COUNSELLING AND SKILLS
Counseling is:
The process that occurs when a client and counsellor set aside time in order
to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings
of the client.
The act of helping the client to see things more clearly, possibly from a
different view-point. This can enable the client to focus on feelings,
experiences or behaviour, with a goal to facilitating positive change.
A relationship of trust. Confidentiality is paramount to successful
counselling. Professional counsellors will usually explain their policy on
confidentiality, they may, however, be required by law to disclose
information if they believe that there is a risk to life.
Counseling is
not:
Giving advice.
Judgemental.
Attempting to sort out the problems of the client.
Expecting or encouraging a client to behave in a way in which the
counsellor may have behaved when confronted with a similar problem in
their own life.
Getting emotionally involved with the client.
Looking at a client’s problems from your own perspective, based on your own value
system.
Stages of the counselling process:
1. Initial Disclosure- Relationship Building,
2. In-depth Exploration – Problem Assessment
3. Commitment to action – Goal Setting
4. Couselling Intervention
5. Evaluation, Termination or Referral
1st Stage: Intial Disclosure – Relationship Building
The first step involves building a relationshp and focuses on engaging
clients to explore issue that directly affect them. The first interview is
important because the client is reading the verbal and nonverbal messages
and make inferences about the cou nsellor and the counselling situation. Is
the counsellor able to empathise with the client? Does the client view
the counsellor as genuine?
2nd stage: In-depth Exploration – Problem Assessment
While the counsellor and the client are in the process of establishing a
relationship, a second process is taking place, i.e. problem assessment. This
step involves the collection and clasification of information about the
client’s life situation and reasons for seeking counselling
3rd stage: Commitment to action – Goal Setting
Sometimes, you hear both counsellor and client complain that the
counselling session is going nowhere.This is where goals play an
