Person-Centred Counselling in Action

‘This fourth edition has all the strengths of the previous editions but includes a new chapter on recent developments in person-centred theory and practice, as well as a chapter on developments in research by John McLeod. The chapter on research, which comes at the end of the book, is an excellent explanation of why person-centred practitioners must both be informed by and engage with research, which will totally convince the doubters (like me).

The book remains an invaluable introduction to person-centred concepts and can be used as both a reference and a reminder for those already familiar with the approach, to inform practice, enrich supervision or as a study aid for students.

It is a resounding riposte to those who continue to refuse to acknowledge the clinical relevance and proven efficacy of this approach.’

Val Simanowitz, Person-Centred BACP Accredited Counsellor and Supervisor
Therapy Today

′This book has influenced a generation of counsellors and the new edition continues to offer insight and wisdom′ -
Janet Tolan, Psychotherapist and author of Skills in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy

′This fourth edition has been a very worthwhile endeavour. If this is to be Mearns and Thorne′s last work of this type then it will be a lasting legacy for all counsellors and psychotherapists for some time to come and not just person-centred practitioners,. The updates are seamless and form a coherent state of the art presentation of person-centred theory and practice. Both novice and experienced therapists will find much to gain from reading this book, even if they have read previous editions. The addition of John McCleod′s chapter strengthens this edition even further. Research on Person Centred Counselling is a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to the reasons for research, approaches to research and research on person-centred counselling itself. A highly commendable book′ -

Sheila Haugh, Senior Lecturer MSc Person Centred Contemporary Psychotherapy and Applications, Metanoia, London

′Person-Centred Counselling in Action continues to inform and inspire my doctoral students and lead them to a deeper, much more nuanced understanding of the Person-Centred approach. Moreover, the book has been invaluable in instilling many of the core principles that enable them to become skilled practitioners, mindful of what the therapeutic relationship really means′ -
Dr. Susan Maise Strauss, Senior University Teacher in Counselling Psychology, City University London

