This book is designed to help students in the mental health professions, as well as clinicians, to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to develop competence in the conceptual skills of their profession. Written by a well-known author who is an educator as well as a practicing clinician, this book teaches the conceptual skills that mental health professionals need to understand their clients; to develop sound ideas about the cause, nature, and purpose of their clients'difficulties; and to craft a treatment plan that is likely to be effective. Skills are organized into a readily comprehensible structure and are grouped by their primary focus (background, emotions, thoughts, or actions), thus clearly linking theory and practice. Important skills presented in this book include developing a sound therapeutic alliance, case conceptualization, assessment, becoming competent in diagnosis and treatment planning, and addressing transference and countertransference. Written exercises, discussion questions, group role-plays, personal journal questions, and many examples facilitate learning and application.