"This book is compact and easy to read, and could make a significant contribution to practitioners' ability to communicate effectively and make their practice patient centred." Journal fo Clinical Nursing "This is a delightful book which is well written, easy to read and suitable for students, qualified nurses and those who are specialist nurses." Journal of Community Nursing Counselling is a diverse activity and there are an increasing number of people who find themselves using counselling skills, not least those in the caring professions. There is a great deal of scope in using counselling skills to promote health in the everyday encounters that nurses have with their patients. The emphasis on care in the community and empowerment of patients through consumer involvement means that nurses are engaged in providing support and help to people to change behaviours. Community nurses often find themselves in situations which require in-depth listening and responding skills: for example, in helping people come to terms with chronic illness, disability and bereavement. Midwives are usually the first port of call for those parents who have experienced miscarriages, bereavements, or are coping with decisions involving the potential for genetic abnormalities. Similarly, health visitors are in a valuable position to provide counselling regarding the immunization and health of the young infant. These practitioners are having to cope not only with new and diverse illnesses, for example HIV and AIDS, but also with such policy initiatives as the National Service Framework for Mental Health and their implications . This book examines contemporary developments in nursing and health care in relation to the fundamental philosophy of counselling, the practicalities of counselling and relevant theoretical underpinnings. Whilst the text is predominantly aimed at nurses, midwives and health visitors, it will also be of interest to those professionals allied to medicine, for example physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dieticians.

A fantastic introductory guide for mental health nursing students who wish to develop and hone their communication skills.

This is a concise, practical and timely guide to the improved management of health promotion. It includes information on systems for quality improvement and audit of health promotion. It describes a developmental approach to intervention based on the values and processes of individual autonomy, democracy, mutual empowerment and community participation. Emphasis is placed both on how to create organizations and conditions which enhance health and quality of life, and on how to empower individuals and forge relationships through which everyone makes health gains. Recent research and evaluation is discussed in a practical way including how best to help people change their lifestyles and how to extend our outreach so that hard-to-reach groups become active participants. [Editor]

An understanding of the theories that shape and define mental health policy and practice is essential for every mental health nurse. This book gives you the knowledge you need to understand those complex and varying theories, concepts and approaches. It helps you to deconstruct mental health and become a critical practitioner by drawing on a wealth of literature and research. Topics covered include cognitive behavioural therapy, recovery, risk and critical theories. Every Chapter includes: - Learning objectives and chapter summaries which highlight the key points. - A detailed case study which challenges you to relate theory to practice. - An explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. It will be essential reading for all students of mental health nursing at pre-registration and practitioner level. It will also be valuable reading for those taking broader courses in mental health. Theo Stickley is Associate Professor of Mental Health at the University of Nottingham. Nicola Wright is Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of Nottingham.

Nurses need highly developed skills in order to communicate sensitively and collaboratively, across a wide range of media, with patients, clients, and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds. This textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to essential communication skills with an emphasis on practical application within modern healthcare settings. Supporting students and practitioners in developing a patient-centred and therapeutic framework for communication, it features research from a wide range of healthcare contexts, and provides exercises and action plans to help nurses integrate psychological and healthcare communication theory into their day-to-day professional practice. Renowned for its clear, accessible and engaging guidance, this is an indispensable textbook for all undergraduate nursing students. New to this Edition: - A new chapter on collaborative communication - New material on diversity - Revised and updated throughout to provide contemporary case studies, the latest literature, original theories and models, and skills development