-- Therapy Today
This is an excellent book which embeds the practical application of Carl Roger′s Person Centred Approach into real, live examples. This ensures a full and comprehensive understanding of the theories, allowing students to grasp these in a realist way. -- Carol McGowan * drupal *
This book is excellent and very readable. The transfer of skills are exceptionally described and easily understood. -- Carol McGowan * drupal *
This is an excellent text which provides a concise update on person centred counselling and is very relevant for coaching which is my main interest. It provides trainee coaches with a succinct appreciation of the topic at a level of depth over and above short chapters in text books which I was otherwise using. Other texts are too wordy or out of date -- Dr Adrian Myers * drupal *
This book has an excellent development of the Core Conditions as well as an excellent critique of the counselling process. -- Dr Bill Naylor * drupal *
This is a helpful and well structured book that gives a clear overview of the theory with links to practice. -- Dr Gillian Constable * drupal *
Continued from previous semester′s work. Best intro to person-centred for those who wish to follow it up. -- Dr Roger Bretherton * drupal *
This book is essential reading for any person-centred trainee or counselling practitioner. -- Dr Valda Swinton * drupal *
A vital text for those studying person-centred psychotherapy and counselling, easily accessible both in terms of structure and content. -- Michelle Cooke * drupal *
This is already on the reading list for BA1 communication and engagement in social work. A welcome new edition. -- Miss Debbie Thackray * drupal *
(Not Early Years Course; BTEC Counselling Skills Dip. & Worcs. Uni Foundation Degree in Counselling.) This is on the book list for all these courses. We already had it but have ordered 5 more.
Students find this accessible; it has good examples and is well designed with inset boxes for examples then referred to in the text. It draws on a wealth of other writers and has a comprehensive reference list which students can use to access further reading. -- Miss Gem Duncan * drupal *
Good book for further reading for adult students encountering patients with mental health issues. -- Miss Moira Walker * drupal *
A must have book for any Person-Centred Counsellor or student studying counselling -- Miss Nicola Lord * drupal *
An excellent text that makes understanding the person centred approach easy to grasp. Demonstrates the core conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence brilliantly and relates them to "real life" scenarios. " -- Miss Vicky Calvert * drupal *
Person-centred matches our programme′s principles and is what the module is based upon -- Mr Baljeet Gill * drupal *
A key text for any counselling course, this edition is augmented by the addition of John McLeod′s excellent chapter on research. -- Mr Graham Bright * drupal *
An excellent and time-tested, comprehensive book. Every new edition is substantially improved, and I cannot recommend this to students enough. -- Mr Ian Townsend * drupal *
One of the great contributions to the person centred approach -- Mr John Marsden * drupal *
Excellent updated edition of a still reliable ′classic′ -- Mr Keith Walmsley-Smith * drupal *
Whilst there are a number of books on this subject I have found this one especially helpful. The use and range of practical examples is particularly helpful to students. -- Mr Neil Evans * drupal *
This publication up-dates previous titles and expands the Person-Centred knowledge base by including up to date theories and research. -- Mr Richard Carroll * drupal *
This is a standard read on the topic and has stood the test of time! -- Mr Simon O'Donohoe * drupal *
This is an important book for anyone studying communication between people. It is aimed at those involved in person-centred counselling, however any such techniques are of use to those communicating daily with other people - certainly within a professional, helping service. -- Mr Walter Green * drupal *
A great supportive text for our students -- Mrs Claire Smith * drupal *
This update will be added to the essential reading list for trainee counsellors. Continued developments in the Person Centred Approach are documented in a style that is accessible and relevant to trainee counsellors. -- Mrs Denise Hardy * drupal *
A must have book for anyone who is practicing as a person centred therapist. It is also very student friendly and should be on the reading list for all counselling trainers and trainees. A fantastic, beautifully written book that has stood the test of time. -- Mrs Gael Kilduff * drupal *
A very easy, useful book for students covering the basic principles of person centred counselling. Students found it useful in answering assignment relating to the benefits of person centred counselling. A good reference book historically as well as moving the student forward with new develpmemts in this theory. -- Mrs Jackie Robertson * drupal *
A fabulous update - in my opinion, if a trainee reads only one book (and I sincerely hope this is never the case!) then this has to be it! -- Mrs Julie Wyman * drupal *
Update to an already excellent book. Definitely the core text for our new Year 1 and will be a core text for a new module in our Year 3 -- Mrs Maggie Parry * drupal *
easy to read -- Mrs Margaret Gough * drupal *
A detailed analysis of the person-centred approach to counselling which will enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding to a critical level. Key concepts are explained in depth and illustrated with appropriate examples. -- Mrs Suzi Smale * drupal *
A welcome update to a popular handbook, including new developments in the profession whilst maintaining the solid bedrock of the original text. John McLeod′s research chapter adds gravitas and additional appeal for students working at higher academic levels, though the book is versatile across all levels and stages of training -- Mrs Valerie Sanders * drupal *
Person-Centred Counselling in Action, Fourth Edition is an invaluable resource for those beginning counsellor training. The experienced practitioner is also find much to interest and stimulate them.

John McLeod′s contribution on research relevant to the person-centred approach is a welcome addition to the already must read and study for trainee counsellors.

This clearly and simply written text has numerous case examples to illuminate the person-centred approach. A must have for the book shelve. -- Ms Eilish McGuinness * drupal *
A clear and accessible book for all counsellors and counsellors-in-training. It offers a thorough grounding in the core philosophy and key concepts of the approach. Examples throughout offer insight into the person-centred therapeutic relationship. Includes a chapter exploring recent developments in the theory and also one exploring research, with a useful question and answer section. -- Ms Helene Baker * drupal *
The changes in this edition enhance an already very good book. The additional examples make the text even clearer. The chapter on congruence is the best explanation that I have found and the additional example makes this even clearer. I really value the chapter on research. There is reference to diversity, but I wonder if this could be developed further – perhaps linked to the issues of power in relation to difference. -- Ms Jan Grove * drupal *
This book provides up to date and accessible in depth discussion of the various theoretic constructs of Person Centred practice. Highly recommended for both Postgraduate and Undergraduate students -- Ms Jo Cruywagen * drupal *
4th edition of a seminal work, brought up-to-date and invaluable for trainees in person-centred work/students of person-centred theory alike. -- Ms Karen Ilott * drupal *
Excellent book for all educational practitioners who are involved in the mental health and wellbeing of students and wish to support their understanding of the person centered approach to counselling. -- Ms Karen Roper * drupal *
Clear accessible text which is embedded in practice. Students found the examples really useful and the use of terminology appropriate but accessible. -- Ms Liz Henry * drupal *
Excellent book as always from Dave Mearns. This book is clearly written and well structured. -- Ms Wendy Wood * drupal *
This text serves to update students regarding new developments in person-centred counseling theory and practice -- Professor Chris Hoelson * drup