FOUNDATIONS OF EFFECTIVE COUNSELING

I. QUALITIES OF EFFECTIVE COUNSELORS** n A. Objectivity n We focus on the client’s feelings, not our own n We don’t allow our own emotions to inappropriately influence the situation

B. Competence and Knowledge

Remember….

Sheehan (Child Neurology workshop)

We can appear knowledgeable by:

These things can be especially helpful….

C. Flexibility** n We vary our approach with different clients n We look at age, gender, culture, religion, educational level

D. Openess and Honesty

E. Emotional Stability** n Security with ourselves; being stable emotionally n What kinds of circumstances can threaten our emotional stability? n How can we maintain emotional stability if our lives are difficult?

F. Empathy

Youtube: n Big Bang Theory—Sheldon comforts Penny n NOT the way to empathize with clients!!

2 kinds of empathy:

Shames 2000, p. 59:** n Sharing behavior may come easily to some of us, perhaps too easily. It is not designed to relieve the tensions or meet the problem needs of the counselor. Sharing should be relatively brief and should not involve a long or detailed description…It should be long enough to accomplish its designated function, which is to facilitate the processes of the client. It should not result in a prolonged or specific focus on the counselor by either the counselor or client.

G. Concentration

H. Respect** n Means having regard for and showing appropriate courtesy to others n How do we convey this?

The next time you see the person… I remember when you said last time that we should decide on therapy goals

I. Gender and Cultural Awareness n We recognize that our Western values emphasize:

In terms of gender awareness…** n In a later class, we will talk about differences between communication styles of men and women n We need to be aware of issues that affect members of the gay/lesbian community

II. BROADENING OUR WORLD VIEW** n 1. Always be conscious that there are multiple realities n 2. Remember that religion is central for some clients and families n 3. Come from a “strengths perspective,” where we acknowledge how clients have used their strengths to solve problems

View things from a social justice perspective

View disabilities from a current 21 st century perspective: From Berry (2009).

1980-present: include and empower

III. ESTABLISHING RAPPORT** n A. Introduction n --what are some ways we can make a positive first impression? (find common ground, compliment people) n B. 3 Ways to Understand Others n 1. Secondhand (reports, talking to others) n 2. Our own frame of reference n 3. Their personal frame of reference

C. Hindrances to Rapport

IV. WORKING WITH MOTIVATION n 5 ways to improve someone’s motivation:

V. TYPES OF LISTENING** ä A. Listening for Comprehension n --we try to receive, understand, and remember messages as accurately as possible n --Goal: remain objective, not to make judgments or critically inspect information n --we clarify and verify information

B. Listening for Empathy (mentioned earlier)

C. Listening for Evaluation** n This is a means of judging what we hear and observe n This follows the first 2 types of listening because we are not ready to judge until we have comprehended and understood the other person

D. Listening for Resolution** n This focuses on “us,” not “you.” n This is appropriate for situations when a problem needs to be solved n The focus is on solving it together, not us solving it for someone else

Ways to do this:

When trying to improve our listening skills…