Using Counselling Skills

5895 Words24 Pages
1 Understand the process of a counselling skills session. 1.1 Identify three stages in the counselling skills session. See appendix 1 for table. For Egan stage one of the helping model is the Exploration of the clients situation. The main purpose of stage one is to build a non-threatening counselling relationship, help the client explore their situation and then be able to focus on chose issues. At this point the helper/listener helps the client to identify problems and then assess their own resources. At this stage most people are reluctant to change and may resist. Through positive exploration of new perspectives and constructive challenges to rooted negativity the client is able to move to the next stage. Some of the stage one exploring skills include; Open ended questioning, silences, focusing, empathy, paraphrasing, structuring and summarising. Stage two is about Helping the client Establish Aims and Goals.The primary purpose being to facilitate the client in developing an objective understanding of their situation. Here the helper/listener assists the client/speaker explore their options and possible goals. By establishing what the client/speaker really wants and needs they are then encouraged to consider new perspectives and possibilities auctioning those that are realistic. By assisting the client/speaker to develop rational decision making process they can then go on to make decisions and deal with situations themselves as they arise. Some stage two understanding skills include; recognising patterns and themes, alternate frames of reference, self-disclosure, immediacy, challenge, pacing of session and Advanced empathy/empathic listening. Stage three, Help the Client to Develop Strategies, By offering support and encouragement the client is able to take appropriate action by defining their own goals. In stage three they will be positively encouraged to
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