Recognizing that clients are unique and resourceful creators of their own realities, this hands-on guide promotes skills that help clinicians meet the demands of the current health care environment. Contributors representing a range of specialties demonstrate how they assist clients to achieve desired goals, using actual case examples that provide a vivid sense of what these noted authorities do and why they do it. Topics covered include enabling clients to draw on their own strengths and competencies; staying on track in brief therapy; asking solution-oriented questions; utilizing such techniques as role playing, reframing, story telling, acknowledgment humor, and encouragement in resolving conflict; helping clients access valuable resources that may have been compartmentalized as a result of physical or sexual abuse; supporting clients in freeing themselves from maladaptive patterns such as eating disorders; and more.  Note: This book was previously published in hardcover. See the hardcover listing for the original copyright date.