Counselling
Definition
” n. professional assistance in coping with personal problems, including emotional, behavioral, vocational, marital, educational, rehabilitation, and life-stage (e.g., retirement) problems. The counselor makes use of such techniques as active listening, guidance, advice, discussion, clarification, and the administration of tests.” APA Dictionary of Psychology
What is Counselling
- professional assistance in coping with personal problems
- share views, be heard, gain new perspectives
- help gain clarity
- a generalist health service specialty in professional psychology
- to help improve wellbeing
- alleviate distress
- resolve crises
Link to original
- should not enable
- should not invalidate
- should not advice
- informed
- sensitive
- confidential
Basic Counselling Skills
- Attending - Show you’re paying attention
- Listen
- Rapport Building
- Silence
- Paraphrasing
- Reflective Listening
- Empathy
NOTE
in my opinion,
- making them feel comfy
- affirming while not enabling
- making them feel heard, not shortcuts like paraphrasing
- TRANSPARENCY
- body language
- be a guide, not be an advisor; DON’T SOLVE the problems. Make them self-sufficient Basically, be a sensible, sensitive communicator
Guidance vs Counselling
| Guidance | Counselling |
|---|---|
| advice on general problems | professional help |
| broader scope | more in-depth |
| anyone with experience can guide | professional counsellor who is trained and certified |
Counsellor vs Therapist
| Counsellor | Therapist |
|---|---|
| Short term, focused on resolving a situation | Long term, clincal. Making the individual self sufficient, ensure they can stand on their own |
| more broad | more specific |
| present issues | explores root causes |
| focuses on present issues like grief and bereavement | helps treat mental illnesses and conditions |
In common: Both promote wellbeing and help reduce distress Both are personalized Both help overcome challenges Both need a license and training
Goals of Counselling
- Promoting growth & development
- Exploring difficult feelings
- Improving relationships
- Enhancing coping skills
- Facilitating behaviour change
- Exploring choices & making decisions
Mnemonic
GFRCBD - Genuinely, frick RCB dude growth, feelings, relationships, coping, behaviour, decisions
Types of Counselling
[Not an exhaustive list] Relationship and Marriage Vocational and Career Family Counselling Trauma Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Student Grief and Loss Depression Anxiety
How to measure effectiveness of therapy?
Reduction of Symptoms Improved Functioning Client Satisfaction Achievement of Goals Quality of the Therapeutic Relationship Long-Term Impact Objective Measures Feedback and Evaluation