Customer Reviews

Microskills and Theoretical Foundations for Professional Helpers

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If the book were focusing on therapist skills to a larger extent, wouldn't it be called "macro-skills?" I think the point of the text is to educate the helper in the 'micro' skills that can make the critical difference between a client feeling unsuited to therapy vs. supported in their endeavor for meaningful change. Those in the helping professions should be made aware of how their behaviors can--even at the micro level--affect client change and the shaping of client behaviors.

I was required to get this book for a Counseling Psychology course in college. The author writes as though you are having a conversation rather than typical analytical text, which I appreciate. The charts included in the text were very beneficial, in fact, I enlarged a few for my own personal use. This book will remain part of my permanent collection since it is designed for both new students and as a review for experienced counselors.

I think this book gives a good coverage of helping techniques which correspond with a specific school of thought. With all due respect to the author, I think it is too specific about the helpers behavior. I think the help should just be themselves to a larger extent. While many clients might be reassured by the behavior the book recommends. As a client I would find such behavior very suspect. If someone is masking their own natural behavior, the question arises as to what they are masking and why. I would be most suspicious about whether the helper is exaggerating their ability or interest in helping me. I also think it is important to get clients used to accepting help from those who are clearly different than them.