1. Engaging the Client: The Helping Process
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2. ©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
The Helping Process
Effective Helpers
Ineffective Helpers
Hold positive beliefs about people
Have a healthy self-concept
Ground interventions in a theoretical rationale
Respect cultural differences and possess empathy, warmth, congruence, etc.
Are rigid and judgmental
Tell clients how to think and solve their problems
Do not see their clients as having the means to control their own lives
©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Becoming A Helper - Chapter 6(1)

3. ©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.
Process of Change
Three Stage Model: (not rigidly applied in practice)
1. Exploration Stage: Attend to learning client, exploring and clarifying; therapist attunement is key! This is the most critical stage determining the outcome.
2. Insight Stage: Interpret, identify patterns, conflicts, New Knowledge for client, A new framework to understand self
Exp: Client learns he had a avoidant attachment upbringing that predicted his adult lack of strong intimacy needs
3. Action Stage: Set ground for new Behaviors/Coping/Choices
©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

4. ©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.
Exceptions to Process
How much time to spend on each stage varies depending on clients’ needs and presentation.
Clients new to self exploration vs history of therapy
Clients in Crises may require modification of strategy and focus
©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

5. Exploration: The Initial Evaluation
Initial Assessment: First opportunity to establish rapport, trust, safety, attunement, liking
Explore Client’s narrative of self? How do they see themselves and how do they frame their problem?
What characteristics can you glean about them?
Do they have a strong ego, capacity for insight, self-mastery?
What is their approx intellectual ability? Coping style? Major defenses?
How accountable can they be?
©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

6. Adult Initial Evaluation
Go over handout in class
©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

7. Class Exercise: Initial Eval Prax
A 42-year-old Hispanic female, Clara, seeks you out for therapy following the tragic and sudden loss of her 19 year-old daughter to gun violence. She presents with significant thought confusion, loses track of her thoughts, “spaces out”, fatigued, lacks appetite, is dysphoric, and has a flat affect. She appears disheveled and confesses that she has not showered in 4 days. She reveals that she has a few supportive friends in her neighborhood but has refused their help. She has also stopped exercising and attending church which had been a source of comfort.
See questions on following slide
©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

8. ©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.
Clara: Initial Eval
Complete the initial evaluation form extrapolating as much as reasonably possible from this case presentation. Complete one evaluation as a group, engaging and discussing the case with each other.
How would you go about engaging and exploring with this client? What concerns and challenges would you face?
©2011, Brooks/ Cole Publishing, A Division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

9. The Helping Process: Stage 3
Stage 3: Helping clients create goals
Assist clients to identify specific goals.
Establish and refine goals collaboratively.
Help clients in crisis to consider their options.
Avoid moving too quickly into a problem solving mode.
Becoming A Helper - Chapter 6(7)
©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

10. The Helping Process: Stage 4
Stage 4: Encouraging client exploration and taking action
Confront clients with care and respect.
Make use of appropriate and timely self-disclosure.
Identify ways to accomplish goals.
Develop and assess action strategies and carry out an action program.
Becoming A Helper - Chapter 6(8)
©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

11. The Helping Process: Stage 5
Stage 5: Termination
Help clients bring closure to their work and underscore new insights.
Assist clients in developing a plan for continuing the change process on their own.
If clients are not benefiting from counseling, ethical standards prohibit the relationship from continuing.
Becoming A Helper - Chapter 6(9)
©2016 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.