In this chapter, we have discussed how skills and theory work together within the therapeutic process. We talked about the fact that many theories have specific stages in their process, and that several writers have worked to create an eclectic model for working with clients. Finally, we examined our own model for conceptualizing the therapeutic process with four primary stages: beginning, conceptualization and understanding, action, and integration. These stages are broken down in the following chapters, which give more detail to help you work with clients more effectively.