Interviewing for the Helping Professions: A Relational Approach

Conducting a successful professional interview is more than an exercise of technical skills. The specific approach an interviewer takes with any client should be informed by the interviewer's understanding of the client's needs and preferences exhibited within the developing relationship. Interviewing for the Helping Professions promotes a theory-driven, relational approach to professional interviewing across disciplines. The author's aim is to organically illustrate the theories and techniques of interviewing within the context of building and utilizing the therapeutic relationship.

The author uses example interviews to illustrate the variety of settings, clients, and issues interviewers encounter. Each interview is fully annotated with the theory and practice skills being exhibited. The emphasis on theory allows the reader to fully understand the underlying principles of interviewing, encouraging them to be present and in-the-moment with their clients. This comprehensive book is an indispensable resource for practice courses in counseling, human services, psychology, and social work programs.

Fred R. McKenzie (MSW, George Williams College, PhD, Loyola University) is director of the School of Social Work, and director of the Doctor of Social Work Program at Aurora University in Illinois. He has been a full-time faculty member at Aurora since 1991. Previously, Professor McKenzie served as associate director for clinical services at SPECTRUM Youth and Family Services and executive director of Barrington Youth Services. He has maintained a private practice for over thirty years. McKenzie is the author of Theory and Practice with Adolescents and Understanding and Managing the Therapeutic Relationship, both published by Lyceum Books.