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Counseling Insights: Practical Strategies for Helping Others with Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, and More
As helpers, caregivers, and counsellors, there are times when we need support to be able to help the people we are working with. Hearing from others in similar roles is a key way of finding inspiration and guidance.
This book offers practical strategies for supporting people of all ages who have a variety of issues, whether psychological (anxiety, trauma, depression), based on life circumstances (loss and grief, oppressive societal attitudes), or due to harmful ways of coping with these or other life stressors (self-injury, substance use, suicidality).
Each chapter begins with an examination of a different psychological issue or situation. Case examples of both youth and adults are included for each topic to illustrate both the impact of the issue and the helping process. Authors share insights they have gained from research, counselling experiences, and the unique wisdom of the people they have encountered.
This book is written not only for clinical counsellors, but also for the multitude of frontline helpers who work to support those seeking help and guidance. It is a resource for anyone who identifies as a care provider, including those in the social service, health, education, spiritual care, and social work roles.
This book offers practical strategies for supporting people of all ages who have a variety of issues, whether psychological (anxiety, trauma, depression), based on life circumstances (loss and grief, oppressive societal attitudes), or due to harmful ways of coping with these or other life stressors (self-injury, substance use, suicidality).
Each chapter begins with an examination of a different psychological issue or situation. Case examples of both youth and adults are included for each topic to illustrate both the impact of the issue and the helping process. Authors share insights they have gained from research, counselling experiences, and the unique wisdom of the people they have encountered.
This book is written not only for clinical counsellors, but also for the multitude of frontline helpers who work to support those seeking help and guidance. It is a resource for anyone who identifies as a care provider, including those in the social service, health, education, spiritual care, and social work roles.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2018
71 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Enns
6 books34 followersVicki is the former Clinical Director of the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), which is a leading provider of professional development training. She is also the editor and a contributing author of the following books from CTRI:
-Counseling Insights
-Counseling in Relationships
-Gratitude & Grit
-Self-Care Transformed
Vicki has also written many of our training materials, including those on the topics of anxiety, trauma, mindfulness, and ethics.
In addition to her work with CTRI, Vicki has a private practice where she specializes in the areas of relationship health and trauma recovery. She holds a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree and is an approved supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Vicki believes that it is essential for helpers to continue learning and developing their self-awareness alongside evolving clinical skills. She regularly gives presentations in the areas of trauma, mental health, and counseling, and creates a learning atmosphere that embraces diversity in personal identity, skills, and cultural perspectives.
-Counseling Insights
-Counseling in Relationships
-Gratitude & Grit
-Self-Care Transformed
Vicki has also written many of our training materials, including those on the topics of anxiety, trauma, mindfulness, and ethics.
In addition to her work with CTRI, Vicki has a private practice where she specializes in the areas of relationship health and trauma recovery. She holds a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree and is an approved supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Vicki believes that it is essential for helpers to continue learning and developing their self-awareness alongside evolving clinical skills. She regularly gives presentations in the areas of trauma, mental health, and counseling, and creates a learning atmosphere that embraces diversity in personal identity, skills, and cultural perspectives.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 21, 2018
What a handy guide! Nine contributing therapists and the CEO of the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) offer their knowledge, skills and experience to frontline helpers who support and guide others during their time of need. What l most liked about Counseling Insights is the formatting. This book is arranged by theme and written in concise, uncomplicated language. The book can be picked up, put down and referenced again with ease. The advice and insight are direct and to-the-point, which is a welcome change in this genre. The book’s definitions, counseling strategies, interviewing techniques and case applications are useful, practical and effective.
October 29, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Important topic covered in each chapter.
June 28, 2018
Counseling Insights will be an excellent resource for therapists and students of mental health. It is a clear, concise guide to possible ways to treat grief, depression, addiction, those who have suicidal feelings, those who struggle with gender identity and more. The book is written by multiple experts, each of whom is featured in a chapter. Especially helpful in the book are the case descriptions. Both novice and experienced mental health practitioners can think about their own interventions and how they compare with the ones suggested. This would also be a helpful guide to those who are starting private practices and want an overview of the issues that their clients may present. This is a succinct and useful book that deserves a place on the clinical bookshelf.
