The Twenty-Minute Counselor: Transforming Brief Conversations into Effective Helping Experiences

by Charles H. Huber, Barbara A. Backlund

This book encourages setting achievable goals, putting them into action, rethinking dysfunctional thoughts, and working activley toward a happier and more satisfying life. It contains expert advice for anyone who counsels in short periods of time or "on the run"—perfect for school psychologists, social workers, hospital therapists, clergy, and relatives and friends.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Bret Legg]

Great book for any counselor-type that wants to do brief counseling from a solution focused vantage point.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't really need to know why the person is having the problem so much as what they can do differently. Most "different" things people try are nearly the same, so they don't work any better.

Activating Event -> rational and irrational beliefs -> emotional and behavioral consequences (Ellis)

People often start improving when they call for the appointment. Make a fuss about that, look at what worked, encourage more.

For weird stuff, try statements of puzzled curiosity. Ex. "Isn't it extraordinary how you seem to e able to see only one part of how you can function in this situation?" or "Isn't it odd how you can elicit from your partner only negative, monsterlike characteristics, whereas he seems to present only intelligent and humorous aspects to others?" --help them see other views, situation not all black and white