Essential Interviewing and Counseling Skills

The only comprehensive interviewing and counseling text grounded in a strong multi-theoretical foundation

Structured around CACREP standards, Essential Interviewing and Counseling Skills Second Edition uniquely encompasses both theory and practice from the perspectives of a diverse array of theoretical schools and practice strategies. While continuing to disseminate counseling fundamentals, the second edition focuses extensively on the acquisition of robust interviewing and counseling skills including special preparation for the initial assessment and counseling session. It is also distinguished by its integration of cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy approaches. Throughout, the text emphasizes the importance of multicultural humility and a multicultural orientation to counseling-including challenging students to examine their own backgrounds and biases. This latest edition also addresses key aspects of telehealth that have come to the fore during the COVID pandemic.

The use of case examples throughout highlights multiple theoretical approaches and illustrates how to integrate a wide range of perspectives. With an emphasis on counseling clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, each chapter focuses on strategies for working with varied populations, with an emphasis on intersectionality. The authors consider many forms of diversity including race, ethnicity, immigration, and country of origin along with age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, language, and physical and cognitive abilities. Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers. Updates to the instructor's resources include an Instructor's Manual, Power Points and a new test bank.

New to the Second Edition:

• Includes a new chapter on Theoretical Integration of Approaches in Counseling


• New discussions on how to successfully use telehealth for interviewing and counseling


• Includes "Hot off the Press" boxes highlighting cutting edge research to inform strategies for counseling and professional development


• The entire text has been updated with the latest research and clinical references.

Key Features:

• Includes an emphasis on multicultural competence and humility throughout the text and features a "Spotlight on Culture" focusing on specific cultural considerations in each chapter

• Provides a balanced, integrated theoretical and practical approach to interviewing and counseling with a focus on skills development


• Discusses evidence-based practice, assessment, diagnosis, and when/how to end treatment


• Teaches the fundamental skills of empathy, active listening, treatment planning and developing a strong therapeutic alliance with the client