Essential Counseling Skills: Practice and Application Guide

Essential Counseling Skills: Practice and Application Guide offers practical, step-by-step guidance for developing and applying the skills necessary for careers in counseling. Using the metaphor of a professional journey, this guide provides commentary and background information throughout, as readers are directed in their development of such key counseling skills as empathy, building relationships, case conceptualization, and facilitating change. Deep reflection is further encouraged at every key stage through the integration of theory with a wealth of applied exercises and examples.

Sandy Magnuson received a Master’s degree in elementary school counseling at Southwest Missouri State University in 1983 and a doctorate degree in counselor education from the University of Alabama. After teaching in counselor education programs in Alabama, Texas, and Colorado, Dr. Magnuson returned to elementary school counseling at University Schools in Greeley, Colorado and retired in 2010. During her career as a counselor educator and school counselor, she was committed to active participation in school counseling organizations and her own continuing education and supervision. She also conducted research in the development of counselors across the professional lifespan and supervision of counselors. Dr. Magnuson authored over 60 articles that have been published in professional journals.

Ken Norem completed his master’s degree in counselor education at the University of Northern Iowa in 1963 and his doctorate from Iowa State University in 1978. Ken’s professional experiences include 5 years as a public high school teacher, 20 years as a school counselor, 24 years as a counselor educator and 20 years (part-time) in private practice and community mental health.  He coordinated counselor education programs at three universities. Since retiring, Ken has been actively involved in political activities and volunteering.