4th Edition

What Therapists Say and Why They Say It Effective Therapeutic Responses and Techniques

By Bill McHenry, Jim McHenry Copyright 2026
230 Pages
by Routledge

230 Pages
by Routledge

230 Pages
by Routledge

What Therapists Say and Why They Say It , 4 th ed, is one of the most practical and flexible books available to counseling students and professionals. The new edition includes several new techniques, as well as a robust section on the use of AI in counseling, continued expansion of telehealth counseling, and the use of robots and holograms in the counseling process. Transcripts show how to... Read more

1. Welcome  2. Pragmatic Therapy  3. The Reflecting Pool  4. The Questioning Tree  5. The Framework  6. Looking for Clear Skies  7. Chasing Down Mirages  8. The Supply Line  9. Therapist's Actions  10. Pure Imagination  11. Waves in Motion  12. Abandoned Mine Shaft  13. Comprehensive Transcript  14. Intertwined Interventions  15. Practice Exercises   Annotated References

Biography

Bill McHenry, PhD, LPC-S, is a professor of counselor education at St. Edward’s University. He has served as a counselor educator for 20 years.

Jim McHenry, EdD, was a professor at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for 32 years and is now a semiretired professor emeritus.

"In What Therapists Say and Why They Say It, McHenry and McHenry offer readers a comprehensive, transtheoretical reference book of commonly used therapeutic techniques. Their own extensive clinical experience informs an insightful awareness and description of effective therapy. Most impressive is the evidence of the authors' deep understanding of the therapy process in concert with a pragmatic style of writing that will be completely accessible, and immensely useful, to novice therapists. A great review for a more seasoned clinician as well."

Kathryn MacCluskie, EdD, professor of counselor education at Cleveland State University and a practicing psychologist

"This book is an exceptional introduction to the theory and practice of counseling. It’s written with an engaging voice that students will appreciate, and I'm particularly impressed with the authors’ inclusion of specific techniques for helping clients perceive unrecognized strengths and assets as a way to craft a more empowering life story."

Don Redmond, PhD, CRC, LPC, professor of counseling at Mercer University and director of the Center for the Study of Narrative at Penfield College of Mercer University