By: Noah M.P. Spector and Shaofan Bu Chapter 11 Working with Actions By: Noah M.P. Spector and Shaofan Bu

Research on counseling theories and models There is no active ingredient Current research supports the notion that counseling is helpful (e.g. Duncan et al. ,2010; Lambert, 2004) . This helpfulness has been attributed to factors regarding the therapeutic relationship and individual client factors (Duncan et al., 2010; Wampold, 2001). Theories and models of counselling are a distant third to client factors and the therapeutic relationship in regards to counselling outcomes.

The role of theory Theories provide templates for counseling. Therefore theories are part of the expertise that counselors bring to meeting with their clients. Clients are experts on their own lives.

Do something different: Keying in on action Cause and effect explanations are not always helpful in counseling. These explanations presuppose that there is a one-to-one relationship between problems and their resolution. Instead, actions that achieve a preferred outcome are not necessarily related to the problem in an obvious or direct way.

Action versus explanation Focusing on action is about resolving the problem at hand and not necessarily explaining why the problem occurred. It allows us to focus on what is already working: “Do something different” Img # FFC_072

Capitalizing on the constancy of change Change is always constant. Expecting change is an important aspect of counseling. This expectation can be conveyed in language used. For example: Have you noticed anything different this week? Versus: What have you done differently this week? Ask students to contemplate the difference between the two questions: What is each question focused on? How does the second question differ from the first?

Inquiring about pre-session change When counselors transmit the expectation of change they are more likely to uncover changes in their clients’ lives. For example: Scaling questions (Ch.9) Miracle (and related) questions (Ch. 7) Review an example of a Miracle question and Scaling questions. What elements of these questions transmit an expectation of change?

When change isn’t evident: Coping questions Sometimes surviving a really bad situation is an accomplishment in itself. Asking about coping is important to provide a foundation from which to recognize clients’ agency.

Promoting intrinsic motivation Instead of cheerleading (e.g. “good for you!”,) successful actions or accomplishments (exceptions) give the counselor an opportunity to: Develop thick descriptions (Ch. 9) Investigate how the client motivated themselves Let the client tell the counselor about why the particular action/ accomplishment is important to them.

Action in the face of Adversity Learning how someone acted in the face of a significant challenge can highlight the meaningfulness of their actions. For example: Homeless man Needs housing Showed up drunk to his appointment Ask students to evaluate which story shows the client’s agency. Homeless man Needs housing Made it to his appointment despite hearing voices

Action and the language of change Through looking for change, rather than trying to get at the root of problems, counselors direct their attention towards possibilities. Directing one’s attention towards possibilities involves a gradual and intentional focus on clients’ actions which are working.

Slowing the image down Finding exceptions can happen when careful attention is paid to specific elements of a story. These elements can be slowed down and mined for more detail.

Slowing the image down Finding exceptions is like putting experience under a microscope.

Rehearsal for action: In session enactments Enactments can be good ways to break familiar patterns of behavior. Here are some steps to follow for an enactment: Determine whether it might be useful to enact the exchange on the spot by way of rehearsal. Achieve some clarity on what is not working in these exchanges and how the client would prefer to relate. Evoke a description of how the other party tends to respond so that the counselor knows what their “role” is. Clarify the context of the re-enactment. Provide the client with an “out” in case they find the exchange overly upsetting or otherwise unhelpful Enact the exchange, staying “in role”. Debrief.

Rehearsal for action: In session enactments Tips for enactments: Use what you’ve learned from the client Try to make it realistic Take it slow! Benefits: Often uncover anticipated angles and provide new insight Drawbacks: What unfolds is always hypothetical…Enactments do not replace real-life scenarios.

Trying it out between sessions: Homework Many different forms for homework exist. Homework should be established in collaboration with clients with the understanding that if it does not get done it is not the end of the world. Homework is another tool to both encourage change and attention to experience.