An Introduction to Psychodynamic Counselling: Fourth Edition

Author(s) : Laurence Spurling

Book Details

Publisher : Bloomsbury
Published : October 2025
Cover : Paperback
Pages : 248
Category :
Counselling
Category 2 :
Forthcoming
Catalogue No : 98302
ISBN 13 : 9781350543614
ISBN 10 : 1350543616

Also by Laurence Spurling

The Psychoanalytic Craft: How to Develop as a...

Price £33.99

Paperback

£29.99

This item is not yet published. You may pre-order a copy and we will send it out when it becomes available.
Free UK Delivery over £25

There are currently no reviews
Be the first to review

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.

Reviews & Endorsements
Table of Contents
About the Author(s)
Customer Reviews

Reviews and Endorsements

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

Preface to the 4th edition
Introduction

1. General Principles of Therapeutic Practice
2. Basic Principles of the Psychoanalytic Approach
3. Creating and Maintaining a Psychodynamic Setting
4. Dynamics and Structures of the Mind
5. The Inner World
6. Transference and its Manifestations
7. Working in the Transference
8. Phases of the Counselling Work
9. Working with Psychotic and Borderline States of Mind
10. Working with Difference
11. The Organizational Framework

Further Reading
References
Index

About the Author(s)

Laurence Spurling is a practising Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in London and a Senior Member of the British Psychotherapy Foundation. He is Senior Lecturer in Psychosocial Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London, where he co-ordinates and teaches on the counselling and psychotherapy training programmes, and is a Consultant Adult Psychotherapist for the East London NHS Mental Health Trust. He has published widely on clinical issues.

More titles by Laurence Spurling