Counselor skills

Today will cover..

What is counseling Counseling process Counseling skills

What is counseling?
Counseling is the means by which one person helps another through purposeful conversation
Counseling is a method of identifying practical solution to an identified problem

Common Problems
Personality problems Family conflicts, Personal problems (Difficulty to adjust with others) etc. Educational problems Lack of motivation, Reading difficulties, etc. Vocational problems Difference between interests & aptitude Financial problems Need for self- support at school or college Health problems Psycho- somatic disorders (Insomania)

Common factors for counseling

Two persons are present during counseling The process leads to action on the part of the client The counselor is a person who listens The client can be trusted to find their own solutions Personal growth of the client usually occurs

Counseling is not usually concerned with

Advice-giving Psychotherapy Treatment of severe mental illness Solving clients lifes problems Not a remedy for all problems at a single instance

Elements of counseling
An empathetic relationship The counselor and client relates well The counselor sticks closely to the clients problems The client feels free to say what they like An atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence exists Rapport is essential

Personal qualities of a Counselor

Empathy Ability to stand empathetically with clients See the world as they see it Warmth Delicate one Genuineness Professional manner But friendly manner

Positive regard
Disposition towards others is positive

Concreteness

Get to listen
Listens empathetically Clarifies your thoughts Leads you to logical conclusion

Counseling process
Getting started Introductory talk Identifying the issues Coping with feelings Identifying possible solutions Agreeing a plan Implementing the plan Review

Counseling skills
Listening It is the process of hearing the other person. Linguistic aspects Actual words using by the client Ex: Expanding a business may turn to developing a business

Paralinguistic aspects Apart from speech, the timing, volume, pitch, accent of the individual Ex: Variation in volume (speech) in certain times Non-verbal aspects refer to body language expression through the use of the body. ( facial expression,use of gestures, body position and movement)

Giving information
How much information is given during a counseling session will depend on the nature of the counseling relationship Concrete issues Expanding a business Developing a career Completing a college course Buying a house The expert counselor will access the particular and accurate information of the individual.

Personal issues : Client is the expert

- Continuing a relationship
- Coping with the death of a relative - Developing self awareness - Working through depression

Making suggestions
Concrete domain Ex: Due to parents(option) force a student may be forced to choose a subject

Drawing out
Open questions: Do not have one correct answer Have one word answer Ex: How did you feel when that happened? Closed questions: Yes or no answer only. Ex: Have you discussed with your parents?

Reflection Back of the few words client has spoken To clarify his thoughts and feelings
Ex: I found it is difficult to get a job

Challenging
Challenge to client saying Counselor role is a supportive Counselor is in plain speaking Ex: There is no one in my organization that I can talk to at all

Supporting
Clients advocate - Counselor Problems the client identified Counselor follow traveler Ex: I have some difficulties to study at my home Review Evaluation carried out
Ex: Positive and negative feedback about the counseling