Drawing on examples from clinical practice, this book presents evidence‑based psychological principles in an applied context to support effective practice in the helping professions.
This book takes a narrative approach, presenting a collection of individual cases to complement the traditionally theory‑heavy education and training of mental health professionals. It demonstrates easy to learn, practical skills found invaluable in supporting and treating a broad range of clients, from pre‑verbal children to the elderly. The case examples are designed to encourage and motivate a more comprehensive understanding of general psychological terms, which is further supported by callouts, reflection prompts, and extension exercises. Rich with examples from the authors’ many years of clinical psychology practice and graduate teaching, this book is written for students and practitioners alike.
Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface 1. Where Do We Begin? 2. Reflections that highlight the real issue 3. How well do we listen? 4. What to do when listening is tough? 5. Strategies for dealing with Emotional responses 6. Underlying issues require differing support options 7. Understanding Depression – in its various forms 8. Recap of memory recall on depression 9. Grief and loss explored within a wide context 10. Mental illness or not? 11. Addictions or Habits - good and bad 12. Identity – being grounded in self-acceptance 13. Ways of Thinking (WOT) 14. Personality and Relationships 15. Assessment of Abilities and Learning Difficulties 16. Schemas which dominate living patterns 17. Interdisciplinary Collaborations 18. Caring for the carer
About the Author :
Esther M. Roodenburg is a former academic at Monash University, Australia, who remains committed to community involvement. After secondary teaching, and raising five children, she continued her work as a community‑based psychologist, completing a qualitative PhD researching individual differences. Her university graduate teaching and supervision focused on broad case‑based practical applications of evidence‑based therapeutic approaches.
John Roodenburg was awarded the 2020 APS National Award of Distinction for leadership in Educational and Developmental Psychology while an academic and clinic director at Monash University. Primary school teaching was followed by work as a school psychologist in rural Victoria. Graduate‑level teaching followed his completion of a PhD modelling individual differences in thinking.
Review :
If you want to know more about how to do the work of professional care-giving, to learn more about real-life psychology underpinning effective care-work, and or to further foster your understanding of giving and receiving care as a reflective practitioner, this is a must read text for you. It offers direct access and refreshing insight into the world of mental health drawing upon a wide range of rich experience. It should inspire student, professional or interested reader alike in facilitating further their own development, personal thinking and relevant reflective practice. I suggest this is a book to own, use and re-use as a tool for teaching and a practical source for what is a serial series of learning conversation about the work of mental health and pastoral care.
Professor Emeritus Stephen Rayner, Birmingham Newman University, UK
There is something profoundly humbling about being called to serve others. Not just as a teacher to teach, or a psychologist to treat (both of which imply a certain status in the relationship) but to share, sit with, support and serve others in their moments of need. Through rich case explorations and thought provoking questions, Dr Esther Roodenburg continues to serve and help other psychologists to serve.
Dr Shane Costello, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Monash University, Australia
