This manual introduces some of the essential principles of counseling. It is geared toward the training and education of those who have not had significant prior counseling experiences and is not comprehensive. These topics are discussed, focusing on basic, introductory material: (1) general principles of human behavior and motivation including Maslow's hierarchy; (2) interpersonal relations; (3) listening skills; (4) identifying feelings; (5) self-knowledge; (6) historic distrust and the counseling of American Indians and Alaska Natives; (7) depression; (8) suicide; (9) philosophy and methods of helping alcoholics and substance abusers; (10) spouse abuse; (11) sexually oriented problems; (12) rape; (13) how to handle cases, illustrated with sample cases and appropriate responses; (14) rules for a healthy fight including listening, problem identification and problem solving, anger, brevity, timing, running away, misunderstanding, third party, and responsibility; and (15) a description and use of the mental health commitment law. Lists of Alaska regional mental health programs are given. A reading list on general counseling topics, family involvement, substance abuse, sexuality, personal self-awareness, depression and loss, and recommended reading is provided. (ABL)