In Jacquelyn Small's book “Becoming Naturally Therapeutic: A Return to the True Essence of Helping,” I explored what it takes to be a truly helpful counselor. While I don't intend to pursue a career in consulting, his book touches on various topics that can be used by all individuals. Small provides his readers with a list of characteristics ranging from empathy to respect to self-actualization that are practically essential to becoming therapeutic. The book begins by stating that "ordinary people" offer better therapeutic help than professionals. In some ways, this fact is surprising because one might think that a trained professional is better equipped to advise people. However, there are various reasons why the above statement should not be shocking. For example, I can understand why an individual seeking help would be more reluctant to visit a licensed counselor. For starters, the general public has the preconception that going to therapy is like admitting you're "crazy." They also fear being analyzed. Therefore, people are more likely to enlist the help of a close friend because it is less intimidating. Also, when you share with your peers, they respond in a “normal” way rather than a theoretical way. By this I am referring to the use of all those theories and disorders that are learned in psychology courses. Next, Small explains how we can get used to letting our feelings interfere with patients' problems....