If you don't want to study counseling formally but do want to understand the basics thoroughly enough to be an effective everyday counselor, this is where you start. Step by step, we show you how to become a skilled helper in all the roles you play in life, personal and professional. The book draws on the work of Professor Gerard Egan, whose approach has been followed by trained counselors and therapists around the world for well over 40 years. We've distilled these time-tested principles and practices to their essence but without compromising on their authenticity. Simplified, yes, but never simplistic. The book introduces a fresh and easy-to-follow way of looking at the helping process, breaking it down into a series of nine conversations that each represent a critical step on a logical journey from problem to some life-enhancing outcome. This flexible, all-purpose approach is independent of any psychological theory and makes sense to everyone, regardless of background. In short, it feels natural, and with practice becomes second nature, providing you with a framework for helping yourself as well as others deal with the challenges of living. We describe the seven essential communication skills you need to have at your command when helping people to make beneficial decisions about their problems, issues and opportunities. Throughout, key concepts are supported with examples and structured exercises.