Fundamentals of the Helping Process

Book excerpt: Authoritative yet accessible, Fundamentals of the Helping Process, Second Edition, meets the training and skill-development needs of novice and experienced practitioners. The realm of professional helpers has grown to include community workers, educators, clergy, paraprofessionals, and peer counselors. Tapping the most recent research, Parsons introduces readers to theories, techniques, skills, and processes within a framework that prizes and respects unconditional valuing and carethe hallmarks of human helping. The latest edition includes discussions of a solution-focused approach, materials reflecting stage-based models of change, expanded coverage of the value and utility of theory as the framework of reflective practice, and Keystones of Helping, succinct reminders of each chapters main points. Engaging real-life cases demonstrate the applicability of key concepts, and interactive exercises animate skill development and personal reflection.