Through the use of autobiographical vignettes, Dr. Gladding shares his experiences as one of the field's leaders. His personal experiences reflect universal themes in becoming a helping professional, and both novice and seasoned counselors will benefit from his knowledge, skill, and the wisdom drawn from more than 30 years in the profession. Topics addressed include personal growth; finding what works and learning from failure; basic skills and counseling processes; creativity in counseling; multicultural and spiritual considerations; the influences of colleagues, friends, and family; working with groups and families; professional development; leadership; and termination. Each section of the book contains Points to Ponder to facilitate classroom discussion and personal reflection.