Introductory Stochastic Analysis for Finance and Insurance or Introduction to the Counseling Profession

Introductory Stochastic Analysis for Finance and Insurance

Author: Society of Actuaries

Incorporates the many tools needed for modeling and pricing in finance and insurance

Introductory Stochastic Analysis for Finance and Insurance introduces readers to the topics needed to master and use basic stochastic analysis techniques for mathematical finance. The author presents the theories of stochastic processes and stochastic calculus and provides the necessary tools for modeling and pricing in finance and insurance. Practical in focus, the book's emphasis is on application, intuition, and computation, rather than theory.

Consequently, the text is of interest to graduate students, researchers, and practitioners interested in these areas. While the text is self-contained, an introductory course in probability theory is beneficial to prospective readers.

This book evolved from the author's experience as an instructor and has been thoroughly classroom-tested. Following an introduction, the author sets forth the fundamental information and tools needed by researchers and practitioners working in the financial and insurance industries:
* Overview of Probability Theory
* Discrete-Time stochastic processes
* Continuous-time stochastic processes
* Stochastic calculus: basic topics

The final two chapters, Stochastic Calculus: Advanced Topics and Applications in Insurance, are devoted to more advanced topics. Readers learn the Feynman-Kac formula, the Girsanov's theorem, and complex barrier hitting times distributions. Finally, readers discover how stochastic analysis and principles are applied in practice through two insurance examples: valuation of equity-linked annuities under a stochastic interest rate environment andcalculation of reserves for universal life insurance.

Throughout the text, figures and tables are used to help simplify complex theory and pro-cesses. An extensive bibliography opens up additional avenues of research to specialized topics.

Ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, this text is recommended for one-semester courses in stochastic finance and calculus. It is also recommended as a study guide for professionals taking Causality Actuarial Society (CAS) and Society of Actuaries (SOA) actuarial examinations.

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Introduction to the Counseling Profession

Author: David Capuzzi

Capuzzi / Gross, Introduction to the Counseling Profession, 5e (0205591779)


This introductory text provides an excellent overview of the history and foundational concepts of counseling, including the importance of the helping relationship, basic skills, requirements for working in specific settings, legal aspects, and working with special populations. This new edition meets the professional orientation standards outlined by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and helps students begin preparing for the NCE Exam.

New to this edition:
o All chapters have been substantially updated, and nine (of 20) have been entirely rewritten by new authors, including those on helping relationships; spirituality; school counseling; counseling in mental health and private practice settings; counseling gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender clients; and questioning; bringing fresh perspectives and new dimensions to these topics.
o The chapter on working with people of color, now written by Courtland Lee, has been moved earlier in the book to reflect the importance of this topic.
o Websites have been added for each chapter to provide extended resources for further information.

Here’s what your colleagues are saying about this book:

“It is my intention to continue to use this text as long as it maintains the comprehensiveness, balance, and integrity that it has had.”
“The organization is excellent. Each chapter fits neatly in place.”
“This text was the one that wasdeemed most comprehensive in the area in that it devoted space to several special population groups, covered ethical concerns, and traced the evolution of the profession.”
- Stephen A. Haberman, Tomball College

“I like the organization, research, and style of the authors.”
- Sally Murphy, George Mason University

Booknews

An introductory text featuring a focus on the personal dynamics of a counselor and presentation of material not often addressed to beginning students. Coverage includes counseling from a rehabilitative perspective, brief therapies, client diagnosis and assessment based on DSM-IV, mental health counseling, and counseling special populations. Designed for students taking a preliminary course and considering entering the counseling profession. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

A sophisticated introduction to the field of counseling, covering areas not often addressed in introductory texts, such as counseling from a rehabilitative perspective, brief therapies, client diagnosis and assessment, an introduction to the DSM-IV, and mental health counseling. Chapters are in sections on counseling foundations, skills, specific settings, and special populations. This third edition contains new chapters on research and writing in counseling, technology and counseling, and spirituality counseling. Capuzzi teaches at Portland State University. Gross is affiliated with Arizona State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Table of Contents:

	Preface
	Meet the Editors
	Meet the Contributors
1	The Counseling Profession: A Historical Perspective	3
2	What Does It Mean to Be Psychologically Healthy?	48
3	The Helping Relationship	64
4	Ethical and Legal Considerations in Counseling: What Beginning Counselors Should Know	85
5	Counseling Theory: A Rationale and a Framework for an Eclectic Approach	102
6	Individual Counseling: Traditional Approaches	123
7	Individual Counseling: Brief Approaches	141
8	Group Counseling	166
9	Career Counseling: Counseling for Life	191
10	Counseling Uses of Tests	215
11	Diagnosis in Counseling	235
12	Special Approaches to Counseling	257
13	School Counseling	289
14	Counseling in Mental Health and Private Practice Settings	309
15	Counseling Children and Adolescents	331
16	Counseling the Older Adult	348
17	Counseling Couples and Families	366
18	Counseling Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Clients	397
19	Counseling Ethnic Minority Clients	433
20	Counseling Clients with Disabilities	463
	Index	496