Out of bounds

Clearly and sensitively, this book explores the problem of sexual exploitation in counselling and therapy. Janice Russell addresses the issues surrounding this emotive subject, and offers models of practice designed to heighten counsellor and client awareness and contribute to the development of preventive strategies.

The first part of the book discusses the different dimensions of sexually exploitative practice, overviewing contexts and concepts, and examining the effects of sexual exploitation on clients. The author focuses on practitioners in their particular setting, looking at sexuality and power and how these are relevant within the therapeutic process. Russell draws on her own research with clients, relating her analysis to clients' own accounts of their experiences of sexual exploitation.

The second part of the book addresses the implications for actual practice. Russell discusses the ethical perspectives on the problem, and reviews and evaluates current codes of professional practice. She outlines the models she has developed for understanding and working with sexuality and sexual abuse in counselling and therapy and for supervision as a process concerned both with practitioner development and client safety. She also describes some of her own work in training.

The book concludes with Russell's recommendations for further work in this area. Out of Bounds will be essential reading for trainee and practising therapists, counsellors, clinical psychologists, students of women's studies and all those in the helping professions offering therapeutic services to their clients.