Counseling - Principles, DOs and DON;Ts

Counselling


Concept of counseling
Counseling is professional tool.
Counseling is a form of interpersonal communication in which feelings, thoughts and attitudes are expressed, explored and clarified.
Counseling is a process in which aim is to help clients, by making better choices by themselves by becoming better choosers.

Definition of counseling

Counseling has been defined as a process of helping a person/people learn how to solve certain interpersonal, emotional and decisional problems.

A Counselor's role is to help the client help himself or herself.
Process of counseling
Initial structure established
Develop Rapport
Problem identification
Enhancing of self exploration and behaviors.
Information assimilation
Problem solving
Decision making
Plan of action
Follow-up and referrals
Termination
Aim of counseling
Developing the ability to make wise and realistic decisions

Altering their own behaviour to produce desirable consequences

Providing information

Conti…
Counseling is client-centered specific to the needs, issues and circumstances of each individual client

An interactive, collaborative and respectful process

Directed towards developing autonomy and self responsibility in clients

Counseling is NOT

Telling or directing
Giving advice
A Conversation
An interrogation
A Confession
Praying

Principles of counseling

Unconditional positive regard and non-positive warmth with genuineness
Trust and confidentiality
Empathy
Time

Counseling is:
Confidential
Usually a “one to one” process or small group
Evokes strong emotions in both counselor and client
Focused, specific and goal-targeted
Information used to change attitudes, knowledge
Issue – oriented
Based on needs of the client

Verbal supportive communication
Non – verbal communication
Asking effective questions
Paraphrasing
Reflecting feelings

Non-verbal supportive communication
Active listening
Maintain suitable conversational distance
Maintain eye contact
Attentive body posture
Nod appropriately
Use facial expressions
Use occasional gestures
Appropriate use of silence

Non Supportive Communication -Verbal:
Advising
Giving moralistic
Criticizing or blaming
Scolding or threatening
Discussing your personal problems
Interrupting
Imposing your own values
Rejecting
Premature interpretations
Excessive curiosity
Asking question in a direct and embarrassing manner
Arguing
Controlling
Labeling and diagnosing
Unwarranted reassurance
Interrogating
Encouraging dependence
Talking too much

Non Supportive Communication - Non Verbal:
Looking away frequently
Inappropriate distance
Looking bored, irritated
Yawning, looking at the watch
Writing while client is talking
Unpleasant tone of voice
Sneering

Communication with client -DOs:
Listen and give your full attention
Stay calm, reassuring and non – judgmental
Ask “ open ended questions”
Restate in own wards
Tell the truth and give honest answers
Make a plan with client

Communication with client - DON’Ts
Deny the client feelings : “ You should not feel this way”
Make promises that you cannot keep
Push the client to give details.

Quality of good counselor
- Counselor that can help the client secure enough
- To engage in self- exploration
- Self-confidence
- Acceptance
- Genuineness
- Confidentiality
- Competence

Good counselor should stay away from
Pushing or threatening the client
Offering their opinion
Judging the client or their lifestyle
Telling a client they “know” how they feel
Imposing your own beliefs
Sidestepping the client’s present problem
Minimizing the client’s problem
Becoming immersed in the client’s situation
Using words such as “should” and “must”
Blocking strong emotions
Interrupting
Taking responsibility for the client’s problem and decisions


Thank You