This short, professional book for mental health counselors includes nineteen chapters and concludes with an interview with the author herself. It begins by looking at what such counseling is about and how it can help with things such as relationships, abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and coping with stress. It then discusses who is a mental health counselor. The book explains issues related to clients, such as building a relationship, one’s own organizational skills, ways to counsel, and various theories of counseling. Stress management, including seven steps to having less stress, such as utilizing goals, focusing on mind/body/heart/soul, and having personal boundaries, is explored. It looks at some challenges of the profession, such as poor pay and few resources, as well as how to start a private practice. Spirituality is also discussed for the client and for the counselor.

The book covers a lot of topics in short chapters. Examining these various aspects gives the reader a basic guide of what counseling is, who counsels, and the goals of the various professions that make up the basis of mental health counselors, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. The strongest chapters are on stress management, key concepts to survival in mental health, and spirituality. However, the information in some chapters is quite limited, and the book would benefit from professional editing. At times, it appears that the book is written for clients, and at other times, it is written for professionals. Overall, though, it may be a beneficial book for those just starting in the profession.

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