Reaching Out: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Self-Actualization

What this book clearly demonstrates is that effective interpersonal skills are essential to the development and maintenance of any relationship - from family to friendship to work. That many of the personal and professional problems we experience everyday are the result of inadequate communication skills, lack of trust and self-disclosure, and inability to manage conflicts, anger, and stress.

Of special significance to more than half of the US population who report being shy, the author acknowledges the sometimes devastating impact of social fears on relationships and includes a section on working through shyness.

While the book is about skill building, it isn't just an exercise book. On the contrary, it smartly integrates psychological research data, theory, and exercises into a thought-provoking, readable volume. The approach is get-out-there-and-do-it experiential learning. Even though "Reaching Out" is an excellent text for classroom use, it is also very informative, practical, and useful for the self-help reader.

If you work with children or young adults this is a "must have" reference book. My first copy was the fourth edition and I continue to purchace new copies as the editions change. This book breaks down into basic teachable elements complex human interactional dimensions. If you do group work in any context you will benifit from its wisdom. I have used this book in public schools at all grade levels, in therapy groups and family sessions, college courses, and to assist teens with improved social relationships. Human services work benifits from the clear and complete presentation of facts.