Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice
by John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD & Rita Sommers-Flanagan, PhD
Finally, some examples of the major psychotherapy theories all in one video! John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan present eleven of the best-known approaches to counseling and psychotherapy side-by-side, with real therapy sessions and extensive commentary covering theory, strategy, and effective techniques.
Finding a single video demonstrating psychotherapy’s major theoretical orientations has long been next to impossible. Now, Psychotherapy.net is thrilled to offer a masterful survey of the field’s most studied theories to students and instructors alike. You won’t want to miss this video, in which seasoned clinical educators John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan present a practical, in-depth guide through the origins, recent developments, and applications related to eleven major counseling theories, complete with valuable learning aids and extended case studies.

Over the course of eleven compelling segments, the Sommers-Flanagans outline a range of therapeutic orientations, from psychoanalysis to solution-focused therapy and more; each has its own strategies, interventions, and beliefs about the nature of change. Watch John Sommers-Flanagan help 10-year-old Clayton feel better about his “tattletale” brother using an Adlerian family constellation interview. Understand what’s preventing Brittany from attending college classes—and how she can correct this to avoid expulsion—during a behavioral therapy session with Selena Beaumont Hill. See how a feminist approach informs Rita Sommers-Flanagan’s moving work with Amanda, a young woman finding her identity amid a culturally complex web of relationships. And see how family systems therapist Kirsten Murray reengages a stressed family of four in a powerful family sculpt.

Designed for beginners and seasoned therapists alike, this video distills the essence of the major theories of psychotherapy, offering theoretically-grounded interventions and techniques that will be of use to any therapists looking to broaden their toolbox.

Whether you’re a student wanting to understand the basics of different theoretical orientations, a practitioner seeking review materials, or an instructor looking for a single video comparing and contrasting a range of approaches, you’ll find what you need in this comprehensive, one-of-a-kind video.

Theories covered in this video include:
  • Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic
  • Existential
  • Rogerian/Person-Centered
  • Gestalt
  • Behavior
  • Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT)
  • Solution-Focused
  • Feminist
  • Adlerian
  • Reality
  • Family Systems
In Depth
Specs
Bios
Students and instructors alike have been hard-pressed to find a single, easily digestible resource covering the major theoretical orientations of counseling and psychotherapy—until now. Join John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan as they showcase the key principles of eleven orientations and, along with four other engaging therapists, demonstrate their techniques with a diverse range of real clients.

Michael is renegotiating his relationships and formerly active lifestyle after a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease; Peggy is warily considering new directions at an age when retirement plans are more common; Tesla, a dyslexic high school senior, seeks guidance on managing her college anxieties. You’ll see three different clinicians lead them though person-centered, existential, and solution-focused therapy, respectively, in exchanges that highlight the orientation’s theory and real-time application, leading each client to deeper insight and connection.

Pragmatic with careful attention to each session’s details, the Sommers-Flanagans take you through a host of additional theories (including reality therapy, Gestalt, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, and CBT) while illustrating techniques such as confrontation, the empty chair, presence, reflective listening, problem-solving, psychoeducation, and many more. If you want a video that explains it all in one place, Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories is a must-have in your library.

By watching this video, you will:
  • Increase your theoretical knowledge of eleven counseling and psychotherapy approaches.
  • Understand the therapeutic stance and strategies involved in each approach.
  • Identify the primary clinical interventions of each approach and discover ways to adapt them to your own practice.

Length of video: 4:25:00

English subtitles available

Individual ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-392-8

Group ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-393-6

Group ISBN-13 #: 978-1-60124-393-5

John Sommers-Flanagan, PhD, is a professor of counselor education at the University of Montana. He is also a clinical psychologist and mental health consultant with Trapper Creek Job Corps. He served as executive director of Families First Parenting Programs from 1995 to 2003 and was previously co-host of a radio talk-show on Montana Public Radio titled, “What is it with Men?”

Primarily specializing in working with children, parents, and families, John is author or coauthor of over 50 professional publications and nine books. Some of his latest books, co-written with his wife Rita, include How to Listen so Parents will Talk and Talk so Parents will Listen (John Wiley & Sons, 2011) and Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories in Context and Practice (2nd ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2012), Clinical Interviewing (5th ed., Wiley, 2014), and Tough Kids, Cool Counseling (2nd ed., ACA, 2007). In his wild and precious spare time, John loves to run (slowly), dance (poorly), laugh (loudly) and produce home-made family music videos.

Rita Sommers-Flanagan, PhD, has been a professor of counselor education at the University of Montana for over two decades. She is a clinical psychologist and has served as a mental health consultant for the Vet Center in Missoula Montana. She is also on the Executive Board of the faculty union, and very involved in the issues facing academia and higher education.

Rita has published text books, professional articles, books chapters, and poems. Some of these include an ethics text, a book for parents facing divorce, and other works co-authored with her husband, John Sommers-Flanagan. She has particular interests in feminist theory and therapy, as well as professional and applied ethics. In her spare time, she works on alternative energy projects, writing fiction, gardening, jogging, and being grateful for all the wonders and joys that life entails.

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