543

book reviews Just Beneath the Surface: The processes of counseling and psychotherapy

by Dr Sandra Delroy in collaboration with Cheryl Gordon. Dobro Publishing, 3 Northumberland House, 237 Ballards Lane, London NE3 lLB, 1996 (ISBN 0 9527520 OX). 160 pages. f 15.

This is a very personal account of the way in which Sandra Delroy works as a clinical psychologist. She describes the development of her approach to counselling and the differences she experienced in transferring her workplace from the States t o the UK. The book is backed by sound theory and well referenced, with a particularly interesting discussion of the Rogerian approach.

Dr Delroy works psychothera- peutically rather than cognitively, emphasising the need to get in touch with neglected feelings and emotional life. Her book is written primarily for health professionals whom she sees as ‘potential facilita- tors of personal growth’. She argues that people have a right to expect that their feelings as well as their physical health will receive attention.

‘When they find that health professionals are unable t o deal with the emotional aspects of their physical complaints, that often leads to disappointment and confusion, leaving their feelings stifled and repressed. In this way emotional complications can take root. While the feelings probably were quite accessible, people are taught to push them back. That is how unwanted psychological symp- toms often develop.’

Much of the book concentrates on enabling health professionals to distinguish between and separate their own emotional needs from those of their patients, and to develop real listening skills rather than a question-and-answer approach.

There is a chapter on bereave- ment and another on the psycho- therapeutic relationship, and how it must differ from other relation- ships, especially with regard t o boundaries and time-keeping. Anyone considering attending one

of Dr Delroy’s counselling skills training weeks should read the last two chapters.

Some of the Americanisms may be slightly irritating; in particular, the constant reference to health and mental health professionals. (I see myself as a health profes- sional working in mental health, rather than a separate breed!)

This book is easy to read, thought- provoking and academically sound. I would recommend it t o anyone seeking a new dimension in their caring role.

Tina Everett MCSP

Occupational Therapy in Short-term Psychiatry edited by Moya Willson. Churchill Living- stone, Edinburgh, 1996 (ISBN 0 443 05396 0). Illus. 269 pages. f 16.

This is the third edition of this book, which the publishers suggest will be of use particularly to students or occupational therapists returning to work. It is designed as a textbook, more for dipping into when one cares t o look something up rather than sitting down and reading from start to finish. It is designed logically in chapters. The preface written by the editor Moya Willson describes its layout of three main sections and comments on the various chapters in each section.

Journal Reprints

Oncology and Palliative Care 28 pages-fa

Reprinted from physiotherapy, December 1994.

Neurology 56 pages - f 15

Reprinted from Physiotherapy, August 1995

Outcome and Audit 64 pages - f 15

Reprinted from Physiotherapy, April 1995.

Electrotherapy 76 pages - f 10

(second edition) Reprinted from issues of Physiotherapy, 1990-94. These reprints are obtainable post free from Department LP, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, 14 Bedford Row, London WCl R 4ED. Please send payment with orders.

Chapter 1 deals with introducing the concept of mental health, and also acts as an introduction for the rest of the book. It is interesting and well written, although it sometimes refers t o other books or writers, without mentioning them in the references at the end of the chapter. The author also makes some state- ments, which could be read as fact, without referring to research or mentioning where the information could be obtained. The chapter on ‘Stress and vulnerability’ appears t o be a revised account by Averil Stewart; I found it interesting and up to date, with references to most recent articles.

The section in this chapter on decision-making and consent caused some concerns in our day unit. The author suggested that consent should be obtained before treatment is offered to a client. We believe that consent for treatment has already been given by the fact that the patient has attended the day unit. This chapter made for some lively discussions over a few lunch hours.

The second section covers key concepts and brings the book up-to- date with chapters on community, primary care and quality of care.

I think the final part which covers intervention will be the most thumbed section of the book. The section on managing stress has been covered by many different authors in a lot more words and depth than this short chapter but i t is well written and to the point.

The book has a few tables, charts and simple line drawings which are appropriate and support the text. I think that more could have been used to explain the script fully.

As the title suggests, the book is designed for occupational therapists starting t o work in psychiatry or students working toward the psychiatry module.

I do not think it would be helpful to a senior physiotherapist working in psychiatry, but if the department has students they may find some of the sections interesting.

Christine Marsh MCSP

Physiotherapy, September 1996, vol82, no 9