In this book, I analyze the dynamics of the helping relationship, explain the importance of trust, and outline what every potential helper needs to know in order to truly help, as well as what every person seeking help can do to facilitate the process. I now believe that the social and psychological dynamics of helping are always the same, whether it involves explaining directions to someone, coaching a leader, or caring for a sick spouse. Therefore, I present numerous examples from my personal and professional experience. I have received help in psychotherapy, through tennis lessons, and in countless other ways. I have helped as a husband, as a father of three children and a grandfather of seven grandchildren, as a teacher, and as a consultant for individual clients and organizations. Only when one recognizes the similarities among all these different situations can a comprehensive theory of helping be developed.