45 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know

A user-friendly guide to essential counseling techniques and skills
Concise, yet thorough, 45 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know is designed to prepare students to enter their field with sound ideas for applying theory-based techniques to their counseling. Coverage of each technique starts with the presentation of the theoretical origins, then provides a step-by-step guide to implementation, and culminates with opportunities for application. Transcriptions, case examples, multicultural implications, and outcomes-based research demonstrate real-life application of how the techniques can be used in counseling practice. This indispensable resource provides hands-on help for working with clients from all backgrounds to create positive changes in their lives and meet their counseling goals.

The 3rd Edition features new case studies and application questions and five new techniques detailed in new chapters on Mindfulness Meditation (Ch. 17); Assigning Homework (Ch. 29); Narrative Theory (Ch. 43); Strengths-Based Counseling (Ch. 44); and Client Advocacy (Ch. 45).

Bradley T. Erford, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, LPC, LP, LSP, is a Past President of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and a professor in the school counseling program of the Education Specialties Department in the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland. He has authored or edited more than 30 books. His research specialization falls primarily in development and technical analysis of psycho-educational tests and outcomes research and has resulted in the publication of more than 60 refereed journal articles, more than 100 book chapters, and 15 published tests. He has received numerous awards for his scholarship and service to the counseling profession from ACA and the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC), organizations within which he has held numerous leadership positions.

Section 1: Techniques Based on Solution-Focused Brief Counseling Approaches  1. Scaling 
2. Exceptions 
3. Problem-Free Talk 
4. Miracle Question 
5. Flagging 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) 
17. Mindfulness Meditation
Section 5: Techniques Based on Humanistic-Phenomenological Approaches 
18. Self-Disclosure 
19. Confrontation 
20. Motivational Interviewing 
21. Strength Bombardment 
Section 6: Techniques Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches 
22. Self-Talk 
23. Reframing 
24. Thought Stopping 
25. Cognitive Restructuring 
26. Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): The ABCDEF Model and Rational-Emotive Imagery 
27. Systematic Desensitization 
28. Stress Inoculation Training 
Section 7: Techniques for Use Within and Between Sessions
29. Assigning Homework 
30. Bibliotherapy 
31. Journaling 
Section 8: Techniques Based on Social Learning Approaches 
32. Modeling 
33. Behavioral Rehearsal 
34. Role Play 
Section 9: Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches Using Positive Reinforcement 
35. Premack Principle 
36. Behavior Chart 
37. Token Economy 
38. Behavioral Contract 
Section 10: Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches Using Punishment 
39. Extinction 
40. Time Out 
41. Response Cost 
42. Overcorrection 
Section 11: Techniques Based on Emerging Approaches 
43. Narrative Therapy 
44. Strengths-based Approach
45. Client Advocacy