I found this text a useful introductory reader for psychotherapists and counsellors involved in work which brings them face to face with issues of race and culture. The authors carefully tell us what they intend to do in each chapter, which has a ‘how to’ section, sometimes at the beginning and sometimes at the end. This links theory and practice in a way which makes the book both accessible and easy to use.

But Race, Culture and Counselling is more than a ‘how to’ book. It puts counselling and psychotherapy into a cultural, philosophical and historical context. In doing so, the authors take us back to basics by reminding us that we do not practise in a vacuum or in a sterile environment. When we work with people we have to be aware that they bring with them not just the presenting problem but baggage which they do not always