Critique is the crux of good academic work, and functions as the hinge-point between scholarship, professional activity and practice. Each theory is only as strong as its capacity to withstand critical examination of its assumptions. Colin Feltham tests the theories, practice and research methods of counselling and counselling psychology.

This book examines fairly but radically the claims and practices of counsellors and counselling psychologists using both macro-critical and micro-critical lenses. Beginning with the deep context of human distress, it sets the scene for key areas for critique, including a focus on the most significant originators of the talking therapy models. The central theoretical concepts of the major approaches are examined afresh in some depth. Components of everyday counselling practice are placed under a critical microscope. Research-based claims are exposed to renewed scrutiny and the professional aspirations of counselling and counselling psychology are not spared a similar critical treatment. A review of relevant socio-economic and philosophical critiques with possible responses rounds off this important appraisal of a psychological practice that has become, for good and/or otherwise, an unavoidable feature of our lives.