`An interesting overview of medical and psychiatric issues that may arise for counsellors... readable, lucid and free of jargon. The issues addressed include referral and assessment, ongoing counselling and supervision, medical conditions and their treatment, psychiatric conditions and their treatment, and ethical and legal issues... it raises awareness of some important issues to consider when working with clients with medical and psychiatric conditions′ - British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

Medical or psychiatric issues frequently arise during counselling and counsellors need to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately. Medical and Psychiatric Issues for Counsellors, Second Edition is the perfect guide to this challenging area of practice.

It provides a clear introduction to:

" the nature of mental illness,

" the relationship between mental and physical health and

" the role of counselling in relation to both.

Highly practical and right up-to-date, this Second Edition examines how to manage medical or psychiatric issues as they emerge, whether during assessment or at a later stage in the counselling process. Guidance is given on:

" how to recognise serious mental health problems

" the effects of psychiatric drugs

" assessement and referral to other services, and

" legal and ethical issues.

The Second Edition covers changes in the context of counselling practice - particularly in health care settings - such as the use of tools to measure outcomes, evidence-based practice and clinical governance. The common principles of care and working with other professionals are also explored.

This Second Edition is essential reading both for counsellors in health care settings and those practising in more general contexts. It is also suitable for all mental health workers needing a clear, practical introduction to working with clients.

Brian Daines is an independent practitioner, Clinical Tutor in Psychosexual Medicine at University of Sheffield and a college counsellor. Linda Gask is Professor of Primary Care Psychiatry at University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in Salford. Amanda Howe is Professor of Primary Care at the Institute of Health, University of East Anglia.

Linda Gask is Reader in Psychiatry at the University of Manchester and has been a Consultant Psychiatrist for ten years.