Definition COUNSELLING PROCESS The word process means an identifiable sequence of events taking place over time usually there is the implication of progressive stages in the process, Counselling has a predictable set of stages. 1
These Stages are: Exploration understanding Action 2
EXPLORATION STAGE Exploration means helping clients to articulate their concerns ie look for, to search in order to discover to try and find out something. Exploration is essentially an enabling and clarifying procedure through which clients discover what is important for them, examine their own behaviour and find meaning in their feelings, also to acknowledge their strengths, weakness and values/beliefs. 3
Aims of the exploration stage To establish a working relationship To clarify and define problems To make an assessment of the problem To negotiate a contract 4
Skills used at the exploration stage Support skills Attending physically Observing Listening Actively Reflecting of Feelings Paraphrasing Summarizing Questioning (open ended questions) Concreteness 5
UNDERSTANDING STAGE This is a stage where insight is developed clients will come to a better appreciation of the situation they have come in with. Counsellor engages client in deeper exploration. The client should begin to formulate a new sense of hope and direction. Challenges any discrepancies. 6
Aims of understanding stage To maintain the working relationship To reassess problems To continue with the work of the contract 7
Skills used at understanding stage Listening, Questioning, Summarizing, Concreteness, Confrontation, Balancing support and challenging skills. 8
ACTION STAGE It involves identifying possible alternative courses of action or decisions the client might choose and assessing their applicability to the clients situation. 9
Aims of Action stage To decide on change To implement change To transfer learning To end counselling relationship 10
Skills used at action stage Skill for listening and challenging Brainstorming, Problem solving, Decision making skills. 11
COUNSELLORS ROLE 1) Exploration To create a relationship of such safety that the client will have the courage to risk exploring the self, in terms of feelings, thoughts and behaviors. work with the clients agenda, setting counselor s own curiosity, interest, interpretation and diagnosis aside. 12
COUNSELLORS ROLE 2) Understanding to help the client to see a deeper larger picture, listening and reflecting to the clients themes patterns, messages beyond words, challenging paradoxes and inconsistence always using client material not counselors determined agenda. 13
Counsellor s Role 3) Action To help clients plan a course of action, implement it and if necessary refine it. Then help the client tell you her current experience, what the change is doing to her life here and now 14
CLIENTS ROLE 1) Exploration Phase A trusting, safe relationship in which the client will clarify the specific issues to be addressed by focusing on the self (not others) the here and now (not on the then) and feelings (rather than facts) 15
CLIENTS ROLE 2) Understanding process. A process of journeying deeper into oneself to clarify the impact of feelings, values, attitudes and beliefs on current behaviour, 3) Action phase; Choosing a Course of action learning and evaluating and if necessary refining the action plan 16