An interaction which occurs between two individuals, a counselor and a client that takes place in a professional settings initiated and maintained as a means of facilitating changes in the behavior of a client. (Harold & Pauline Repensky, 1952).

Counseling is not: information giving;

(although information may be given counseling)

dispensing advice;

influencing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors by

persuading, compelling or threatening;

selection and assignment of

persons for jobs and activities ;

interviewing alone.

Goals of Counseling:Behavioral Changeschanges which enable the client to live a more productive, satisfying life with regards to relationships, academic endeavors, job experiences, etc.

Positive Mental AttitudeThe attainment of integration, adjustment and positive identification with others. It also aims to preserve and restore mental health and develop self-esteem and though greater awareness and acceptance of ones talents and limitations.The Ultimate goal of counseling is HUMAN GROWTH

Problem Resolution resolution of whatever problem that clients cannot resolve by themselves;

relieving suffering and disability that is brought to counseling setting.

Personal Effectiveness commit himself to projects investing time and energy and willing to take appropriate economic, psychological and physical risks;

recognize, define and solve problems-s/he is reasonably consistent across and with in his/her typical role situation;

control impulses and produce appropriate responses to frustration, hostility and ambiguity.

Decision Making

to help the client make decisions that are of critical importance to him/her knowing why and how s/he made it, taking consequences that follow cognizant of the values that prompted him/her to chose from several alternatives found.

Two important things to remember in counseling:

Personal characteristics of the counselorSelf-understanding by knowing about ourselves we are better able to evaluate and control our own behavior and we can more fully appreciate the feelings and actions of others. Can be achieved through:

reflection when aloneinventory of our own strengths and weaknessesdiscuss the results with respected

friend or experienced counselorask the Holy Spirit to guide the evaluation Ps 139:23-24

Psychological CharacteristicsAcceptance genuine respect and interest in the counselee as a person rather than a case.Understanding of Others listening carefully, watching the counselees behavior during the interview, attempting to see things from his personal perspective. We demonstrate our interest and concern.

Social Distance must be sufficiently detached to be objective but sufficiently involved to feel with the counselee.Ability to get along with people - the key to success is not so much on the techniques employed, important as they are,-rather it is the total attitude of the counselor, how he feels about people, what he believes about them and about himself.Experience greater experience often show more self-confidence and an increased ability to understand, accept, and successfully help their counselees.

Cooperative

Interested

Willing to change

Before the Session:

PreparationBe ready have enough time, review the case history, commit the session to God, acceptance, small talk

After the Session: Reassurance Supporting

General Counseling STRATEGIESRelationship Strategies: attending accepting emphatic understanding being genuine and transparent respecting listening responding caring ensuring emotional security

Interviewing Strategies responding to verbal & non-verbal messages clarifying, reflecting inquiring summarizing

Assessment Strategies evaluating clients situation assessing the clients coping level helping the client explore suitable alternatives determining appropriate resources and referrals

Insight Strategies facilitating the discovery of conflicts helping the client understand cognitions dealing with the clients conscious, unconscious and altered thoughts.

Basic Counseling Techniques

1. Acceptance10.Interpretation2. Clarification11. Positive3. InterpellationReinforcement4. Confrontation12.Reassurance5. Contingency Management6. Exploring14. Restatement7. Facilitation15. Summary8. General Lead1 6.Reflecting/feelings9. Guiding

Mellas Wellness Center Spottswood Methodist Center Kidapawan City Framer Cristy P. Mella PsychologistMobile #: 09058120010 Landline #: (064)2783469Email: mwellnesss@yahoo.com