Director of the Education and Counseling Center, DePaul University
“This text helps assess and understand behavior change and actions and gives tools for modifying life when, where, and if needed.”
Dr. Patricia L. McDonald, Professor of Counselor Educator, Siena Heights University
“A comprehensive overview of the counseling profession which will help developing counselors to find their place in the field.”
Paul Cooper, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Northeastern State University
“Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective, Sixth Edition by Michael Scott Nystul covers a great deal of topics that are important for counseling students to learn as they start the process of building a positive counselor-focused foundation for working with individuals, couples, families, and groups.”
Ryan Bowers, Assistant Profess or Psychology and Counseling, Immaculata University
“This is a very good first exposure for students who have little knowledge of the counseling field (and for those who think they do know something about it).”
Dennis Trickett, Chair of Psychology, University of the Cumberlands
Reviews from the Fifth Edition
“Introduction to Counseling provides a practical and thoughtful guide for learners exploring the dynamic field of counseling.”
Darren H. Iwamoto, Chaminnade University of Honolulu
“The text is very easy to read and the author’s personal notes at helpful at illustrating key points."
Julie M. Koch, Oklahoma State University
“This textbook offers plenty of material across a wide span of topics from scholarly material to applied examples. It gives students a realistic example of counseling in the ‘real world.’"
Maria Cuddy, Immaculata University
“I appreciate the organizational approach to the information. I use the personal exploration questions as reading assignments, due each Friday. Students really appreciate chapter 8 - Creative Arts Therapies!”
Dr. Karen Linstrum, East Texas Baptist University
Candy H. Ratliff, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Texas Southern University
"This text provides a well-rounded and welcoming introduction to the counseling profession inclusive of up-to-date and relevant topics of interest to students entering this field."
Martha Mason, Ed.D., LCPC, NCC, Counselor Educator and Director of the Education and Counseling Center, DePaul University
“This text helps assess and understand behavior change and actions and gives tools for modifying life when, where, and if needed.”
Dr. Patricia L. McDonald, Professor of Counselor Educator, Siena Heights University
“A comprehensive overview of the counseling profession which will help developing counselors to find their place in the field.”
Paul Cooper, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Northeastern State University
“Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective, Sixth Edition by Michael Scott Nystul covers a great deal of topics that are important for counseling students to learn as they start the process of building a positive counselor-focused foundation for working with individuals, couples, families, and groups.”
Ryan Bowers, Assistant Profess or Psychology and Counseling, Immaculata University
“This is a very good first exposure for students who have little knowledge of the counseling field (and for those who think they do know something about it).”
Dennis Trickett, Chair of Psychology, University of the Cumberlands
Reviews from the Fifth Edition
“Introduction to Counseling provides a practical and thoughtful guide for learners exploring the dynamic field of counseling.”
Darren H. Iwamoto, Chaminnade University of Honolulu
“The text is very easy to read and the author’s personal notes at helpful at illustrating key points."
Julie M. Koch, Oklahoma State University
“This textbook offers plenty of material across a wide span of topics from scholarly material to applied examples. It gives students a realistic example of counseling in the ‘real world.’"
Maria Cuddy, Immaculata University
“I appreciate the organizational approach to the information. I use the personal exploration questions as reading assignments, due each Friday. Students really appreciate chapter 8 - Creative Arts Therapies!”
Dr. Karen Linstrum, East Texas Baptist University
