Developing Helping Skills : A Step-by-Step Approach to Competency

Whether you are preparing for social work, psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, pastoral counseling, human services, or a related helping profession, this book presents the fundamental knowledge and skills you need. The authors' multilayered learning system integrates reading and discussion with self-assessment and practice. DEVELOPING HELPING SKILLS prepares professionals in training for generalist practice with individuals, families, and groups, including entire communities and organizations. The text also includes a case that helps you learn to think like a professional. Finally, role playing in practice interviews as well as evaluation tools allow you to assess your progress and determine your readiness to apply your skills in real-life settings. If you use the MindTap online learning experience, you'll have access to videos demonstrating application of the skills, flashcards, notetaking, a mobile app, and other resources to help you succeed in the course.

Valerie Nash Chang, Ph.D., LCSW, LFMT, TSTA, is Emeritus Professor at Indiana University School of Social Work. An experienced professional as well as a respected educator, Dr. Chang has worked as clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. She has been recognized with numerous awards for teaching excellence, including the Helen Lees Teaching Award, Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in Teaching, Teaching Excellence Recognition Award, Indiana University President's Award for Teaching Excellence, and Indiana University Trustee Teaching Award. Dr. Chang is the author of several books and has published many articles. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, where she offers expertise based on more than 40 years of working with individuals, couples, and families and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Carol L. Decker, Ph.D., MSW, MS, is a retired associate faculty member at Indiana University School of Social Work and an assistant research scientist at Indiana University School of Nursing. Her background includes experience in both education and medical social work practice. Her work focuses on intervention programs for cancer survivors of all ages and their families. She has published several journal articles and presented her work at national conferences.

Sheryn T. Scott, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist, is Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Scott serves as the Chair of the Department of Graduate Psychology and is the former Director of Clinical Training. In addition to her experience as an educator, Dr. Scott draws on more than 35 years of experience as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. Her clinical work has focused on counseling those who have experienced interpersonal violence and developing interventions for those who are experiencing relationship difficulties. She is the co-author of another book with Valerie Nash Chang and has presented numerous papers, workshops, and posters at national and international conferences.