Helping is a book written by Edgar H. Schein, published in 1978. The book explores the concept of helping and how it can be applied in various fields such as psychology, education, and social work. The book is divided into three parts, each containing several chapters that discuss different aspects of helping.
Part I: The Nature of Helping
The first part of the book introduces the concept of helping and explores its various definitions. Schein argues that helping is not just about providing assistance but also about building relationships and creating a sense of community. He also discusses the different types of helping, such as instrumental helping and expressive helping, and how they can be used in different situations.
Chapter 1: The Concept of Helping
In the first chapter, Schein defines helping as any form of assistance provided by one person to another. He argues that helping is not just about providing tangible assistance but also about building relationships and creating a sense of community. Schein also discusses the different types of helping, such as instrumental helping and expressive helping, and how they can be used in different situations.
Chapter 2: The Nature of Helping Relationships
In the second chapter, Schein explores the nature of helping relationships. He argues that helping relationships are characterized by a sense of mutuality, where both parties feel that they are contributing to the relationship. Schein also discusses the importance of trust and respect in helping relationships and how they can be fostered.
Chapter 3: The Helper’s Role
In the third chapter, Schein discusses the role of the helper in helping relationships. He argues that the helper must be able to balance the needs of the person being helped with the needs of the helper. Schein also discusses the importance of empathy and active listening in helping relationships and how they can be used to build trust and respect.
Part II: The Process of Helping
The second part of the book explores the process of helping and how it can be applied in different fields. Schein discusses the different stages of helping, such as assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, and how they can be used to create effective helping relationships.
Chapter 4: Assessment
In the fourth chapter, Schein discusses the assessment stage of helping. He argues that assessment is an important part of helping relationships and that it involves gathering information about the person being helped and their situation. Schein also discusses the importance of active listening and empathy in the assessment stage and how they can be used to build trust and respect.
Chapter 5: Planning
In the fifth chapter, Schein discusses the planning stage of helping. He argues that planning involves developing a plan of action that takes into account the needs and goals of the person being helped. Schein also discusses the importance of collaboration and communication in the planning stage and how they can be used to create effective helping relationships.
Chapter 6: Implementation
In the sixth chapter, Schein discusses the implementation stage of helping. He argues that implementation involves putting the plan of action into practice and that it requires careful attention to detail and effective communication. Schein also discusses the importance of feedback and evaluation in the implementation stage and how they can be used to create effective helping relationships.
Part III: Helping in Different Settings
The final part of the book explores how helping can be applied in different settings, such as schools, hospitals, and social service organizations. Schein discusses the different challenges and opportunities of helping in these settings and how they can be addressed.
Chapter 7: Helping in Schools
In the seventh chapter, Schein discusses helping in schools. He argues that schools provide a unique opportunity for helping relationships and that they can be used to build trust and respect between teachers and students. Schein also discusses the importance of collaboration and communication in schools and how they can be used to create effective helping relationships.
Chapter 8: Helping in Hospitals
In the eighth chapter, Schein discusses helping in hospitals. He argues that hospitals provide a unique opportunity for helping relationships and that they can be used to build trust and respect between patients and healthcare providers. Schein also discusses the importance of active listening and empathy in hospitals and how they can be used to create effective helping relationships.
Chapter 9: Helping in Social Service Organizations
In the ninth chapter, Schein discusses helping in social service organizations. He argues that social service organizations provide a unique opportunity for helping relationships and that they can be used to build trust and respect between clients and service providers. Schein also discusses the importance of collaboration and communication in social service organizations and how they can be used to create effective helping relationships.
Conclusion
Overall, Helping by Edgar H. Schein is a comprehensive guide to helping relationships and how they can be applied in different settings. The book provides valuable insights into the nature of helping, the process of helping, and the challenges and opportunities of helping in different settings. Whether you are a teacher, healthcare provider, or social worker, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in helping relationships and how they can be used to create positive change.
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