1. BASIC CONCEPTS IN COUNSELLING
DEFINITION
An interaction between a counsellor and client that maximizes the probability that the client EXPLORES, UNDERSTANDS and TAKES ACTION to resolve problems/change behaviour.

2. Concepts Cntd.
The interaction – trusting, issue centered, goal-oriented.
The Process – exploring, evaluating, discovering, clarifying and understanding feelings and concerns as well as the problems.
The Goal – behaviour change, decision making, relief of feelings etc.

3. What Counselling is Not
Concepts Cntd.
What Counselling is Not
Giving advice
Guidance
Education
Conversation
Interrogation
Confession
Prayer
Information giving
Ongoing therapy

4. Qualities of a Good Counsellor
Brain Storm

5. Conditions that facilitate Counselling
Internal Conditions
Respect
Empathy
Genuineness
Attentiveness/Accessibility

6. Conditions that facilitate Counselling
External Conditions
Physical Setting
Seating Arrangement
Privacy
Confidentiality

7. The Counselling Process
Three main stages
Beginning (Relationship building/exploratory stage)
Put client at ease and build trust
Ask what the problems is
Find how the client would like the problem solved or managed
Clarify what the client expects from counselling
Describe the help the counsellor can realistically give
Give realistic hope for change or assistance
State the counsellors commitment to work with the client and elicit theirs also
Assure client of confidentiality and state any limits to confidentiality.

8. Beginning Stage Cntd.
The Beginning stage would often determine whether a person will return for more sessions or not.
Skills Used
Establishing rapport
Active listening

9. Middle (Information Gathering/Understanding stage)
The goal is to gather information to
understand the client and his/her problem
better and help him/her to do so also.
To discover coping abilities and vulnerabilities
To support the continuing expression and discussion of feelings
To help the client move towards acceptance and control.

10. End (Action and Resolution) Stage
After building trust and clarifying the problem
and the client’s strength and vulnerabilities the
counsellor should encourage and support the
client to do the following:
Rethink the problem in ways that provide solutions e.g. consider different options
Work out a plan of action that will lead to a solution or change. The plan should consider the client’s values, strength, weakness and willingness to execute the plan.

11. End Stage Cntd.
Carry out the plan – No solution or change can occur unless this is done so
Encourage, admonish, lovingly insist on accountability
Give homework
Identify others who can help
Follow up

12. End Stage Cntd.
Evaluate the counseling help in terms of changes in behaviour or solutions to problems. Evaluation involves documenting baseline behaviours and problems so change can be measured.

13. End Stage Cntd. It is not always that a counsellor can help
clients solve problems or change behaviour.
Sometimes the just need someone to care
e.g. psychotic clients. To do so
Listen
Use verbal and non verbal behaviour to support and encourage.

14. Termination Counseling must end at some point.
A dependent relationship is not desirable.
Ending the close relationship between the
counsellor and the client can be difficult for
both therefore termination should be carefully
and gradually planned in order to
Ensure maintenance of coping skills
Support the maintenance of behavioral changes
Assure the client of continuing help with handling future problems

15. Termination Cntd. Review plans for the management of problems and
Make sure that al needed and available resources and referrals have been identified and are being used.
Ensure that the sad feelings and pain of losing the warm ongoing relationship is acknowledged and expressed by both counsellor and client.