Problems caused by a teacher's inherent authority during writing conferences can be surmounted by bringing a counselor's approaches to structuring and conducting an interview with a client. First, the creation of an atmosphere of acceptance and trust is more important to the writing conference than specific teaching techniques. Second, characteristics of effective helpers must be identified, including helper empathy, helper warmth and caring, and helper regard and respect, as well openness and honesty. The helping process can be divided into six stages: (1) preparing and beginning, (2) clarifying, (3) structuring, (4) exploring (5) consolidating, and (6) planning and terminating. Finally, counselors must develop skills for listening and understanding, such as paraphrasing, perception checking, direct and indirect leading, interpreting, and summarizing. By becoming more conscious of what is involved in a helping relationship, teachers can enhance their writing conference skills. (Copies of first drafts and transcripts of the subsequent conferences are included.) (DF)