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45 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know, 3rd edition

Published by Pearson (January 28, 2019) © 2020

  • Bradley T. Erford Peabody College at Vanderbilt University

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Ideal for practicum, internship or an advanced or applied skills course.

A user-friendly guide to essential counseling techniques and skills

45 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know prepares students to apply theory-based techniques to their counseling. For each technique, author Bradley Erford explains the theoretical origins, provides guidance on implementation and offers opportunities for application. The text provides hands-on help for working with clients from all backgrounds to create positive changes in their lives.

The 3rd Edition includes new chapters on mindfulness meditation, assigning homework, narrative theory, strengths-based counseling and client advocacy.

Hallmark features of this title

  • The text explains 45 counseling techniques with multiple applications.
  • The diverse theoretical approaches from which these techniques are drawn include brief counseling; Adlerian or psychodynamic; gestalt; mindfulness; humanistic-phenomenological; social learning; cognitive; behavioral; and cognitive-behavioral.
  • Evidence-based outcome research on each technique helps counselors determine which techniques work best with particular populations.
  • Coverage of the origins, and often-used variations, of each technique familiarize counselors with the theoretical basis and the common variations for implementation.
  • The author explores the multicultural implications of applying each technique and approach to counseling clients from diverse cultures.

New and updated features of this title

  • NEW: New chapters in this edition provide the latest information on important emerging issues and techniques. The new chapters cover mindfulness meditation (Chapter 17), assigning homework (Chapter 29), narrative theory (Chapter 43), strengths-based counseling (Chapter 44) and client advocacy (Chapter 45).
  • NEW: A new section covers techniques that can help clients reach counseling goals outside of counseling sessions.
  • UPDATED: Transcripts, case examples and step-by-step descriptions of implementations of techniques help students bridge theory to practice. These provide actual demonstrations of each technique and familiarize students with possible client responses.
  • NEW: The 3rd Edition includes 5 new case studies.
  • NEW: Application Questions at the end of each chapter prompt students to apply the chapter techniques to the 5 brief case studies provided in the introduction or to 1 of their own clients.

Section 1: Techniques Based on Solution-Focused Brief Counseling Approaches

  1. Scaling
  2. Exceptions
  3. Problem-Free Talk
  4. Miracle Question
  5. Flagging the Minefield

Section 2: Techniques Based on Adlerian or Psychodynamic Approaches

  1. I-Messages
  2. Acting As If
  3. Spitting in the Soup
  4. Mutual Storytelling
  5. Paradoxical Intention

Section 3: Techniques Based on Gestalt and Psychodrama Principles

  1. Empty Chair
  2. Body Movement and Exaggeration
  3. Role Reversal

Section 4: Techniques Based on Mindfulness Approaches

  1. Visual/Guided Imagery
  2. Deep Breathing
  3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT)
  4. Mindfulness Meditation

Section 5: Techniques Based on Humanistic-Phenomenological Approaches

  1. Self-Disclosure
  2. Confrontation
  3. Motivational Interviewing
  4. Strength Bombardment

Section 6: Techniques Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches

  1. Self-Talk
  2. Reframing
  3. Thought Stopping
  4. Cognitive Restructuring
  5. Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): The ABCDEF Model and Rational-Emotive Imagery
  6. Systematic Desensitization
  7. Stress Inoculation Training

Section 7: Techniques for Use Within and Between Sessions

  1. Assigning Homework
  2. Bibliotherapy
  3. Journaling

Section 8: Techniques Based on Social Learning Approaches

  1. Modeling
  2. Behavioral Rehearsal
  3. Role Play

Section 9: Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches Using Positive Reinforcement

  1. Premack Principle
  2. Behavior Chart
  3. Token Economy
  4. Behavioral Contract

Section 10: Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches Using Punishment

  1. Extinction
  2. Time Out
  3. Response Cost
  4. Overcorrection

Section 11: Techniques Based on Emerging Approaches

  1. Narrative Therapy
  2. Strengths-based Approach
  3. Client Advocacy

About our authors

Bradley T. Erford, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, LPC, LP, LSP, is a Past President of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and a professor in the school counseling program of the Education Specialties Department in the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland. He has authored or edited more than 30 books. His research specialization falls primarily in development and technical analysis of psycho-educational tests and outcomes research and has resulted in the publication of more than 60 refereed journal articles, more than 100 book chapters and 15 published tests. He has received numerous awards for his scholarship and service to the counseling profession from ACA and the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC), organizations within which he has held numerous leadership positions.

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