Briefly describe the suggestions to guide counselors in helping clients explore problems in depth

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

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Following are suggestions to guide counselors in helping clients explore problems in depth:

1. Counselors should avoid suggesting solutions as soon as a problem is identified, without exploring the problem in depth.

2. In exploring problems in depth, the counselor and counselee need to examine such areas as the extent of the problem, its duration, its causes, the counselee's feelings about the problem, and the physical and mental capacities and strengths the counselee has to cope with the problem, before exploring alternative solutions.

3. When a problem area is identified, a number of smaller problems may occur. A counselor should explore all the subproblems.

4. In a multiproblem situation, the best way for a counselor to decide which problem to handle first is to ask the counselee which one she or he perceives as most pressing. If the problem can be solved, a counselor should start with exploring that subproblem in depth and developing together a strategy for the solution. Success in solving a subproblem will increase the counselee's confidence in the counselor and thereby will further solidify the relationship.

5. Counselor should convey empathy, not sympathy. Empathy is the capacity to show that one is aware of and can to some extent feel what the counselee is feeling. Sympathy is also sharing of feelings, but it has the connotation of pity. The difference is subtle, but empathy is oriented toward problem solving, whereas sympathy usually prolongs problems.

6. "Trusting one's guts." The most important tool one has as a counselor is oneself (feelings and perceptions). A counselor should continually strive to place himself or herself in the client's situation (with the client's values and pressures). It probably never happens that a counselor is 100% accurate in placing himself or herself in the counselee's situation, but 70% to 80% is usually sufficient to gain an awareness of the counselee's pressures, problems, and perspectives. This information helps the counselor to determine what additional areas need to be explored, to decide what to say, and to figure out possible solutions. In other words, a counselor should ask "What is this person trying to tell me, and how can I make it clear that I understand not only intellectually but empathetically?"

7. When a counselor believes that the client has touched on an important area of concern, he or she can encourage further communication by:

a. Nonverbally showing interest.

b. Pausing. Inexperienced counselors usually become anxious when there is a pause, and they hasten to say something-anything-to have conversation continue. This is usually a mistake, especially when it leads to a change in the topic. Pausing will also make the counselee anxious, a counselor should give him or her time to think about the important area of concern, and then usually motivate him or her to continue conversation in that area.

c. Using neutral probes. Examples are: "Could you tell me more about it?" "Why do you feel that way?" "I'm not sure I understand what you have in mind."

d. Summarizing what the client is saying. A counselor might offer: "During this past hour you made a number of critical comments about your spouse; it sounds like some things about your marriage are making you unhappy."

e. Reflecting feelings. Examples are: "You seem angry" or "You appear to be depressed about that."

8. A counselor must approach socially unacceptable issues tactfully. Tact is an essential quality of a competent counselor. One must try not to ask a question in such a way that the answer will put the respondent in an embarrassing position. It's very important to confront clients with ineffective actions that are having substantial negative effects on their lives.

9. When pointing out a limitation that a counselee has, a counselor should also mention and compliment him or her on any assets. Discussion of a limitation will literally make the counselee feel that something is being laid bare or taken away. Complimenting him or her in another area will give something back.

10. Watching for nonverbal cues. A competent counselor will generally use such cues to identify when a sensitive subject is being touched on, as the client will show anxiety by changing tone of voice, fidgeting, yawning, assuming a stiff posture, or appearing flushed.

11. Being honest. An untruth always runs the risk of being discovered. If that happens, the counselee's confidence in the counselor will be seriously damaged and perhaps the relationship seriously jeopardized. The counselor should always point out those shortcomings that are in the counselee's best interest to give attention to.

12. Listening attentively to what the counselee is saying. A counselor should try to hear a counselee's words not from his or her perspective but from the counselee's.

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