Learning the Art of Helping: Building Blocks and Techniques

by Mark E. Young

Teach the art of helping through a practical, relationship-focused approach Learning the Art of Building Blocks and Techniques emphasizes the techniques and skills necessary to be effective in the art of helping, from basic building blocks to advanced therapeutic techniques. The text is practical, innovative, and focused on the relationship between helper and client. The author incorporates the latest research on effective treatments, while offering an integrative perspective. The author’s conversational tone is appealing to students, yet the book is carefully referenced for instructors. The goal is to make beginning helpers become reflective practitioners. Stop and Reflect sections, exercises, homework, class discussion topics, and Journal Starters support this approach. The 7th Edition includes additional coverage of cultural issues in a new chapter, as well as expanded sections highlighting issues of culture in research, the therapeutic relationship, and helping skills specific to children.

Genres: Counselling, School, Textbooks, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Grad School

448 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2024

Reviews

[Ryan Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I need to hit that lofty Goodreads goal I set I decided to add the books I read for my Master's if read in full. Quite honestly an incredibly helpful book and one of the rare textbooks I didn't simply skim or ignore.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best textbooks I’ve read. Accessible, to the point, and very informative. Helpful exercises at the end of each chapter.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young takes the modest approach of referring to counselors as helpers, rather than by loftier titles. This is apt, since it describes the primary duty of counselors: to provide mental health assistance clients. The type of assistance that each client needs is highly specific, and requires helpers to draw out client’s whole story. Young provides excellent evidence-based tips for doing this, from building rapport to using confrontation techniques. Engaging exercises are also included at the end of each chapter. Overall, this is a comprehensive, reassuring, and practical guide to the field of counseling, and a must-have for any aspiring helper.

[Bec Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of very helpful content, but it does tend to conceptualize the therapeutic process as far more linear than it is in reality.

[mia russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a textbook, but for a textbook it is awesome.

[Emma Wissman · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked the glossary in this one.

[Maycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

No comment.

[Hollie Lace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for Psychology majors.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was easy to read and follow.

[Tess Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Textbook for school but honestly really good if you want to teach yourself how to become a therapist. Def need to have this on my shelf when I'm a big girl therapist. read 7th edition through Pearson

[Bridget Golubinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview, covers basics, easy-to-read format