This practical handbook for supportive professions is a very user-friendly and easily understandable guide for both experienced and novice professionals.

This book includes the necessary steps during the important first meeting with the client. The authors address the professional's responsibilities during the initial interview, providing an overview of what the therapeutic/counseling process entails and what one can expect from clients, both those who come voluntarily and those who are referred against their will for help.

The book also covers the essential practical topics of therapy/counseling intervention, such as the role of counselor-client, the physical setting, communication dynamics, assessment and diagnosis, record-keeping, goals and contracts, and the establishment of trust.

Separate chapters of the book address specific topics, such as working with couples and families, the role of culture and ethnicity, the timing and manner of referring clients with serious problems, as well as legal and ethical issues.

Although the book is quite general for use by various professionals, the authors pay particular attention to specialized intervention and support institutions, such as child protection services, crisis intervention services, and behavior correction services.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]