The manual 40 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know is an excellent aid in the hands of every counselor to methodically help the client manage the deadlocks they face, detach from biases, and enhance their quality of life.

Even the most gifted professional counselors, with their solid scientific training and years of experience, will benefit from a manual that has organized its material so systematically, methodically, and effectively, not to mention psychology students and beginner counselors.

Each of the 40 techniques is covered in a chapter. Initially, the origin of each technique is examined, followed by the methods of application and its variations, and then examples of the technique are provided, concluding with a section on the usefulness and evaluation of the technique.

Each technique has been selected for its usefulness and effectiveness in moving the client towards the agreed-upon goals, with specific immediate guidance on what applies each time to achieve that movement.

By establishing clear therapeutic goals from the outset, the prolific and esteemed Bradley T. Erford demonstrates the methods, strategies, and clever tricks that will unlock the defenses maintained by the client against the mental health professional, ultimately aiming for a significant therapeutic outcome.

Contents

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

1. Scaling

2. Exceptions

3. Discussion Independent of the Problem

4. The Miracle Question

5. Mapping the Minefield

Section 2: Techniques Based on Adlerian or Psychodynamic Approaches

6. "I-messages"

7. "Acting As If"

8. "Spitting in the Soup"

9. Mutual Storytelling

10. Paradoxical Intention

Section 3: Techniques Based on Gestalt and Psychodrama Principles

11. Empty Chair

12. Body Movement and Exaggeration

13. Role Reversal

Section 4: Techniques Based on Mindfulness Approaches

14. Visual/Guided Imagery

15. Deep Breathing

16. Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT)

Section 5: Techniques Based on Humanistic/Phenomenological Approaches

17. Self-Disclosure

18. Confrontation

19. Motivational Interviewing

20. Power Bombardment

Section 6: Techniques Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches

21. Self-Talk

22. Reframing

23. Thought Stopping

24. Cognitive Restructuring

25. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: The ABCDEF Model and Rational Emotive Imagery

26. Bibliotherapy

27. Journaling

28. Systematic Desensitization

29. Stress Inoculation Training

Section 7: Techniques Based on Social Learning Approaches

30. Modeling

31. Behavioral Rehearsal

32. Role-Playing

Section 8: Techniques Based on Behavioral Therapies Using Positive Reinforcement

33. Premack Principle

34. Behavior Chart

35. Token Economy

36. Behavioral Contract

Section 9: Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches that Use Punishment

37. Extinction

38. Isolation

39. Response Cost

40. Overcorrection

Conclusions

References