Michael Nystul received his Ph.D. in counseling from Oregon State University. He holds the position of professor emeritus in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. Professor Nystul has had over 44 years of clinical experience in the USA, Australia, and the Navajo Indian reservation as a licensed clinical mental health counselor, school counselor, and psychologist in a variety of settings such as K-12 schools, university counseling centers, community mental health centers, hospitals, and private practice. He has authored or co-authored over 100 publications within the field of counseling and other helping professions, including journal articles, book chapters, and books.
Praise for Previous Editions: ""This textbook presents the 'why' and the 'how' of counseling as it transports the student from wanting to become to counselor to the first steps in becoming a counselor."" Candy H. Ratliff, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Texas Southern University ""This text provides a well-rounded and welcoming introduction to the counseling profession inclusive of up-to-date and relevant topics of interest to students entering this field."" Martha Mason, Ed.D., LCPC, NCC, Counselor Educator and Director of the Education and Counseling Center, DePaul University ""This text helps assess and understand behavior change and actions and gives tools for modifying life when, where, and if needed."" Dr. Patricia L. McDonald, Professor of Counselor Educator, Siena Heights University ""A comprehensive overview of the counseling profession which will help developing counselors to find their place in the field."" Paul Cooper, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Northeastern State University ""Introduction to Counseling: An Art and Science Perspective, Sixth Edition by Michael Scott Nystul covers a great deal of topics that are important for counseling students to learn as they start the process of building a positive counselor-focused foundation for working with individuals, couples, families, and groups."" Ryan Bowers, Assistant Profess or Psychology and Counseling, Immaculata University ""This is a very good first exposure for students who have little knowledge of the counseling field (and for those who think they do know something about it)."" Dennis Trickett, Chair of Psychology, University of the Cumberlands ""Introduction to Counseling provides a practical and thoughtful guide for learners exploring the dynamic field of counseling."" Darren H. Iwamoto, Chaminnade University of Honolulu ""The text is very easy to read and the author's personal notes at helpful at illustrating key points."" Julie M. Koch, Oklahoma State University ""This textbook offers plenty of material across a wide span of topics from scholarly material to applied examples. It gives students a realistic example of counseling in the 'real world.'"" Maria Cuddy, Immaculata University ""I appreciate the organizational approach to the information. I use the personal exploration questions as reading assignments, due each Friday. Students really appreciate chapter 8 - Creative Arts Therapies!"" Dr. Karen Linstrum, East Texas Baptist University