Gerard Egan : The Skilled Helper

Counselling

by admin | on March 10th, 2010 | 7 comments

Gerard Egan, PhD, is a Professor of Organisation Development and Psychology and author of The Skilled Helper. He has written over a dozen books, some in the field of counselling, including Interpersonal Living and People in Systems. The Skilled Helper is currently the most widely used counselling text in the world.

Most of the counselling work that Egan does takes place within a variety of organisations and institutions worldwide. He describes this work as his fourfold approach; consultant, coach, counsellor and confidant.

In the first Chapter of his book The Skilled Helper, Egan describes what helping is all about, including the positive and negative elements. He also addresses the issue of whether or not helping is for everyone.

In the second chapter we are introduced to the helping model, which Egan refers to as the Skilled Helper Model. You can read a detailed description of this model by clicking here.

The third chapter focuses on the value of respect, the culture of helping and the value of client empowerment, an important element of any counselling relationship.

Part two of the book (chapter four to six) describes the power of active listening, basic empathy techniques and the art of summarising.

Part three (chapter seven to twelve) deals with helping the client to tell their story, reluctance and resistance from the client and how to successfully challenge.

Part four (chapter thirteen to eighteen) focuses on discovering what the client really wants, and what they are willing to do to get there, and finishes by discussing strategies for achieving these goals.

I would recommend this book to anyone studying to be a counsellor, it is usually standard reading on counselling courses, or to experienced counsellors who are serious about taking their skills to the next level. You can purchase the book by clicking the The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management Approach to Helping to the left under ‘Links’.

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Comments (7)

Cynthia Ang Friday - 09 / 04 / 2010

According to Egan, becoming a “skilled helper” requires: a complete conceptual understanding of the process a strong foundation in psychological theories experience and practice a fully accredited training program What do you think the answer is? Despite warnings from her supervisor, Jane spent an unusual amount of time in counseling with Dave, an individual convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol several times, only to find that Dave never acknowledged his problem with drinking. Jane certainly: Failed to understand the “shadow side.” Didn’t possess much social intelligence Should have seen her ineffectiveness All of the responses for this item What do you think the answer is? The essence of Egan's book is a. providing helpers with an all inclusive model to help clients b. helping clients learn about problem avoidance and opportunity development. c. helping clients become better decision makers and more responsible "change agents." d. helping clients develop relationships that are positive and helpful. What do you think the answer is? Thanks so much Best regards, Cynthia
communication Thursday - 18 / 11 / 2010

Terrific, this information is exactly what I was searching for.
Petria Tuesday - 25 / 01 / 2011

I would like to know whether The Skilled Helper in already translated in Portuguese. If so, where can I order one. Petria

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