Intentional Helping A Philosophy for Proficient Caring Relationships

Professional helping in the form of counseling, therapy, nursing, social work, and allied fields has moved beyond artful practice into the realm of science and skill. Research and literature now focus on specific skills, short-term therapy, and outcome-based research, thus furthering the development and efficacy of professional helping. At the same time, however, this emphasis on the technology of helping might persuade professionals to ignore the important role of humanistic beliefs and core conditions in the development of successful helping relationships. Intentional Helping: A Philosophy for Proficient Caring Relationshipsis a brief treatise about the purposeful integration of caring with appropriate knowledge and skill. It continues the tradition of Carl Rogers (A Way of Being,1980), Milton Mayeroff (On Caring,1971), Rollo May (Love and Will,1969), Eric Fromm (The Art of Loving,1963), William Purkey (Invitational Counseling,1996), and other writers who have promoted the act of caring as requisite to establishing healthy and helpful relationships. As such, this book is a philosophy that can guide counselors, social workers, and other helpers as they use their knowledge and skill for the utmost benefit of people who seek their assistance. Primarily written for counselors, clinical social workers, therapists, health care providers, and other professional helpers; this book may also be valuable to laypersons who volunteer their time and expertise in helping others. It is intended for students who are planning to enter the helping professions as well as for practitioners who want to reflect on the helping relationships they establish every day with students, clients, and patients.Intentional Helpingis not a comprehensive text on helping skills or theoretical approaches. Rather, it is a supplementary guide to the theories, skills, and knowledge that proficient helpers bring to every helping relationship. For this reason, the book is a brief presentation intended as a reflective discourse. Readers who want a more in-depth study about particular aspects of helping are encouraged to explore the references cited throughout the book. Intentional Helping: A Philosophy for Proficient Caring Relationshipsconsists of six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of caring, contending that it is an essential condition for helping. Three elements of intentional caring are explored: (1) the importance of knowing what it means to care, (2) knowing oneself; and (3) understanding people who seek assistance. Chapter 2 introduces the construct of intentionality and illustrates the interaction between a helper's intentions and degree of caring. This chapter highlights the importance of direction and purpose in helping relationships and advocates a balance of care so that both parties within a relationship receive adequate attention while maintaining a broader interest in the welfare of the group, institution, or society. The intentionality of the helper also encompasses the ability to encourage those seeking help, provide appropriate support, and persevere with difficult clients. Sometimes people who seek professional counseling staunchly protect their self-beliefs, although such beliefs risk failure or more tragic outcomes. At these times, an intentional helper's caring takes the form of perseverance and gentle persistence. Chapter 3 examines the prerequisites and structure of caring. First, it considers an understanding of human perception and how such understanding provides a foundation for caring. Second, it presents the fundamental belief that caring professionals use their knowledge and skill only for beneficial purposes. They understand that therapeutic knowledge and skill include an inherent responsibility to practice ethically--that is, always in the best interest of the individual and with a high respect for the welfare of the total group.Schmidt, John J. is the author of 'Intentional Helping A Philosophy for Proficient Caring Relationships', published 2001 under ISBN 9780130858450 and ISBN 0130858455.