`This book will be of interest to anyone who has ever carried out therapy. Sooner or later all therapists will encounter setbacks, ranging from attempted suicide by a client, to pre-mature termination by a cross and disappointed client... Leiper's book is an intelligent discussion of the types of problems that may be faced, and a sensible set of suggestions for recognising and resolving them. This book is recommended reading for both qualified therapists and therapists in training, for all of whom it maybe both reassuring and helpful' - Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy

`This fascinating, thorough and enjoyable book is not only readable, but is technically valuable. It contains a vast amount of thought-provoking material which I consider to be an invaluable resource for health care professionals from diverse orientations who work directly or indirectly with people struggling to manoeuvre in therapy and to develop the self' - Liz Gordon, The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy

`In a nutshell, this elegantly written book contains a wealth of useful professional experience for readers to draw on, a liberal sprinkling of diagrams and tables (which helps to make it a useful teaching tool) and an interesting list of references' - Jo King, Clinical Psychology

Counsellors and psychotherapists often encounter difficult situations with clients for which they feel ill prepared. At any stage in the process a client may experience a crisis or setback in their progress or simply be unable to move beyond a certain point. Working Through Setbacks in Psychotherapy is therefore intended to help therapists respond to such events which form major obstacles to the successful development and maintenance of the therapeutic relationship.

The authors present a framework for understanding the problems that arise and offer effective guidance for working through difficult situations which test the skills of even the most experienced practitioners. Until now little has been written about the setbacks which can and frequently do occur in the therapeutic process and this book will no doubt be a welcome and accessible addition to the literature for practising and trainee counsellors and psychotherapists and those who supervise them.

Setbacks in the Developmental Process
Understanding Crises
Assessing and Responding to Risk
Crisis Intervention
Crises in Therapy
Recognizing Impasse
Impasse and the Alliance
Impasse and the Therapeutic Strategy
Impasse in the Interaction
Impasse and Resolution
Changing the Pattern
Understanding Relapse
Managing Relapse
Responding to Developmental Challenges