This introductory text provides an excellent overview of the history and foundational concepts of counseling, including the importance of the helping relationship, basic skills, requirements for working in specific settings, legal aspects, and working with special populations. The 6th edition brings the text in line with the 2009 CACREP standards, giving students a solid knowledge base from which they can launch a successful program of study, begin preparing for the NCE and exit exams, and look ahead to a meaningful career in the field. New chapters on Self-Care and Self-Growth, Individual Counseling, Diagnosis and Treatment, Addictions Counseling, and Student Affairs and College Counseling are added to thoroughly revised and updated chapters from the previous edition.