Book excerpt: Written with a warm, engaging, and passionate spirit, the Third Edition of David R. Hutchinson’s The Essential Counselor comprehensively reveals the process of becoming a counselor from start to finish. Emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic alliance, this practical book provides budding and experienced counselors with real-world examples, reflection activities, and skill-building exercises that challenge and promote the critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in professional counseling environments. The fully updated Third Edition is rich with case studies and features video demonstrations of key skills needed when working with clients.