Frequently described as the quintessential book for beginning helpers, The Skilled Helper has a worldwide reputation for its clarity, for its true-to-life examples, and, above all, for Egans delineation of an action-oriented three-stage model for helping. In this edition, the author offers a shorter, more concise text that is even more focused on facilitating client change.

Table of Contents

Building the helping relationship: values in action; A bias toward action. Basic communication skills for helping: Communication skills I: attending and listening; Communication skills II: basic empathy and probing. Stage I of the helping model and advanced communication skills. Stage I: helping clients identify and carify problem situations: Helping clients tell their stories; Helping clients challenge themselves; Communication skills III: skills and guidelines for effective challenging; Leverage - helping clients work on the right things. Helping clients develop programs for constructive change: Perspectives and skills for constructing a better future; A better future - what do you want? Choices and commitment; Strategies - what do clients need to do to get what they want? Best-fit strategies - what actions are best for the client? Making things work - helping clients get what they want and need.