Book Being Reviewed:
Benjamin, A. (1981). The helping interview. MI, USA: Houghton Mifflin.

Reviewer:
Rebekah Byrd

Genre:
Memoir/Biography

Subject Headings:
Introduction to Interviewing, Counseling and Clinical Issues, Aspects of the Helping Relationship, Personal Stories and reflections as a Counselor

Review:
Alfred Benjamin writes in a reflective, easy to read, personal manner as he presents a wealth of information related to counseling and the helping relationship. Topics range from conditions of the counseling room all the way to discussions of ethics. He draws from years of experience and shares many stories to relay his message and lessons learned all the while asking you, the reader, to consider your own thoughts and ideas. Even though there are many beliefs in the book that I do not share, I greatly appreciate Benjamin’s presentation of information and the ability to think it over for myself. The Helping Interview is also a resource for rich discussions on many topics. This text includes questions, activities, and a supplementary reading list.

I read this book in one of my very first counseling classes. I truly enjoyed the personal reflection and the many class discussions that resulted from having read this book. The manner in which topics are presented in The Helping Interview in addition to how Benjamin discussed his thoughts, asked me to thoroughly examine my own. Years later, The Helping Interview is still accomplishing this task. I turn to this book not only for self knowledge and gentle reminders, but to strengthen my clinical skills as well. It has also been useful in supervision. The Helping Interview is a great tool to use in beginning counseling courses and as a supplement text to practicum and internship as it presents scenarios useful for teaching and learning.

Originally posted on 12/21/2009 at csi-net.org