A Short Introduction to Counselling provides a clear overview of the therapy profession for those embarking on professional training. It explains what it really means to become a professional counsellor - what is involved in training and real-life practice. Sally Aldridge, head of regulatory policy at BACP, takes the reader step-by-step though what 'counselling' actually is; introducing its basic concepts, historical development, research base and structure of the profession. Demonstrating the far-reaching influence of counselling, the book shows how its concepts have been applied beyond the consulting room and examine the recent the place of counselling in the NHS and wider mental health care. This down-to-earth guide provides the ideal `way-in' to the subject for new trainees.