Learning the Art of Helping: Building Blocks and Techniques

by Mark E. Young

This book introduces readers to basic helping skills and advanced helping techniques within an eclectic framework, providing interactive, step-by-step instructions and practice exercises. A straightforward writing style discusses the most commonly used techniques, and prepares future practitioners to integrate assessment data, plan treatment, and implement strategies for a wide range of clients. Chapter topics include the therapeutic relationship; invitational skills; reflecting and advanced reflecting skills; understanding the client; challenging, goal-setting, and solution skills; enhancing efficacy and self-esteem; practicing new behaviors; new learning experiences; and evaluating the effectiveness of helping. For counselors, social workers, psychologists, and anyone interested in learning the basic techniques of helping.

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Grad School, College

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1997

Reviews

[t. · Rating 3 out of 5]

will do anything to meet goodreads goal of the year pt. 2

[Ryan Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a textbook for my communication skills class, but I read the whole thing so I’m counting it. Pretty good for a textbook. I took a lot of notes on it and it’s foundational skills so I’m glad to have read it now rather than later.

[Diana Diaz-Diurych · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple language which makes it a good start to learning counseling techniques. Was required for my course and supplemented the material well

[Q · Rating 2 out of 5]

Helpful for basic skills in listening and performing empathetic gestures however it still subscribes to the outmoded idea of “cultural competency” and the gender subsection of chapter 12 is the most out-of-touch description of a binary gender experience I’ve ever seen. The interchanging of man/male and woman/female is confused and aimless, and the description of socialization reinforces Western gender stereotypes, a bias the text itself warns about. This section—about encountering gender differences—also does not mention the existence of transgender people. Not one passing sentence. The gender chapter is new for the 2017 6th edition. The APA’s guideline for psychologists working with transgender and gender non-conforming people in 2015 predates the 6th edition of this book by 2 years. Why include a section on gender if the intention was not to describe how to approach working with different gender experiences? Why leave out all mention of transgender people?

[Nick Kondyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half. Definitely could use an update In terms of PC culture, GI/SO language and an overhaul in the level of condescension and patronization present. I mean, if we’re being trained in a profession where the crux of it is to validate someone’s lived experience, wouldn’t you do everything in your power to ensure that was the case? Anything less or else is just false advertising plain and simple. The writing was good and clear. But yea, especially since I took a skill based class where this was the textbook, I don’t think it was free of faux paux or offense to the reader, let alone the freaking client. But oh well, gotta have a text for this at the end of the day. And at the end of the day, it’s just that: a text. Not a bible or instructional manual. Far from it. Just think of it like eager recommendations with some skill formulas embedded. In fact, our course facilitators often contradicted those exact recs and wordings! Tldr; take with a grain of salt.

[Neene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes in a way everyone could understand. It's a skills book... but its definitely not boring. I had 2 texts for this class plus I had to read the apa manual because my professor was a stickler for apa.... but this book made it not so bad. The other book was boring and I fell asleep reading it alot. But this one I read with ease. Only thing I wish I had gotten the online component because I'd like to have seen if there were videos that corresponded. I noticed after I read and watch the video it sticks better.

[Annelise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredibly valuable resource for those pursuing counseling in any form. As a Lay Counseling Certificate student, I found this book to be very helpful in both the readings and also to the practical application exercises we conducted in class (trios with counselor/mock client/observer). The book was long, but worth the read for the class I needed it for!

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent source for learning how to be a better helper, both professional and lay helper. It walks you through basic skills and a few advanced ones. I also highly recommend having a mentor/teacher help you walk through it.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical guide to building therapeutic relationships that is easy to read and apply! I read an online version which initially frustrated me but I adjusted and really loved it (though I wish a updated print copy was easier to find).

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 7th edition of this book and it is helpful and breaks down the basics of therapeutic techniques. I also had the privilege of Dr Young coming to my class and learning techniques directly from him-seeing him book down the problem was enlightening and so helpful.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent textbook.

[Megan]

CNSL 501

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required for school.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Written and informative

[Eliana Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This offered many helpful strategies for counseling. Would read it again.

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book for understanding and practicing techniques with questions and evaluation charts to help critically think through how one is to be a better helper.

[Nyah August]

Probably my favorite textbook I’ve read so far in my academic career 🤷🏻‍♀️ the text was full of relatable metaphors, and didn’t feel dry. Could not get myself to stop taking notes 📝

[TheModestMillennial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct but so informative. A great resource to keep on hand and revisit throughout one's counseling career.

[Jerry Kinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. It helped me learn and develop counseling skills that I otherwise would not have known. It was a great companion with my class.

[Laina Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative start to a counseling journey

[Alli Kreisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a textbook I actually really liked this

[Blaze-Pascal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic helping skills book.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a class read. I am definitely purchasing this book once I graduate.

[Madison Hillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book, really gave you counselling in a nutshell. Definitely recommend for those starting grad school in the psychology field.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than decent coverage given to issues one may come up against as a he;ping professional. Many worthwhile exercises and reflection points which at times can seem laborious and task-like, bear - if done with honesty and effort - personal insights useful for a practitioner to know about themselves.

The DVD therapy examples aren't always that skilled, in my opinion, and the book does not always highlight such things, so it can help to have some guidance around this if you are not yet savvy in this area. Good to have people to discuss things with in general.

Young's writing style is easy to take in, and his humor and openness is a welcomed addition to his teaching. A book you can pick up and put down as needed. Chapters are well organized, and the book is easy to navigate around if you need to review skills and knowledge.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books from my graduate program curriculum. The basis of a helping relationship is explored in depth and reflecting skills, confrontation techniques, the relationship cycle are a few things that I recall as being very helpful to me in my professional development. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who works in an advising or counseling position. The books has a strong emphasis on creating and maintaining a beneficial helping relationship.

[Carolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a badly written textbook! Doesn't anyone edit these? Do they not go through peer review before publication?

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the textbook for my Techniques of Counseling class. I thought it was a good book - good exercises, good examples. You still can't learn without doing, but this is a good adjunct.

[Frances Houseman]

As an academic counseling book goes, this one ranks toward the top. Easy to read, good explanations, thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter.

[Jessica Narwold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on counseling!