Developing Helping Skills: A Step-by-Step Approach to Competency, International Edition

Whether you are preparing for social work, psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, pastoral counseling, human services, or a related helping profession, this unique book offers the fundamental knowledge and skills sets you need. The authors' multilayered learning system integrates reading, discussion, observation and visualization, practice, and evaluation. Self-assessment, critical thinking, and practice play a central role in the book's presentation as the text prepares professionals in training for generalist practice with individuals, families, and groups, including entire communities and organizations. You begin by reading the text and completing the homework exercises that follow each new concept. You then view the accompanying DVD (available for purchase) to see how to apply the skills in practice effectively. The text's case-based approach helps you think like a professional with a continuing case that is introduced one section at a time. Finally, role playing in practice interviews and completing evaluation tools allow you to assess progress and determine your personal readiness to apply your skills within actual life settings.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. Section I: FOUNDATION. 1. Importance of Self Understanding. 2. Ways of Understanding and Perceiving Others. 3. Values, Ethics, and Legal Obligations. 4. Professionalism and Professional Relationships. Section II: BUILDING PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. 5. Developing Working Relationships. 6. Basic Interpersonal Skills. 7. Opening and Closing a Meeting. 8. Expressing Understanding. Section III: EXPLORING AND ASSESSING WITH CLIENTS. 9. Gaining Further Understanding. 10. Developing Deeper Understanding. Section IV: DEFINING THE FOCUS OF WORK. 11. Assessing Readiness and Motivation. 12. Identifying Key Problems or Challenges. 13. Establishing Goals. Section V: DOING, EVALUATING, AND ENDING THE WORK. 14. Taking Action. 15. Evaluating and Ending Professional Relationships. Appendix A: Practice Evaluation Scales. Appendix B: Overall Practice Evaluation Form. Glossary. References.

About the Author :
Carol L. Decker, Ph.D., MSW, MS, is an associate faculty member at Indiana University School of Social Work and an assistant research scientist at Indiana University School of Nursing. Her background includes experience in both education and medical social work practice. Her work focuses on intervention programs for cancer survivors of all ages and their families. She has published several journal articles and presented her work at national conferences. Sheryn T. Scott, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist, is Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Scott serves as the Chair of the Department of Graduate Psychology and is the former Director of Clinical Training. In addition to her experience as an educator, Dr. Scott draws on more than 35 years of experience as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. Her clinical work has focused on counseling those who have experienced interpersonal violence and developing interventions for those who are experiencing relationship difficulties. She is the co-author of another book with Valerie Nash Chang and has presented numerous papers, workshops, and posters at national and international conferences. Valerie Nash Chang, Ph.D., LCSW, LFMT, TSTA, is Emeritus Professor at Indiana University School of Social Work. An experienced professional as well as a respected educator, Dr. Chang has worked as clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. She has been recognized with numerous awards for teaching excellence, including Helen Lees Teaching Award, Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in Teaching, Teaching Excellence Recognition Award, Indiana University President's Award for Teaching Excellence, and Indiana University Trustee Teaching Award. Dr. Chang is the author of several books and has published many articles. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, where she offers expertise based on more than 40 years of working with individuals, couples, and families.

Review :
Introduction. Section I: FOUNDATION. 1. Importance of Self Understanding. 2. Ways of Understanding and Perceiving Others. 3. Values, Ethics, and Legal Obligations. 4. Professionalism and Professional Relationships. Section II: BUILDING PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. 5. Developing Working Relationships. 6. Basic Interpersonal Skills. 7. Opening and Closing a Meeting. 8. Expressing Understanding. Section III: EXPLORING AND ASSESSING WITH CLIENTS. 9. Gaining Further Understanding. 10. Developing Deeper Understanding. Section IV: DEFINING THE FOCUS OF WORK. 11. Assessing Readiness and Motivation. 12. Identifying Key Problems or Challenges. 13. Establishing Goals. Section V: DOING, EVALUATING, AND ENDING THE WORK. 14. Taking Action. 15. Evaluating and Ending Professional Relationships. Appendix A: Practice Evaluation Scales. Appendix B: Overall Practice Evaluation Form. Glossary. References.