40 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know

Bradley T. Erford, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, LPC, LP, LSP, is a Past President of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and a professor in the school counseling program of the Education Specialties Department in the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland. He has authored or edited more than 30 books. His research specialization falls primarily in development and technical analysis of psycho-educational tests and outcomes research and has resulted in the publication of more than 60 refereed journal articles, more than 100 book chapters, and 15 published tests. He has received numerous awards for his scholarship and service to the counseling profession from ACA and the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC), organizations within which he has held numerous leadership positions.  

Brief Table of Contents

Section 1  Techniques Based on Solution-Focused Brief Counseling Approaches




Chapter 1: Scaling


Chapter 2: Exceptions
Chapter 3: Problem-Free Talk
Chapter 4: Miracle Question
Chapter 5: Flagging the Minefield

Section 2  Techniques Based Upon Adlerian or Psychodynamic Approaches




Chapter 6: I-Messages


Chapter 7: Acting As If
Chapter 8: Spitting in the Soup Chapter 9: The Mutual Storytelling


Chapter 10: Paradoxical Intention

Section 3  Techniques Based on Gestalt and Psychodrama Principles






Chapter 11: Empty Chair


Chapter 12: Body Movement and Exaggeration  Chapter 13: Role Reversal     

Section 4  Techniques Based on Mindfulness Approaches 






Chapter 14: Visual/Guided Imagery  

Chapter 15: Deep Breathing  

Chapter 16: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT)    


Section 5  Techniques Based on Humanistic-Phenomenological Approaches


Chapter 17: Self-Disclosure  

Chapter 18: Challenging/Confrontation   Chapter 19: Motivational Interviewing  

Chapter 20: Strength Bombardment    

Section 6  Techniques Based on Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches




Chapter 21: Self-Talk  

Chapter 22: Reframing   Chapter 23: Thought Stopping  

Chapter 24: Cognitive Restructuring 
Chapter 25: Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): The ABCDEF Model and Rational Emotive Imagery  

Chapter 26: Bibliotherapy   Chapter 27: Journaling  

Chapter 28: Systematic Desensitization   Chapter 29: Stress Inoculation Training  


Section 7  Techniques Based on Social Learning Approaches




Chapter 30: Modeling


Chapter 31: Behavioral Rehearsal
Chapter 32: Role Play

Section 8  Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches Using Positive Reinforcement 


Chapter 33: Premack Principle


Chapter 34: Behavior Chart

Chapter 35: Token Economy


Chapter 36: Behavioral Contract

Section 9  Techniques Based on Behavioral Approaches Using Punishment 






Chapter 37: Extinction


Chapter 38: Time Out
Chapter 39: Response Cost Chapter 40: Overcorrection