Abstract Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy covers all of the theories that counselors may choose to incorporate with their own clients. In part one Corey covers the counselor and the person as well as ethical issues in counseling practice. Corey does a brief overview of the theories separated by chapters which include key concepts, therapeutic process, application and techniques, evaluation, and informational readings that delve farther into that specific theory. This book report will consist of the summary of the book along with added opinions and conversation about the material. Introduction This segment introduces the thought of different approaches to therapeutic practices and suggests that upon reading the information regarding the various counseling theories combined with your own personality that you will come to choose a certain theory or theories you will want to use while counseling. Corey demonstrates how important it is to keep an open mind and that picking a theory is a long process that simply cannot be discovered by just reading the material but a combination of reading, research and applying the theories. It is important to note that you cannot view a theory as being right or wrong but rather a unique combination of understanding and techniques applied. Corey shares his beliefs and philosophy in the book to portray where he stands and any biases he may have. The first theories covered in the book are psychodynamic approaches, the second is experiential and relationship-oriented therapy, third are cognitive behavioral approaches, the final segment are approaches that encompass the systems and post-modern perspective. During the duration of the book, you will follow the case of Stan. Stan provides you a live demonstration of a theory in action. Throughout the book he will present various problems and life struggles and the reader will choose concepts and techniques from the reading to apply to Stan’s circumstance. Corey presents an overview of Stan’s life and some consistent themes are that he frequently turns to alcohol due to his lack of confidence in social settings, feeling behind for his age in his education and career, becoming action oriented in following through with his goal setting, tension with his father and siblings, drug use, wanting to grow and accept himself. He also mentions his fear of women, intense anxiety, wanting a fresh start, afraid of failure, wanting to make a difference, never feeling loved or wanted, and wanting healthy relationships. However, the most important and notable is the fact that he mentioned having suicidal thoughts so that is something for the counselor to look into while doing the intake. The first chapter covers the counselor as a therapeutic person and the personal character tics of someone working as a counselor. Some of the traits that make an effective counselor as decsrbied by Corey are: Effective therapists have a identity Effective therapists make choices and are life oriented Effective therapists are honest and authentic Effective therapist have a sincere interest in the welfare of others Effective therapists are able to maintain healthy boundaries Those are just some of the few that Corey decsrbied and that are attributed to research done. Corey points out the importance of seeking therapy as counselors. “The vast majority of mental health professionals have experienced personal therapy, typically on several occasions (Geller,Norcross, & Orlinsky, 2005). A study shows that 90% of counselors report positive outcomes from seeking their own therapy. Norcross (2005) shows that by attending our own therapy we can better understand the importance of interpersonal relationships and the dynamics of psychotherapy. By seeking counseling and confronting our own areas of conflict we may be more aware of how these and how they affect us as persons and counselors. Corey then discusses his own experience with depression and how he struggled with helping others with depression because he never sought out his own counseling for his own depression. Just as important are the roles and values of counseling in developing therapeutic goals. The initial interview and intake session is a great place to start familiarizing yourself with the client’s goals they have in mind. It is also important to discover what the person would like out of the counseling relationship with you. Becoming an effective counselor means that you have acquired competencies in multicultural counseling as well. Corey shares the study of Sue, Arredondo, and McDavis (1992) and that there dimensions for competency in multi-cultural counseling involve three areas: 1) beliefs and attitudes, 2) knowledge, and 3) skills. Issues faced by beginning therapists will be a great reference during internship and practicum. Corey discusses he importance of dealing with your anxieties, self-disclosure, avoiding perfectionism, being honest about your limitations, dealing with d