A New Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy: Embedding Context, Diversity, and Equity into Practice

This groundbreaking, comprehensive, and practical textbook offers a mainstream introduction to self-development, theory, skills, and practice in counselling and psychotherapy. Mamood Ahmad systematically embeds the implications of the "client in context" through an evolving framework called whole-person practice, woven into every aspect of mainstream knowledge and practice to address gaps. This includes essential, yet often overlooked, dimensions such as social context, culture, identity, diversity, neurodiversity, embodiment, knowledge, worldviews, power dynamics, intersectionality, and trauma- and harm-informed approaches. As a result, the book strengthens the very foundations of therapy for all and ensures that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI/DEI) are embedded by design from the outset rather than treated as add-ons. Each chapter is structured as a practical learning resource and lesson plan, modelling an embedded course curriculum and featuring case studies, discussion prompts, and reflection exercises to enhance critical thinking and real-world application to practise. Learning is further enriched by contributions from therapists with lived experience and specialised knowledge, as well as access to online resources and additional training opportunities. Unlocking the future of a stronger, sustainable, and more equitable therapeutic profession, this book will be an essential part of psychotherapy and counselling curricula for students, course tutors, therapists, supervisors, and other helping professionals.