Pluralism and Therapy: Resisting One-Size Therapy - Live Book Launch

This session will feature a presentation, discussion, and Q & A session with Jay Beichman PhD, and John Wilson of Onlinevents, discussing his new book, Pluralism in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Philosophy, Politics, and Practice, published by Routledge.

About the Book:

‘An invigorating, informed, critical exploration of the role and meaning of pluralismin therapy. Jay Beichman goes beyond the pluralistic approach developed byJohn McLeod and myself, to look at the wider implications of pluralistic thinkingand practice for the field of counselling and psychotherapy. A valuable contributionthat can sharpen our work.’

-Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology,University of Roehampton

This book explores the concept of pluralism in therapy, emphasising the value of multiple therapeutic approaches. It introduces ‘pluralistic therapy’, developed by Mick Cooper and John McLeod, as a response to divisions in the therapy field, particularly the dominance of CBT and medicalised models.

Within its chapters, the philosophical roots of pluralism are discussed, which, when applied to therapy, encourage drawing from multiple approaches in contrast to a monistic attitude, which promotes using singular approaches ‘purely’: the therapeutic relationship is emphasised as more important to outcomes than specific approaches or techniques. The political meanings of pluralism are also examined, especially in relation to regulation, professional identity, and the impact of political and professional power structures on therapists’ practices. The book also critiques increasingly standardised ‘treatments’, AI therapy, and rigid research methodologies, advocating for a more inclusive, relational, and flexible attitude towards the practice and provision of therapy.

Addressing contemporary challenges such as the SCoPEd framework, the rise of AI, and the resurgence of psychedelic therapies, the book ultimately argues that a philosophically and politically informed pluralism is essential for a brighter future for the therapy professions and their diversity of therapies, therapists, and clients. The book is an essential read for any therapist or mental health practitioner who is interested in learning more about pluralistic approaches to therapy.

Pluralism in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Philosophy, Politics, and Practice

Routledge

Publication Date: October 9, 2025

Available for Pre-Order: September 18, 2025

RECORDING

This event will be recorded and the recording is included in the self-select admission ticket. This will be useful for colleagues who are not able to attend the event live and also for those who attend the event live and want to watch it again.

ZOOM

This event will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group.

SELF-SELECT FEE

The self-select fee is a radical inclusion policy to open learning for all colleagues. The guide price for this event is £20.00, however, we appreciate that income varies greatly in different locations and circumstances. Please contribute what you can to help us maintain inclusive professional training.

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At Onlinevents, we and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a way that aligns with the ethical codes and frameworks of our respective professional organisations. We expect all colleagues attending our events to uphold the ethical principles of their professional membership.

If you are not a member of a professional organisation, we ask that you participate in a way that is both authentic and respectful, fostering a space of mutual learning and professional engagement.

By registering for this event, you agree to be present and interact in a manner that reflects these principles.

Jay Beichman, PhD.

Dr Jay Beichman is a writer, counsellor and psychotherapist living and working in Brighton in the UK. He has been qualified and in practice in a variety of contexts for over 25 years. He was also the editor of Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy News and the South East regional representative for the Psychotherapy and Counselling Union.

Book | Pluralism in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Philosophy, Politics, and Practice