The Helping Process: An Introduction - Doug MacLean

Most people at some stage in their lives need professional help. First published in 1988, The Helping Process looks at the nature of the ‘helping process’. It argues that helping can often be destructive and misguided and that it must be based on clearly defined values and directed by well-researched knowledge and skills. It challenges, often through illustrations of cases, many of the values and assumptions directing helping behaviour and stresses the need for a high level of maturity and self-awareness in the helper.

The book describes the four main components of the process as the client seeking help, the person of the helper, the relationship between them which is the vehicle for change in the client, and the context, both in terms of family and work and of wider society and institutions. It emphasises throughout that helping is an intervention in the life of another and must be intentional, purposeful, and informed.