Individual Counseling and Therapy

Mei-whei Chen is an award-winning senior professor at Northeastern Illinois University and a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Illinois. She is also the author of Group Leadership Skills.Zachary D. Bloom is an award-winning associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University. He is also a licensed clinical professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Illinois.

"Readers will be inspired by this innovative and absorbing textbook. It is written in a way that addresses new counselors' questions and fears and helps make sense of the process. This book rises above traditional basic-skills texts by contextualizing foundational and advanced counseling techniques within the therapeutic relationship, theoretical frameworks, change models, and neurobiology. This holistic approach bridges the art and science of counseling in a thoughtful, research-based, and accessible way."Paulina Flasch, PhD, LPC, LMFT, associate professor of professional counseling, Texas State University“This book is valuable for the novice counselor and the continually developing clinician. It encompasses foundational concepts while at the same time offering pointed cases, skills, and techniques to support both beginners and advanced counselors. The text provides various opportunities for the individual to delve deeper into what it means to be a mental health professional while offering the resourceful tools to align with that intention.”Shainna Ali, PhD, LMHC, NCC, host of The Mental Wellness Practice podcast“Individual Counseling and Therapy is a precious source of practical know-how for counselors and therapists. It offers comprehensive, up to date, and essential skills and techniques that are crucial for mental health professionals. This book is a must-have for anyone in the field, providing practical mentorship and insights into the path to successful therapeutic practice.”Jia Rung Wu, PhD, LCPC, associate professor of counselor education, Northeastern Illinois University

• 1. Theoretical Framework 2. Common Therapeutic Factors 3. Taking the Plunge—Preparing to Become a Therapist 4. Empathic Responding Skills—The Skills of Building Connection 5. Probing Skills 6. How to Conduct the Intake Interview 7. Dealing with Difficult Scenarios in Counseling and Therapy 8. Basic Intervention Techniques 9. Influencing Skills 10. Advanced Intervention Techniques 11. Termination Skills 12. Counseling Persons with Special Needs 13. Counseling Persons with Diverse and Multicultural Backgrounds 14. The Journey Forward—Into the World of Clinical Practice