• Are you an ordinary person whom other people come to because they know you will listen?
• Are you a pro in your own field, you were trained ages ago, or your main gig is not counseling, yet you find yourself doing so anyway?
• Do you find yourself listening to other people's stories and thinking: "What on earth should I say?"

If yes, this book is for you!

It does not take a boatload of fancy degrees and skills to help someone. It takes empathy and a few key skills!

• Reach people, draw them out, and help them explore their issues with easy-to-use listening techniques that can be helpful immediately, with tips on what not to do.
• Stop worrying about whether you might say the wrong words and make things worse.
• Feel confident that you know how to choose the best regional resources to refer someone who needs more help than you can give.
• Feel confident with user-friendly tools for supporting your loved ones, friends, colleagues, employees, neighbours, patients, parishioners or clients.
• Supervisors, HR people, and union reps can support an employee or colleague, resulting in satisfying work experiences and relationships.
• Professional helpers gain or renew skills that complement and contribute to the other services you offer.
• Informal helpers can feel confident that you can assist your community by filling a service gap effectively.
• Incorporate your new skills into your current job or volunteer position.

Help as if you were a pro! (or even more so!)