Book excerpt: This skill-building primer provides a framework for understanding substance abuse and teaches the basic concepts and skills necessary for effective counseling of clients with substance use disorders. In Part I, Dr. Yalisove discusses counselor roles and the fundamental principles of substance abuse counseling. He then provides a synopsis of several key substance abuse theories as well as his own Building Session Goals and Strategies method and the Eight Stage Process of Counseling approach, all of which are practical, compatible means for learning and mastering clinical counseling skills. Part II illustrates applications of the tenets of these approaches in clinical situations-from beginning counseling sessions through termination-using experiential exercises, role-plays, and clinical scenario examples. Chapters on group work, counseling clients with dual disorders, family counseling, and working with diverse client populations follow. A helpful chapter on creating client treatment plans and writing clinical reports rounds out the book. Dr. Yalisove's clear and concise writing style and his practical approach to developing critical thinking and counseling skills makes this an ideal supplemental text for addictions courses.--Amazon.com.