This book combines relevant theoretical insights and concrete communication skills necessary for effective counselling and coaching. The authors first explore the helper's basic attitude. Secondly, they discuss views from client-centred, cognitive behavioural and social learning theories that are important for good helping. Bridging theory and practice they describe the helper in four roles: confidant, communicative detective, teacher, and coach. The helper uses these roles within a three-stage helping model: problem clarification, gaining new insights and treatment of the problem. As a guide to counselling practice they describe the essential communications skills for each of these three stages. Many practical examples clarify the counsellor-client interaction which is discussed throughout the book.