July 1, 2018
Wow! Can I just say -Vicki Enns, thank you for the timely availing of this book.
This is the first guide I've come across that's easy to read with insights along the way that you could always pick up and build upon along the way. I volunteered to read this book off NetGalley because I've been working with Teens in my county and they face a lot of anxiety over either their studies, relationships and also awareness, so this book was just timely.
I'd recommend it to any student of Psychology, Counselors, Therapists or anyone interested in mental health and the holistic well-being of an individual.
This is the first guide I've come across that's easy to read with insights along the way that you could always pick up and build upon along the way. I volunteered to read this book off NetGalley because I've been working with Teens in my county and they face a lot of anxiety over either their studies, relationships and also awareness, so this book was just timely.
I'd recommend it to any student of Psychology, Counselors, Therapists or anyone interested in mental health and the holistic well-being of an individual.
September 28, 2018
I won an electronic copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I’m not a therapist or counselor in a professional sense. I was interested in this book because I feel that we are all, at one time or another, a counselor for a family member, friend or stranger. I think it is important to learn what is helpful, (and what is not), to say or do in the times we find ourselves in these positions. I want to make it clear, though, that nothing replaces professional counseling and it should be encouraged when needed.
We all know someone who lives with depression, anxiety, addiction, grief or one of many other emotions. We may be dealing with one or more ourselves. Knowing how to express ourselves, ways we can help and what the signs are that someone we care about needs extra help is extremely important. I found this book to be very helpful in this. It is written in an easy to understand style. While it is directed at the professional community, I think anyone could benefit from reading it.
We are moving toward a society that is more open about mental health. More everyday people are helping populations that are severely troubled. In my community, the churches have put together a homeless shelter that is run by volunteers. The volunteers are just regular people who will possibly find themselves in a listening role for hurting people. Reading a book such as this one, can help them to ask or say things that will help. I think it can help them identify when someone needs immediate intervention, (someone is suicidal), those who can be helped to locate a counselor,(someone who needs guidance but isn’t in, or a, danger at the moment), and those who just need someone to listen with a caring, nonjudgmental ear.
I think the book is excellent for those who counsel in a professional manner. Everything is broken down into steps and there are examples to follow. What I took most from this book, for professionals, is the encouragement of self examination. Being a professional counselor is a rewarding job that is filled with sad stories, frustrating progress and doubts that they have done enough. It is a difficult profession. Having a book like this one helps to make the job easier.
The book is broken down into chapters that deal with various illnesses and issues. I was happy to see a chapter devoted to the LGBT2SQ+ community and that it’s focus was on how to make the practice a welcoming center. This community has been historically ignored. It is an evolving community as society becomes more educated and accepting of them. They are finding themselves and are finally able to talk about how they see themselves. I think it is important to stay educated on the changes so they are able to be comfortable going to counseling. They are making progress but still dealing with hurtful exclusions and worse. Having counselors who are sincerely interested in their wellbeing is important. Another chapter that I found particularly insightful was the chapter on grief. We normally think of grief as being related to death of someone we were close to. After reading this chapter, I learned that grief has many forms of loss. This was interesting and very useful. In the chapters you will learn of each topic, learn the principles of them, be given strategies and have case examples to help you visualize everything. At the end of the book there is a section for resources that are used in the topic chapters. There is also a link where you can download PDF’s from a website.
Overall I found this to be an excellent book that will improve your skills in helping others. Christmas is coming up and this would be a nice gift to a student who is studying to be a counselor/therapist.
I’m not a therapist or counselor in a professional sense. I was interested in this book because I feel that we are all, at one time or another, a counselor for a family member, friend or stranger. I think it is important to learn what is helpful, (and what is not), to say or do in the times we find ourselves in these positions. I want to make it clear, though, that nothing replaces professional counseling and it should be encouraged when needed.
