This volume seeks to answer the basic question "What does a counselor or therapist need to know in order to become a Licensed Professional Counselor?" Containing all the basic information that is taught in the counseling and therapy classes in major universities across the United States, this book places a special emphasis on those courses which contain content found on the National Counselor Exam. A well-organized study guide, it encompasses the coursework master's-level students are expected to know in order to graduate. Chapters on how to take counseling exams and how to write research papers are included, along with a special chapter which gives definitions of the many terms used in today's counseling professions. "The Counseling Primer" provides detailed information on a variety of topics: theories, group work, family counseling, diagnosing, use of tests and statistics, licensure, ethical and legal issues, lifespan issues, human sexuality, multicultural counseling, spiritual issues, consulting, and the history of the profession. The book is designed for every counseling student and is a handy resource tool for established mental health professionals. It will also be a helpful guide for lay counselors, allowing quick reference to the varieties of theories and practical applications used in today's psychotherapy. (Contains 242 references.) (GCP)