This comprehensive text focuses on communication, learning theories, and the practical application of therapeutic communication in various patient situations. This 2nd edition text presents in detail basic communication skills and approaches that are appropriate for use with all age groups. Chapters related to learning theories, the understanding of growth and development of each age group, and the recognition of defense mechanisms provide an awareness of the critical elements involved in therapeutic communication. The information in this revised version is clearly presented in a sequential manner that is easily transferred to real-life situations. Knowledge gleaned from this text is helpful in any allied health profession. A wide variety of client profiles and appropriate therapeutic responses are presented for stress, anger, suicide, depression, drug dependency, abuse, loss, grief, SAD and postpartum depression. (Defensive, depressed, abuse, health, Allied Health, communication, therapy, patient)