We all know someone who lives with depression, anxiety, addiction, grief or one of many other emotions. We may be dealing with one or more ourselves. Knowing how to express ourselves, ways we can help and what the signs are that someone we care about needs extra help is extremely important. I found this book to be very helpful in this. It is written in an easy to understand style. While it is directed at the professional community, I think anyone could benefit from reading it.
We are moving toward a society that is more open about mental health. More everyday people are helping populations that are severely troubled. In my community, the churches have put together a homeless shelter that is run by volunteers. The volunteers are just regular people who will possibly find themselves in a listening role for hurting people. Reading a book such as this one, can help them to ask or say things that will help. I think it can help them identify when someone needs immediate intervention, (someone is suicidal), those who can be helped to locate a counselor,(someone who needs guidance but isn’t in, or a, danger at the moment), and those who just need someone to listen with a caring, nonjudgmental ear.
I think the book is excellent for those who counsel in a professional manner. Everything is broken down into steps and there are examples to follow. What I took most from this book, for professionals, is the encouragement of self examination. Being a professional counselor is a rewarding job that is filled with sad stories, frustrating progress and doubts that they have done enough. It is a difficult profession. Having a book like this one helps to make the job easier.
The book is broken down into chapters that deal with various illnesses and issues. I was happy to see a chapter devoted to the LGBT2SQ+ community and that it’s focus was on how to make the practice a welcoming center. This community has been historically ignored. It is an evolving community as society becomes more educated and accepting of them. They are finding themselves and are finally able to talk about how they see themselves. I think it is important to stay educated on the changes so they are able to be comfortable going to counseling. They are making progress but still dealing with hurtful exclusions and worse. Having counselors who are sincerely interested in their wellbeing is important. Another chapter that I found particularly insightful was the chapter on grief. We normally think of grief as being related to death of someone we were close to. After reading this chapter, I learned that grief has many forms of loss. This was interesting and very useful. In the chapters you will learn of each topic, learn the principles of them, be given strategies and have case examples to help you visualize everything. At the end of the book there is a section for resources that are used in the topic chapters. There is also a link where you can download PDF’s from a website.
Overall I found this to be an excellent book that will improve your skills in helping others. Christmas is coming up and this would be a nice gift to a student who is studying to be a counselor/therapist.
August 27, 2018
This book provides a good overview of various mental health topics, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and gender or sexual orientation issues. For those who are not licensed mental healthcare practitioners, you could think of this as an emotional first aid manual, giving advice on how to support people in distress.
I like how the book was structured. Each chapter discusses one condition, providing easy-to-understand explanations, practical suggestions, case studies, and references. Although a different author wrote each chapter, the editing and the consistent structure gave the text a cohesive feel.
The book also includes a glossary and helpful resources. The resource material is also available for download from the CTRI website (some forms require email subscription to access and some do not).
I think this book would be a great resource for anyone who wants to be better able to support others. We all encounter people dealing with these conditions, and it’s a comfort to feel better prepared to support a friend who is grieving or depressed.
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting. The ARC was well-written and neatly formatted; I don’t recall noticing any proofreading errors.
I like how the book was structured. Each chapter discusses one condition, providing easy-to-understand explanations, practical suggestions, case studies, and references. Although a different author wrote each chapter, the editing and the consistent structure gave the text a cohesive feel.
The book also includes a glossary and helpful resources. The resource material is also available for download from the CTRI website (some forms require email subscription to access and some do not).
I think this book would be a great resource for anyone who wants to be better able to support others. We all encounter people dealing with these conditions, and it’s a comfort to feel better prepared to support a friend who is grieving or depressed.
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review. Because I have not seen the final published version, I cannot comment on the final editing and formatting. The ARC was well-written and neatly formatted; I don’t recall noticing any proofreading errors.
November 8, 2018
I won this book through Goodreads.
An excellent book that will improve your skills in helping others.
An excellent book that will improve your skills in helping others.
