Ethics in Therapy & Counseling

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Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling:
A Practical Guide (3rd edition)

Kenneth S. Pope, Ph.D., ABPP
Melba J. T. Vasquez, Ph.D., ABPP

Below are endorsements, the book's table of contents including appendices, about the authors,and complete publication information.

Endorsements from cover and inside liner:

"This is absolutely the best text on professional ethics around... This is a refreshingly open and inviting text that has become a classic in the field."
--Derald Wing Sue, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University

"I love this book! And so will therapists, supervisors and trainees. In fact, it really should be required reading for every mental professional and aspiring professional.... And it is a fun read to boot!"
--Stephen J. Ceci, Ph.D., H.L. Carr Professor of Psychology, Cornell University

"Pope & Vasquez have done it again....an indispensable resource for seasoned professionals and students alike. "
--Beverly Greene, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology, St. John's University

"[The third edition] focuses on how to think about ethical dilemmas...with empathy for the decision-maker whose best option may have to be a compromise between different values. If there is only room on the shelf for one book in the genre, this is it."
--Patrick O'Neill, former President, Canadian Psychological Association

"This third edition of the classic ethics text provides invaluable resources and enables readers to engage in critical thinking in order to make their own decisions. This superb reference belongs in every psychology training program's curriculum and on every psychologist's bookshelf."
--Lillian Comas-Diaz, Ph.D., 2006 President, APA Division of Psychologists in Independent Practice

"Ken Pope and Melba Vasquez are right on target once again in the third edition, a book that every practicing mental health professional should read and have in their reference library."
--Jeffrey N. Younggren, Ph.D., Risk Management Consultant, American Psychological Association Insurance Trust

"Without a doubt, this is the definitive book on ethics within psychology that can inform students, educators, clinical-researchers, and practitioners."
--Nadine J. Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine

"This stunningly good book...should be on every therapist's desk for quick reference."
--David Barlow, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology & Psychiatry, Boston University

"Drs. Pope and Vasquez have done a masterful job in their third edition in helping practitioners think through how to respond to complex ethical dilemmas and assume personal responsibility for their actions. This book also provides an excellent articulation of best practices in negotiating and clarifying complex ethical dilemmas. The authors explore the complexities of ethical decision-making in creative ways that encourage mindful awareness and continual inquiry. They use an active approach with scenarios followed by a set of questions to explore each topic. This is an essential book for every clinician--from trainees to seasoned practitioners. It will have a powerful impact on the field for many years to come by providing practitioners a solid foundation and road map upon which to provide competent and ethical treatment."
--Linda Garnets, Ph.D., Psychology, Women's Studies, and LGBT Studies, UCLA

"Moving away from the idea of 'ethics' as an abstract set of prescriptions for being good, the authors skillfully locate their discussion at the intersection of a host of practical themes such as self-scrutiny, sound decision-making, creation of a professional will and responding to a variety of complaints. Though labeled under the rubric of ethics, the book is actually a superb and comprehensive discourse on what constitutes professionalism in clinical work. Backed by useful appendices of the ethical codes of various organizations, the book leads the reader on a thoughtful exploration of a central organizing principle in our work."
--Thomas G. Gutheil, MD, Harvard Medical School; co-founder, Harvard Program in Psychiatry & the Law

"This dynamic 3rd edition invites the reader into an active questioning process that goes well beyond ethics codes and standards. The engaging autonomy-based approach empowers practitioners to discover “the most ethical and positive response to a unique client with unique needs and resources in a unique context."
--Carol D. Goodheart, Ed.D., Treasurer & Member Board of Directors, American Psychological Association; Past President, Psychologists in Independent Practice

"A splendid book.... This is essential reading for all those in psychotherapy and related fields."
--Clifford Stromberg, Esq., Partner, Healthcare Law, Hogan & Hartson, Washington, DC

"An updated version of a classic text on ethics in psychology. Drs. Pope and Vasquez provide the reader with an outstanding set of tools for enhancing ethical behavior in an increasingly complex professional world."
--Ronald F. Levant, Ed.D., former president, American Psychological Association

"It should be part of every therapist's basic library."
--Allen Webb, Ph.D., ABPP, Former President, American Board of Professional Psychology

"A wonderfully insightful and unique book for all therapists, supervisors, and students; an affirmation of our rich scientific and professional heritage and values."
--Jack Wiggins, Ph.D., former President, American Psychological Association

