Art and Science of Helping

Daniel G. Lannin, PhD, is an associate professor teaching helping skills. His research centers on empowering effective help-seeking and provision, with over 60 publications and multiple awards.Yi Du, PhD, LP, is a licensed psychologist in the state of California, specializing in multicultural counseling and psychological assessment. She has extensive experience in therapy and training.

“In The Art and Science of Helping, Lannin and Du have created a first-class resource crammed full of helpful insights and practical knowledge. Their writing is engaging, clear and accessible. The integration of multicultural considerations throughout the text is useful, inspiring, and free from polarizing polemics and laundry list of things to do. Readers will find their organization, recommendations, and activities instrumental for providing a clear pathway toward effective helping skills. This book will be a cornerstone of skill-building for years to come.”Nathaniel Wade, PhD, associate chair and professor of psychology at Iowa State University“This book is a much-needed addition to the introductory literature for helping professions. It is comprehensive yet accessible for the developing professional. While it explores the science and theory of what we know is effective, it also integrates the art of helping, which is often illusive. This book is an essential resource for all who are teaching or learning the basic skills of professional helping.”Diane L. Zosky, PhD, professor emeritus of social work, Illinois State University“With a delicate balance of empirical rigor and compassionate understanding, Drs. Lannin and Du highlight the nuanced dance between the science of psychology and the artistry of human connection. The authors synthesize relevant psychological theories from literature in a user friendly and sophisticated manner. The reflection questions presented in each chapter allow the reader the opportunity to identify how they might approach various situations and dilemmas. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or aspiring to go into the helping profession, this book will enrich your understanding of the therapeutic process (and your role in it). This is a must read for every future therapist.”Claytie Davis, III, PhD, ABPP, co-director of student mental health, University of California, Berkeley

• Part 1: Establishing: Skills for Building the Helping Relationship 1. The Art (and Science) of Helping 2. The Helper in Context 3. Beginning Well Part 2: Eliciting: Skills for Exploring Issues and Deepening Understandings 4. Connecting with Clients 5. Empathic Responsiveness 6. Attuning to Feelings and Emotions 7. Identifying New Ways of Understanding Part 3: Empowering: Skills for Facilitating Growth and Change 8. Understanding the Change Process 9. Empowering from Thought to Action 10. Setting Goals 11. Implementing and Striving 12. Monitoring Progress Part 4: Ending: Skills for Creating Closure 13. Saying Goodbye 14. Crises and Unique Circumstances 15. Making Sense of It All