CHAPTER 4:
THE HELPING PROCESS
NOTE FROM AUTHORS
We believe that this chapter is an important one given our focus on “helping” as a
process with definite beginning, middle and ending stages. Understanding this process
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER
This chapter is dedicated to the many aspect of the ‘Helping Process’. Definitions
of ‘helping’ are presented along with the essential skills and characteristics needed to
be an effective helper. The importance of trust and rapport are touched upon as they
relate to establishing a helping relationship. The various approaches to helping are
KEY CONCEPTS AND TERMS
The Helping Process
Dimensions of Helping
Essential ‘Helping’ Skills and Characteristics
Establishing ‘Helping’ Relationships
Personal Helper Characteristics
Helper’s Growth Facilitator Characteristics
Rapport and Trust
The Importance of ‘Process’
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this chapter it is anticipated that the following goals and
objectives will have been met:
▪ Knowledgeable of the Helping Process including the dimensions of helping,
essential ‘helping’ skills and characteristics, and communication skills.
▪ Awareness of how to best establish ‘Helping’ Relationships
▪ Recognizes the importance of rapport and trust in helping relationships.
▪ Understands the importance of ‘Process’ in the helping relationship.
IDEAS FOR EXPERIENTIALLY INTRODUCING THE CHAPTER
1. The statement “Helping occurs as a process” is written on the board. Students are
then asked to identify what this means to them. They are further asked to consider
2. On 3 x 5 cards students are asked to identify what they believe are the key
ingredients to effective helping. Once cards are collected, they are tabulated and
3. Students are asked to share on a 3 x 5 card their perceptions of the helping process
CONCLUDING EXERCISES AND ROLE PLAYS
1. As a homework assignment, students are asked to document a scenario from their
fieldwork placement involving their interaction with either a supervisor, co-worker, or
2. The class is divided into four groups. The instructor provides each group with the
same case scenario to discuss. However, each group will have a different focus
topic as follows:
1. Biological Factors in Case
2. Psychological Factors in Case
3. As a class exercise, the class is asked to consider a specific case scenario from a
student’s fieldwork placement and:
(1) Identify how the Strength’s Perspective could be implemented into practice.
(2) Ask for volunteers to role play the situation in the case scenario in front of the
4. Case scenarios from the text (or from instructor or students) can be used in small
groups as springboards for role plays, discussions, debates, etc about the AGATE
IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION AND FURTHER THOUGHT
1. Students are asked to evaluate themselves as helpers in their placements by:
identifying which traits, characteristics and skills they possess that has facilitated
their ability to be effective helpers.
2. Students are challenged to begin looking at situations at work and/or personally from
a bio-psycho-social perspective. They may be asked to share any reactions by
engaging in such an exercise.
3. Students are encouraged to recall a personal experience with ‘loss’ and identify the
stages of grief they experienced. Was there a beginning, middle, and ending? Can
they identify a process they went through?
EXAM QUESTIONS
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Which of the following are considered dimensions of helping?
a. Client seeks help
2. Self-disclosure is appropriate when:
a. Helper discloses own problems in relations to clients’ issues
3. Mezzo practice involves
a. Working with individuals on one-to-one basis
4. As stated in the text, a comprehensive approach to assess an individual within their
environment takes into account which of the following three areas?
a. Neurological, psychological, community
b. Physical, mental, societal
5. Use of the Strengths Perspective is strongly advocated in the helping profession .
Below, which best describes the views of DeJong and Miller about this perspective?
d. Only some people and environments possess strengths
e. Client motivation is lessened by an emphasis on strengths.
6. The “E” in the AGATE Model to helping proposed by Alle-Corliss et al. Stands for:
a. Evaluation of Treatment
e. None of the above
SHORT ANSWERS
7. Describe the TFA Model and why it is important in understanding human behavior.
Also at which stage of the AGATE Model is it valuable to consider?
8. How would using the bio-psycho-social perspective be helpful in working with
clients?
9. How is the AGATE Model different from existing problem-solving models?
ESSAY QUESTION
10. Describe the stages of the AGATE Model as presented by the authors in the text.
Discuss how this model can be useful in helping others within the scope of human
services.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:
Recommended Readings:
Passages by Gail Sheehy, Development Through Life: A Psychosocial Approach by
Newman and Newman, Death and Dying, Life and Living by Corr, Nabe, Corr and any
readings on the Strength’s Perspective
Self Awareness Assignments:
Describe a phase in your own development where the presence of a helper may have
been instrumental in assisting you. Describe how and why this individual may have
been helpful to you during this time period. How did working through this stage help
you?
Midterm Exam
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Chapter 4
19. Which of the following are considered dimensions of helping?
a. Client seeks help
20. Self-disclosure is appropriate when:
a. Helper discloses own problems in relations to clients’ issues
b. Helper is motivated to help clients’ reach their goals
21. Mezzo practice involves
a. Working with individuals on one-to-one basis
b. Working with systems larger than small groups
22. As stated in the text, a comprehensive approach to assess an individual within their
environment takes into account which of the following 3 areas?
a. Neurological, psychological, community
23. Use of the Strengths Perspective is strongly advocated in the helping profession .
Below, which best describes the views of DeJong and Miller about this
perspective?
d. Only some people and environments possess strengths
e. Client motivation is lessened by an emphasis on strengths.
24. The “E” in the AGATE Model to helping proposed by Alle-Corliss et al. Stands for:
a. Evaluation of Treatment
SHORT ANSWERS
10. Describe the TFA Model and why it is important in understanding human behavior.
11. How would using the bio-psycho-social perspective be helpful in working with
clients?
12. How is the AGATE Model different from existing problem-solving models?
ESSAY QUESTIONS
4. Describe the stages of the AGATE Model as presented by the authors in the text.
Discuss how this model can be useful in helping others within the scope of human
services.