Robert De BoardBesprekingen

In the same vein as Benjamin Hoff's "The Tao of Pooh", this delightful book uses characters usually associated with children's literature to explore altogether more adult themes. Toad is the ideal candidate for therapeutic help, and de Board uses dialogue and internal exploration to lay out the principles of a good counselling relationship, and Transaction Analysis in particular. Never child-like in tone, it is both wise and - as the reader follows Toad's emotional journey - rather affecting.

Anyone looking for a readable, accessible introduction to the basic principles of counselling need look no further than ‘Counselling For Toads’. Focussed primarily on the concepts of Transactional Analysis, but addressing a number of related concepts along the way, this clever little book has a great deal to offer. I’d have given it five stars, but for its somewhat weak (and unnecessary) final chapter, and the fact that the fifth star belongs to Kenneth Grahame.

Good for younger people to read, age 12+

The title speaks for itself!

Robert de Board is an organizational consultant based in Henley-on-Thames. He is the author of Counselling Skills (1994) and The Psychoanalysis of Organisations Routledge (1990).

"Toad," the famous character in Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows, is in a very depressed state. "Now look here Toad, this can go on no longer,' he [Badger] said sternly. "There is only one thing left. You must have Counselling!"

Robert de Board's engaging account of Toad's experience in counselling will capture the imagination of the growing readership of those interested in counselling theory and practice. The ten chapters of the book are played as the ten sessions which help Toad to self-analysis and personal development. In portraying Heron as a counselor employing the theories of Transactional Analysis in therapy, the author demonstrates how theory is used in practice.

Counselling