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The Heart of Counseling: Practical Counseling Skills Through Therapeutic Relationships: Fourth Edition

Author(s) : Jeff L. Cochran, Author(s) : Nancy H. Cochran

Reviews and Endorsements

The latest research in the field continues to demonstrate that the therapeutic relationship is at least as important as techniques for success in counseling and psychotherapy. Jeff and Nancy Cochran’s The Heart of Counseling is the best available text on how to build and maintain a therapeutic relationship throughout the course of counseling. Its numerous examples and practical advice makes it a valuable resource 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

The Heart of Counseling has been my most trusted resource since I began teaching counseling skills. It combines conceptual depth with practical skill-building, supporting both the development of the therapeutic relationship and students’ professional identity. Its storied approach, emphasis on cultural humility, and engaging activities resonate with students—many share how much they enjoy the readings. With its clear, hands-on content, the textbook gives instructors a valuable tool for integrating person-centered teaching with a competency-based framework. It’s truly an essential resource for preparing future counselors.
Paula Lazarim, PhD, professor of practice in counselor education at Fairfield University

I highly recommend Jeff and Nancy Cochran’s The Heart of Counseling to colleagues teaching counseling foundations and skills, even if your theoretical orientation differs. While rooted in a person-centered model, the book provided a strong foundation for my early training of students. It clearly introduced core conditions like unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy, which are essential across all counseling approaches. Using this text allowed me to spend less time lecturing and more time engaging students in hands-on practice of reflections, active listening, and core skills vital to building an effective therapeutic relationship.
Myia Makupson, PhD, teaching assistant professor at West Virginia University