Divided in to three parts, Part 1 draws on empirical research to demonstrate the effectiveness of meaning-oriented practice. Part 2 draws on the work of therapists across a number of approaches to explore the basic skills to working with meaning in life, including how a practitioner can assess whether their client needs to address issues of meaning in life; practitioner responsiveness to client issues and structuring a session. Part 3 goes on to provide a 7 step guide to applying the skills to clinical practice, with the support of clinical examples. Case studies from a range of professions run throughout the book and Parts 1 and 2 include 'implications for practice' boxes that connect theory to practice. From the Back Cover Working in the people professions – as a counsellor, coach, nurse or pastoral carer – means working with people who are facing difficult times, and who may have lost touch with what is meaningful in their life. For instance, transitory phases in life, such as graduating, retiring or diagnosis with terminal illness, can evoke questions about how one is to understand and overcome dissatisfaction or uncertainty, and rediscover meaning in life. This inspiring, insightful new text provides a practical guide to helping clients live a meaningful and satisfying life despite the challenges they may be facing. The first part reviews the large body of research literature on meaning – in a wide range of psychological, philosophical and research approaches - translates this into specific recommendations for practitioners, and demonstrates the effectiveness of meaning-oriented approaches. The second part explores the basic skillset required for working effectively in this area – from how to assess clients’ needs to address issues of meaning, to specific existential, phenomenological and mindfulness skills. Finally, it provides a step-wise ten-session treatment manual for practitioners seeking to help individuals with chronic or life-threatening physical diseases to live a meaningful and satisfying life despite the limitations of their illnesses. In what is still an emerging area of practice, Meaning in Life stands alone as a comprehensive source of reference for both students and practitioners across the full range of people professions. About the Author Joel Vos is psychologist and philosopher, and works as Reader (Associate Professor) in Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, UK. He is Deputy Director of the Centre for Research in Social and psychological Transformation (CREST). |