The Heart of Counseling

Reviews / Votes

"The Heart of Counseling is one of the most important texts in counseling and psychotherapy in many years. The latest research in the field demonstrates that the therapeutic relationship is vital for success in counseling and psychotherapy. Jeffrey and Nancy Cochran's book is simply the best available for explaining how to build and maintain the therapeutic relationship throughout the course of counseling. It is filled with numerous examples and practical advice that make it a valuable text for counseling students, practicing counselors, and counselor educators."-Howard Kirschenbaum, EdD, author of The Life and Work of Carl Rogers and Values Clarification in Counseling and Psychotherapy

"This highly readable second edition of The Heart of Counseling solidifies its place as an icon in the professional counseling literature. With a strong scholarly base and an incredibly creative and hands-on presentation of counseling skills and concepts, and with a rich repertoire of counseling vignettes, the authors actively engage the reader in the learning process. I found that the book challenged me, encouraged me, and added to my continuing development as a counselor educator and as a professional counselor."-A. Scott McGowan, PhD, past editor of the Journal of Counseling and Development

"Research literature provides overwhelming evidence for the importance of the therapeutic relationship in all forms of psychotherapy. In the second edition of their excellent book, Cochran and Cochran continue to illuminate the intersection of science and art necessary for professionals to create healing relationships. Not only do they offer readers pragmatic guidelines for learning this foundational skill, but they also suggest contemplative exercises to encourage the equally important personal development that is key to integrating relationship knowledge and skill into a professional identity. The combination provides the best approach I know for students and professionals in any discipline to develop and strengthen their ability to build the kinds of relationships necessary for positive client growth and change. I look forward to using it with my students."-Michael M. Morgan, PhD, associate professor of counselor education and supervision at the University of Wyoming