June 27, 2018
If you are employed in the field of counseling or psychotherapy, then, this is the perfect reference book to have sitting on a nearby shelf. Enns has edited and included the work of experts in the field, to include case histories and suggested therapeutic modes and modalities.
Surely, there are times during one's professional life when all it would take to turn someone around is a specific word, phrase or exercise? Counseling Insights includes a nice sampling of these. This would make for an excellent text book.
Surely, there are times during one's professional life when all it would take to turn someone around is a specific word, phrase or exercise? Counseling Insights includes a nice sampling of these. This would make for an excellent text book.
October 14, 2018
I won this ebook for free through Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you to Goodreads, Vicki Enns, and Achieve Publishing for a copy. As always, an honest review from me.
The book’s summary is very close to the title. A book to help, mainly therapists or health professionals help their clients through different aspects of life. The book covers depression, anxiety, self injury, suicidal thoughts, trauma, substance use, LGBT2SQ+, grief and more.
Each chapter starts with an in depth explanation of the topic and potential struggles a person may deal with. Then 2-3 example patients are introduced with their unique stories, as they relate to the topic at hand. The rest of the chapter alternates between giving information and then partial example sessions with the patients to demonstrate the information being applied. I found this to be very helpful. Also each chapter was written by a different professional in the field. Based on the summary I thought the book would apply more to me, as the caregiver of a family member. While incredibly interesting and informative, I’m probably not the intended audience. Psychology students, mental health professionals and even others who work with these patient populations would probably benefit from this informative book.
I would like to point out that the section on self injury is very insightful. From my experiences in psychology courses in college, many times the information is glossed over quickly or out dated. Not so in this book. A great resource for people looking for accurate information on the topic of self injury.
Overall, a very informative, user friendly book about a variety of mental health topics. Perfect for those in the field looking for additional information.
The book’s summary is very close to the title. A book to help, mainly therapists or health professionals help their clients through different aspects of life. The book covers depression, anxiety, self injury, suicidal thoughts, trauma, substance use, LGBT2SQ+, grief and more.
Each chapter starts with an in depth explanation of the topic and potential struggles a person may deal with. Then 2-3 example patients are introduced with their unique stories, as they relate to the topic at hand. The rest of the chapter alternates between giving information and then partial example sessions with the patients to demonstrate the information being applied. I found this to be very helpful. Also each chapter was written by a different professional in the field. Based on the summary I thought the book would apply more to me, as the caregiver of a family member. While incredibly interesting and informative, I’m probably not the intended audience. Psychology students, mental health professionals and even others who work with these patient populations would probably benefit from this informative book.
I would like to point out that the section on self injury is very insightful. From my experiences in psychology courses in college, many times the information is glossed over quickly or out dated. Not so in this book. A great resource for people looking for accurate information on the topic of self injury.
Overall, a very informative, user friendly book about a variety of mental health topics. Perfect for those in the field looking for additional information.
August 15, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this book. The mix of practical strategies, and sample stories based on the authors' counseling experiences made this book a useful and relatable read. Additionally, each chapter had a distinct voice and writing style, making it easy to differentiate between topics, but also giving a wider variety of strategies than could be found in a single author title.
I would recommend this book to anyone in the mental health fields, whether formal counselor or not.
I would recommend this book to anyone in the mental health fields, whether formal counselor or not.
August 16, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
As a high school teacher, this is a very helpful book! It offers insights into how to support people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. Intended primarily for social workers and mental health professionals, but I think this book would beneficial for providing strategies for all people, especially educators. Each author tackles a different subject, and they each provide case studies and strategies. The end of the book describes various activities to help others, along with a glossary of the terms used in the book.
As a high school teacher, this is a very helpful book! It offers insights into how to support people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. Intended primarily for social workers and mental health professionals, but I think this book would beneficial for providing strategies for all people, especially educators. Each author tackles a different subject, and they each provide case studies and strategies. The end of the book describes various activities to help others, along with a glossary of the terms used in the book.
September 17, 2018
I was waffling between three stars and four stars, but went with four because this book could be a good reference. This book is designed for people helping those of us with issues, not necessarily as a guide for those of us with issues. As such, it has examples of how various techniques and strategies can help individuals and also reminds the reader that there is no one perfect strategy.
