counseling process

1. What is a counseling process?

· It is the translation of counseling theories into action and is usually specified by a sequence of interactions on steps. Initially the process is concerned with relationship establishment, followed by some method of problem identifications and patterns of explanation, leading to planning for problem solution and remediation, and counseling with action and termination.

2. Enumerate and explain each of the counseling process and stages

A. Relationship establishment

· A helping relationship

· Counselor must take the initiative in the initial interview to establish a climate conductive to mutual respect, trust, free and open communication, and understanding in general of what the counseling process involves.

· Its purpose it to meet, insofar as possible the client needs.

B. Problem identification and exploration

· Clients must assume more responsibility because it is their problem.

· Counselor may question the client, but the question are stated in such a way as to facilitate the continued exploration of the client’s concern.

· A time for information gathering (past experiences, present function, hope, goods etc.)

· The goal of this stage is for both the counselor and the client to perceive the problem and its ramifications similarly.

· The client needs to develop a self understanding that recognizes the need for dealing with the need for change and action.

· Steps/Stages:

B.1. Define the problem

o It is important to identify the components or contributing factors and the severity of the problem to the client, its regency, and its longevity.

B.2. Explore the problem

o The kinds of information needed to fully understand the problem and its background are gathered.

B.3. integrate the information

o All information are systematically organized and integrated into a meaningful profile. It would be inappropriate to begin the explanation of changes that may be needed and barriers that may exist to these changes.

C. Planning for problem solving

· Effective goal setting.

C.1. define the problem.

o It is important that both the counselor and the client view the problem from a similar perspective and have the same understandings of its ramification.

C.2. identify and list all the possible solutions

o It is appropriate to brainstorm all possibilities.

C.3. explore the consequences of the suggested solutions

o Identify the procedures needed to implement each of the suggested solution.

o Projected outcomes for each solution must also be explored thoroughly.

C.4. prioritize the solution

o The client will prioritize the solution from best possibility down to least likely to produce the desired results.

D. Solution application and termination

· Clients have the responsibility for applying the determined solution, and the counselor for determining the point of termination.

3. What is the purpose of a counseling relationship?

· The purpose of counseling relationship is to meet, insofar as possible, the clients needs (not counselors needs). The counseling process within this relationship seeks to assist the client in assuming the responsibilities for his of her problem and its solution.

4. How can counseling help improve the quality of life of the following:

4.1. victims of abuse

· It is important to note the role of prevention programs.

· While prevention is the desired anecdote, we must still be prepared to assist the victims through crisis lines, crisis centers, and specialized rape assistance programs.

· The goal is to help them break the cycle of abuse.

4.2. people with AIDS

· Counselors can be helpful in assisting and educating the support systems of patients –families, friends, employers – and in helping the AIDS patient focus on life and living.

4.3. older adults

· Even the oldest client must be permitted to look ahead and plan for a different future if this is the client’s desire. If a lack of awareness and attitudes is not inhibiting, counselors can help older clients find new meanings and roles in life.

4.4. people with disabilities

· Counselors, as well as employers of the disabled, must have the goal to remove all barriers that have restricted people with disabilities from achieving their potential in employment and in the community.

5. Differentiate advising, guidance and counseling.

· Guidance is the main program and among its services is counseling whereas its goal is to help people manage their own problems using their own resources. Advising on the other hand is a form of offering solution or suggestion, whether solicited or not, it can sometimes be a barrier to communication because it prevents the counselee to use critical thinking in solving his or her own problem.