This is the first book to fully explore a collaborative, competency-based orientation to counseling and psychotherapy.

Based on 40 years of outcome research examining what works in therapy, this book introduces mental health professionals to numerous ways of collaborating with clients from assessment through intervention and termination. At each juncture, ideas are offered to illustrate how mental health professionals can promote the therapeutic relationship and facilitate positive change through respectful and effective practices.

The text also explores many important issues facing mental health professionals including brief therapy, psychiatric diagnosis, medication therapy, collaborating with larger systems, and working with mandated clients. These and other ideas presented in the text are illustrated through clear case examples, clinical vignettes, and stories.