I do wish the book had been set up a little differently.
I received a copy of this book for free.
I do wish the book had been set up a little differently.
I received a copy of this book for free.
October 12, 2018
Great book for understanding a while variety of problems. It is a very good resource for counselors. I really like the case examples. The authors went into great detail with helping each client. This book could possible be a good fit for some clients. I found this book to a very practical and helpful resource. This ebook was part of goodreads giveaway. However, the opinions expressed here are my own.
October 9, 2018
I won this Kindle ebook from Goodreads Giveaways.
This is an excellent resource for therapists when working with a variety of issues with clients. The contributing therapists give helpful and concrete ideas that are easily implemented in the therapy room. The resources at the end of the book are excellent. Kudos to Enns and the other contributing professionals for creating this resource.
This is an excellent resource for therapists when working with a variety of issues with clients. The contributing therapists give helpful and concrete ideas that are easily implemented in the therapy room. The resources at the end of the book are excellent. Kudos to Enns and the other contributing professionals for creating this resource.
November 6, 2018
A quick overview of this text shows that this may help me with my Anxiety and trauma. I have looked at many such self help books but this is more down to earth discussing a different mental health issue in each chapter. It is easy to use and provides a way to build upon smaller steps.
Timely, useful, easy to read and apply. Great case studies.
Timely, useful, easy to read and apply. Great case studies.
September 13, 2018
This book is a great tool to have. I feel as this book is not only written for therapists but also for the general public. There is not a lot of jargon and has some great insight. I will definitely look for more work from this author.
October 15, 2018
I am a Clinical Psych graduate and I am so happy I won this book! It is so well written and insightful. I know the information definitely will be useful when I start working as a counselor soon! Thank you so much to the authors and goodreads!
October 25, 2018
My sister is bipolar and has recently had a mixed mania episode so this book helped quite a bit with the day to day isses we faced. I'd recommend this book to others who need some insight with heloong others going through similar experiences.
November 28, 2018
Ok
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. It was not quite what I expected. It was written for practicing counselors and staff. However, I did get some good tips for some of the topics and the exercises in the back were helpful.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. It was not quite what I expected. It was written for practicing counselors and staff. However, I did get some good tips for some of the topics and the exercises in the back were helpful.
December 12, 2018
This is a helpful guide about a range of mental health topics. I graduated with a minor in psychology, so there wasn't much in the way of new information. However, it served as a good refresher. The case studies especially would have been helpful when I was doing social work.
November 8, 2018
Helpful
I think this is a book that belongs on my bookshelf so I can refer to it in times of need. Lots of helpful information, might be too much to take on all at once.
I think this is a book that belongs on my bookshelf so I can refer to it in times of need. Lots of helpful information, might be too much to take on all at once.
November 13, 2018
Great resource
This was a great resource with great case examples!! I liked having multiple perspectives as well to learn different aspects of counseling.
This was a great resource with great case examples!! I liked having multiple perspectives as well to learn different aspects of counseling.
January 9, 2019
very good and helpful.
October 21, 2020
A very strong resource for any helper. Offers great ideas for assessment and intervention and is written in a manner that instills hope in the helping professional.
April 25, 2021
Easy to read, straightforward practical guide. Seemed better suited to beginner practitioners.
December 6, 2020
I won this book in a Good Reads giveaway. This is a very useful book for anyone who wants to help another person deal with their prior trauma and current depression/anxiety. An expert in their field writes a different chapter in this book. Each chapter features fictional case studies and tips for helping them. These case studies in turn teach the reader how to help others deal with things. This is a great book to have on hand when certain situations come up in life or when you meet someone you want to help and connect with in the process. You can pick a chapter based on what the person is dealing with or read the whole book to get lots of ideas.
kindle
August 27, 2018This was a great guide for anyone that is looking for ways to assist those with mental illness or those suffering from it. I suffer from anxiety and took a lot of useful information away from this book!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews