It is common and normal to feel anxiety about seeking help from a counselor for the first time. The purpose of this volume is to provide a detailed explanation of what the counselor says and does. Underlying principles of the counseling process are described, beginning with the personal history and proceeding to explore past and present issues and problems. Some key areas include approaches used to build and renew trust and safety throughout the counseling relationship, how painful experiences are explored, and how hope and confidence are strengthened as one moves toward leaving the counselor. The "Counseling Manual" is written as a discussion between an experienced counselor and counselors in training. You as the person seeking help, are eavesdropping as a third party and thereby privy to the inside story of how counselors are formed. While a primary benefit of the manual is to demystify counseling and remove it from the unknown to the known, another important goal is to provide a vehicle for self-awareness. Simply by reading this book, you will gain insight into yourself, seeing your experiences reflected and engaging in a mental process of traveling the path of healing and personal growth before or even as you are seeing a counselor. By knowing the process, you can willingly and consciously open yourself to self-healing in a way that enables you to approach life challenges in a healthy intentional way with renewed confidence in your ability to cope and thrive. Unresolved conflicts and losses in their many forms are common to the human experience. Learning from the distant and recent past and using the strengths already gained, are important for moving forward. Although the patterns of one's life may seem complicated and insurmountable, a grasp of this book will give you a sense of empowerment to rise above and beyond and even incorporate the past though not without taking safe risks to face challenges in new ways that extend the range of possibilities.