“The talents of Drs. Pope and Vasquez relative to their abilities to translate difficult and sensitive material into a user friendly resource, continues to shine forth in this latest work. Their appreciation of the multiple contexts (multicultural, social, political, historical, and intra-personal) within which ethical decision-making is framed and their attention to the emotion-laden human component that fuels a professional’s response to the ethical circumstances and dilemmas they confront adds a shining touch to their impeccable scholarship. This text represents an invitation to mental health professionals across levels of academic and clinical experiences to sharpen their service-provider talents and tools and a response in the affirmative to these distinguished authors is highly encouraged.”
--William D. Parham, Ph.D., ABPP, President, Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 17 of the American Psychological Association; Dean, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, John F. Kennedy University

"An excellent blend of case law, research evidence, down-to-earth principles and practical examples from two authors with outstanding expertise. Promotes valuable understanding through case illustrations, self-directed exercises, and thoughtful discussion of such issues as cultural diversity."
--Dick Suinn, Former President, American Psychological Association

"A wonderful, helpful guide to the complexities of modern-day ethics. As hard as it is to imagine, this revision by Drs. Pope and Vasquez of their land-mark text is even more timely, insightful, and important."
--Patrick DeLeon, Ph.D., Former President, American Psychological Association

"The Pope and Vasquez text will stand as a premier reference source for ethics codes, practice guidelines, and leading edge topics of expanding practice. The authors do a masterful job of blending relational aspects of practice (e.g., power, trust, cultural and contextual differences, self-care, and boundaries) with areas of continuing competency development (e.g., practice in electronic services, evolving skills in assessment and evaluation, and procedures for responding to complaints). The result is a power house of resources and tools for practice today and into the future. "
--Linda Campbell, Ph.D., Professor, Counseling & Human Development, University of Georgia

"This unique volume provides invaluable ethical guidance for psychologists engaged in professional practice. The scenarios and accompanying questions added to most chapters will prove especially helpful to those who offer courses and workshops concerned with ethics in psychology."
--Charles D. Spielberger, Ph.D., ABPP; Former President, American Psychological Association

"A wise and useful book which should be in every practitioner's library and be required in all clinical and counseling training programs."
--David Mills, Ph.D., former Director, APA Ethics Office

"An excellent analysis of the meaning of ethics in the everyday life of practicing therapists."
--Patricia Keith-Spiegel, Ph.D., former Chair, APA Ethics Committee

"An outstanding book. The chapter on testing, assessment, and diagnosis is heartening; it identifies the ethical responsibilities as well as dilemmas and pitfalls we face as practitioners."
--Philip Erdberg, Ph.D., ABPP, former President, Society for Personality Assessment

"A comprehensive and practical guide for practitioners who strive to have an ethical, competent and caring practice, this book is a practical resource those who aspire to be excellent psychotherapists and counselors. Useful and relevant, it will not gather dust."
--Jessica Henderson Daniel, Ph.D., ABPP, Childrens Hospital, Boston; APA Board of Directors

"Pope and Vasquez's expansion of this enormously useful ethics book is a resounding success. A practical, engaging, empowering guide to ethical practice."
--Laura Brown, Ph.D., ABPP, Independent Practice, Seattle

"This is an excellent, well-written blend of scholarship, common-sense, and wise counsel that is easy to read and full of practical illustrations likely to benefit both the novice and experienced psychotherapist."
--Gerald Koocher, Ph.D., ABPP, Dean of the School for Health Studies at Simmons College; 2006 president, American Psychological Association

"A necessary book for those who want to take their risk management strategies to the next level."
--Eric Harris, J.D., Ph.D., Risk Managment Consultant, American Psychological Association Insurance Trust

"Useful to every psychologist. I expect it will land on everyone's bookshelf as a well-thumbed source of important information on such topics as working with suicidal clients. We will use it in training at our Center."
--Norman Farberow, Ph.D., ABPP, Co-Founder and Co-Director, L.A. Suicide Prevention Center

"At last the working clinician has concrete, down-to-earth help to resolve issues of ethics and professional responsibility that one confronts daily. This book is a must for faculty. . . should be required for all clinicians in training."
--Jerome Singer, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, Yale University

About the Authors:

Kenneth S. Pope, Ph.D., ABPP

Melba Vasquez, Ph.D., ABPP, is a psychologist in full time independent practice in Austin, Texas, and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Psychological Association (2007-2009).

She is a Fellow of APA Divisions 1, 17, 35, 42, 45, and 49, and holds the Diplomate from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

She is a past president of Texas Psychological Association and of APA Divisions 35 (Society of Psychology of Women) and 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology).

