Basic Counseling Techniques: A Beginning Therapist's Toolkit

by Wayne Perry

“Yes, I know what the theory says, but what do I do with that client?”  That is a question Dr. Wayne Perry often hears as he works with beginning counselors or therapists.  It is the question Basic Counseling Techniques seeks to answer.  Born out of Dr. Perry’s more than twenty-years’ experience training marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and pastoral counselors, this book skips the theory and goes right for the practical application. 
 
Students in counseling or therapy training programs will find Basic Counseling Techniques an essential part of their studies.  This textbook beings by providing practical suggestions for setting up the therapy room, using audio-visual recording equipment, and conducting those first critical interviews.  Nine chapters provide the basic steps to actually applying nine different sets of clinical tools, and guidelines for selecting the appropriate tool for the appropriate clinical situation.  This second edition also includes an entire chapter on the clinical thinking process, which can help beginning therapists sort through the myriad of options and select the “right” therapy for a particular client.  That makes this textbook unique in the field.  Each of the chapters concludes with a “Living Into the Lesson” section to give the reader experiential exercises to apply that chapter’s skills.

Genres: School, Psychology

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2008

Reviews

[John Stinebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for all of you counselors out there. this book was written by a great teacher and mentor of mine. it is one of the most useful practical resources I have read. it is a realistic look at all of the steps needed to begin, continue and then finish therapy. Additionally questions for professional growth are included. Give it a read, and thanks to Wayne Perry for the excellent resource!

[Kristy Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Basic Counseling Techniques: A Beginning Therapist’s Toolkit” is an invaluable resource for aspiring counselors and therapists. Authored by seasoned professionals in the field, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to the fundamental skills required for effective counseling.

The book is meticulously organized, making it easy for readers to follow and understand the material. It covers a wide range of essential topics, including building rapport, active listening, empathy, and the various stages of the counseling process. Each technique is explained clearly and concisely, with practical examples and case studies that illustrate how these skills can be applied in real-world scenarios.

One of the standout features of this book is its focus on practical application. Each chapter includes exercises and activities designed to help readers practice and refine their skills. This hands-on approach ensures that readers are not only learning the theory behind each technique but also gaining the confidence to implement them in their practice.

The authors also provide valuable insights into the common challenges and pitfalls that beginning therapists may encounter. Their guidance on how to navigate these obstacles is both practical and encouraging, helping readers to develop resilience and self-assurance in their counseling practice.

“Basic Counseling Techniques” is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on cultural competence and ethical considerations. The authors stress the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients, providing strategies for building an inclusive and respectful therapeutic environment. Ethical dilemmas are addressed thoughtfully, with clear guidelines on how to maintain professionalism and integrity.

The book’s user-friendly format, with its clear headings, bullet points, and summary sections, makes it an excellent reference tool that readers can return to as they progress in their careers. The inclusion of reflective questions at the end of each chapter encourages readers to think critically about their own practice and areas for improvement.

Overall, “Basic Counseling Techniques: A Beginning Therapist’s Toolkit” is an essential read for anyone embarking on a career in counseling or therapy. Its blend of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and professional insights provides a solid foundation for developing the skills and confidence needed to become an effective and compassionate therapist. This book is a must-have addition to the library of any beginning therapist.

[Blueink Review]

University professor and marriage and family therapist Wayne Perry brings practical wisdom gleaned from more than 40 combined years of learning, practicing, teaching, and supervising therapy to students and practitioners in this excellent textbook.

Perry focuses on the practical application and integration of different therapy skills in determining the best course of action for a client using the Metasystems Model, which regards the client as an individual in context with his/her family, culture, and social relationships. After explaining the Metasystems Model, the author covers the fundamentals of therapy: interviewing clients, structuring counseling sessions, mastering the processing and administrative skills needed for a counseling business.

Along the way, he explores a variety of theories and approaches—including cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, functional mapping, and interventions—their pros and cons, and, most importantly, how to practically apply them, since knowing what, when and how to integrate a therapy skill is based on each client’s individual makeup (as determined from the Metasystems Model).

Throughout, the author employs “Counselor Schmooze” as a sample therapist who engages in dialogues with clients to illustrate various points. The moniker adds a touch of humor to serious subjects.

Each of Perry’s chapters ends with “Living Into the Lesson”—a practicum that suggests homework designed to help readers master the material. For instance: “Discuss with at least one other person: What constitutes a ‘failure’ in therapy?”

Seldom does one find a textbook written in such an easy-to-read manner that’s applicable to both students and veteran therapists. In a clear, often humorous, writing style, Perry offers depth and practicality, with plentiful illustrations to underscore his points. (One small misstep: The excellent chapter on integrating technology overlooks the importance of including a Privacy Policy/Terms and Conditions page on a website—a very minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding book.)

Written for students and life-long learners, this book would be a valuable addition to the academic library of any therapist, counselor, life coach, or pastoral counselor.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a course textbook and had good information on basic counseling techniques. I liked the dialogue between counselor and clients but it left me wanting more information about eradicating the problem. Perhaps another course and textbook will have that information.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic introduction. Good with Susan Bender - Becoming a Therapist