Required Seminal Reading

     It's my opinion that every counselor worth their salt should read and understand the seminal work (especially in their favorite theory).  While some counselors only subscribe to certain theories (I'll most likely post about counseling learning models later), I think a more general view is better.  Without getting too much into the weeds as to why I think that a more differentiated seminal theory education is better, here is my list of books every competent counselor should read:

Behaviorism

1. Behaviorism by John Watson
2. About Behaviorism by B. F. Skinner
3. Walden Two by B. F. Skinner

Humanism

1. Client-Centered Therapy by Carl Rogers
2. The Farther Reaches of Human Nature by Abraham Maslow

Cognitive-Behavioral

1. A Guide to Rational Living by Albert Ellis (there is a newer book called The Essential Albert Ellis: Seminal Writings on Psychotherapy that could be useful)
2. Cognitive Theory of Depression by Aaron Beck

Existential

1. Existential Psychotherapy by Irvin Yalom
2. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
3. Love and Will by Rollo May

Psychoanalysis/Analysis/Psychodynamics

1. The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud (there are a couple of newer books that could be chosen based on the interest of the reader - they are The Basic Writings of Sigmund Freud and Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud)

Family/Developmental

1. Family and Family Therapy by Salvador Minuchin
2. Family Evaluation by Michael Kerr and Murray Bowen (there is probably a better choice out there . . . I just couldn't find it)
3. Attachment by John Bowlby

Reality

1. Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry by William Glasser
2. Control Theory: An Explanation of How We Control Our Lives by William Glasser
3. Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom by William Glasser

Group Practice

1. The Theory of Group Psychotherapy by Irvin Yalom

     These are just a few titles to get a good prospective therapist started.  I will update this post when I think of another worthy seminal book.