Dr. Vasquez has been involved in the planning and implementation of several key conferences, include the 1997 Supply and Demand Conference, and 2002 Competencies Conference. She is a co-founder, with Rosie Bingham, Lisa Porche-Burke and Derald Wing Sue, of the National Multicultural Conference and Summit which is now an ongoing biannual conference. Other leadership activities include service as Council of Representatives from Division 42, Psychologists in Independent Practice (2004-2006), and previously from Divisions 17 (1994-1997), and 45 (1989-1992). She has served as Chair of the Ethnic Minority Caucus and of the Women's Caucus of Council.

She has served on the APA Ethics Committee, and on the APA Ethics Committee Task Forces for Revisions of the Ethical Principles of Psychologist and Code of Conduct, for both the 1992 and the 2002 versions. She also served as the first Chair of the Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest, Chair of the Board of Professional Affairs, member of Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice, and member of the Policy and Planning Board.

She has coauthored 2 books with Ken Pope -- Ethics in Psychotherapy & Counseling, 3rd Edition (2007, Jossey-Bass/Wiley) & How To Survive & Thrive as a Therapist: Information, Ideas, & Resources for Psychologists (2006, American Psychological Association) -- and published over 60 journal articles and chapters in the areas of ethics, ethnic minority psychology, psychology of women, supervision and training, and counseling and psychotherapy. Her interest in diverse groups, including women and people of color, has been a particular focus of her writings. She has taught graduate courses, and has provided workshops and presentations in those areas as well. From 1978 to 1991 she served as a university counseling center psychologist, first at Colorado State University, and then at University of Texas at Austin. She also served as internship training director at both institutions. She is interested in the integration of science and practice and for the promotion of psychological knowledge that contributes to human welfare.

Dr. Vasquez has received professional recognition, including:
• Distinguished Professional Contributions to Independent or Institutional Practice in the Private Sector, American Psychological Association, August, 2007
• Woman of the Year, American Psychological Association’s Division 17, Society of Counseling Psychology Section for the Advancement of Women, August, 2006
•Honorary Doctorate, Phillips Graduate Institute, May, 2005
• James M. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, American Psychological Association, 2004.
• Psychologist of the Year, Texas Psychological Association, November, 2003.
• Foremother Award in Appreciation for Contributions to the Section for the Advancement of Women, and Counseling Psychology of Women, Society of Counseling Psychology Division 17, American Psychological Association, 2003.
• Eminent Women: 25th Annual Symposium on Historical and Personal Perspectives, American Psychological Association, 2003.
• Senior Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest, American Psychological Association, 2002.
• Janet E. Helms Award for Mentoring and Scholarship, Winter Roundtable on Cross-Cultural Psychology and Education, Columbia University, 2002.
• Vision to Action Award, Austin Women's Psychotherapy Project, Kaleidoscope of Women's Lives conference, 2002.
• John Black Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Practice of Counseling Psychology, Division 17, Counseling Psychology, American Psychological Association, 2000.
• The Distinguished Leader for Women in Psychology Award, Committee of Women in Psychology, American Psychological Association, 2000.
• Award for Extraordinary Contributions in the Professional Practice of Counseling Psychology, Academy of Counseling Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology, 2000.
• Outstanding Contribution to Public Service Award, Texas Psychological Association, 1999.
• Distinguished Career Contributions to Service Award, Division 45 of the American Psychological Association, Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues, 1999.

The 2002 Award for Distinguished Senior Career Contributions to the Public Interest cited the following: "For her scholarship, teaching, service delivery, and professional leadership activities, which reflect commitment to issues of empowerment, justice, and equality for all members of society, Melba J. T. Vasquez has been involved in promoting the increase of ethnic minority and gender representation in all aspects of psychology. She has demonstrated her commitment to ensuring that psychology attends to the needs of the diverse population reflected in American society. Through her work in the areas of ethnic minority psychology, psychology of women, professional ethics, and teaching and training, her activism, passion, and commitment are particularly evident" (American Psychologist, vol. 57, pages 878-888, 2002 Award Winners).

Publication information:

Paperback; 2007; Jossey-Bass Publishers, an imprint of Wiley
382 pages; ISBN 978-0-7879-9400-6

For U.S. calls 1-800-956-7739
Outside the U.S. (415) 433-1740

Please follow this link to order the book -- or to request a review copy -- online directly from the publisher.

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Ethics & Malpractice

Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling:
A Practical Guide (3rd edition)

Endorsements from cover and inside liner:

Table of Contents:

About the Authors:

Publication information:

Ethics & Malpractice

Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide (3rd edition)

Endorsements from cover and inside liner:

Table of Contents:

About the Authors:

Publication information:

Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling:
A Practical Guide (3rd edition)