`This is an excellent book. It builds well on Peter Jenkins' admirable earlier contribution to our knowledge of the many legal matters that are of vital concern to counsellors (Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law, SAGE 1997) It is mY intention, as a counsellor and lecturer to make Peter Jenkins' new book required reading for all our students. Indeed I would go as far to say that all counsellors, not matter how experienced they consider themselves, should consider this book as essential reading. As the advert says, "don't leave home without one!" - Norman Claringbull, Counselling at Work

`This is good value for trainees and experienced practitioners alike, provoking reflection and providing a useful reference source' - Sally Scott, Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal

Counsellors and psychotherapists are increasingly seeing the impact of legal issues on their practice and yet many feel under-prepared for the challenges they have to face. Legal Issues in Counselling & Psychotherapy is a much-needed source of advice and reference which examines the rapidly growing range of situations in which therapists find themselves in contact with the law - in their everyday practice, in specialist work, or when facing a legal case against them.

The first part covers the current legal context of therapeutic work including confidentiality, contracts, data protection and court reports. Chapters include: defining work by leading writers from the therapeutic and legal worlds, as well as an illuminating account by a client who brought a successful case against her therapist.

Some areas of therapeutic work are particularly circumscribed by legal issues and the second part examines the specific implications for therapists in relation to:

- working with survivors of sexual abuse

-working in legal settings

-false memory

-the Human Rights Act.

Looking to the future, the book also examines the implications of professional regulation for all counsellors and psychotherapists.

The need for counsellors and psychotherapists to be well informed about the law is rapidly growing. Legal Issues in Counselling & Psychotherapy therefore provides access to essential information which will be of great value to trainees, practitioners and supervisors.

Introduction - Peter Jenkins
PART ONE: THE LEGAL CONTEXT OF THERAPEUTIC PRACTICE
Confidentiality - Stephen Palmer
A Case Study
Psychoanalyst Subpoenaed - Anne Hayman
Legal Pitfalls in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice and How to Avoid Them - Gideon Cristofoli
Taking Legal Action against a Therapist for Professional Negligence - Inge Power
Transparent Recording - Peter Jenkins
Therapists and the Data Protection Act 1998
Preparing Reports and Presenting Evidence in Court - Philip Pollecoff
A Guide for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
PART TWO: LEGAL CHALLENGES FOR THERAPY
Regulating Counselling and Psychotherapy - Julie Stone
Lessons from Complementary Medicine
Legal Issues in Therapeutic Work with Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Annabell Bell-Boulé and Très Roche
Counselling in Legal Settings - Brian Williams
Provision for Jury Members, Vulnerable Witnesses and Victims of Crime
The Law of Confidentiality - A Solution or Part of the Problem? - Tim Bond
False Memories or Recovered Memories? Legal and Ethical Implications for Therapists - Peter Jenkins
The Implications of the Human Rights Act 1998 for Counsellors and Psychotherapists - Vincent Keter
Appendix 1
The Academy of Experts
Model Form of Expert¿s Report
Appendix 2
Therapy Notes and the Law - Stephen Jakobi and Duncan Pratt
Appendix 3
Relevant Organizations