A Basic Guide to Psychological Counseling and Its Skills and Techniques
With today’s modernized methods, it is not surprising that a lot of centers for Psychological Counseling in Toronto, like York Region Psychological Services, are offering a lot of psycho-therapeutic forms today. But it has to be known also that these forms vary, from the unique techniques for cognitive-behavior to the conventional ways of therapeutic procedures.
Furthermore, each counseling process has a common ground, a predefined path or sequence of steps. These stepping stones must be followed so that we will arrive to the desired or goal output, as well as to overcome the strange and strengthening power of our human emotions. This article then lists the basic, predefined path, for everyone, and not just health care providers, to understand how important the steps must be followed.
Listen and Observe
Assessment is the primary step. It is important to observe the client first, and listen to what he or she has to say, before implementing any techniques. We have to see first his or her present state of mind. Does the client look relaxed, or is he/she agitated, or looking really demented? Can we establish eye contact with the patient, or is their attention darting everywhere except on you? Does his/her body language tell you something important? Is their stance open to you, or gives off a self-protective and defensive mode?
Face the Negative Emotions
This negativity needs to be acknowledged upfront, and upon seeing any anxiousness, fearfulness and anger. But be tactful in stating so. Tell this observation to the client as how you observed it, and that this needs to be solved. When this negativity is not actively confronted, modifying this behavior will be unlikely to happen. Though it may take time or take several sessions in doing so, giving feedback to their negative emotions brings this issue to light. “I see that you are angry about something” or “I observe that you worry about something a lot during the past few days” are examples of helpful statements to bring about the client’s reaction to their behavior.
Give out Positive Options and Suggestions
Letting them blow off their steam in their negativity will drain the life out of them. It is therefore needed to boost their self-esteem - which they can carry on with their problems. Give off statements like, “You have this true ability in you, and deep inside I know you know that you have the skills to beat this negative thing inside you. Now think of some ways to beat these struggles that face you”. This then leads your client to think inside his or herself on how he/she can continue towards a better and positive solution.
Goal Setting
“What then is your goal for this?” and other similar statements will kick start your client’s interests and desires. Letting him/her discover which things needed to be solved first, second, and furthermore lets the client create sub tasks that need fulfilling to obtain their main goal, without the counselor’s imposition or influence.
Reinforcing or Rewarding
With each right step, may it be small or big, to the correct direction, give off rewards or what we call as compliments. Give them all your attention, as well and acceptance of their goals and in approving them. They may be just words of praise, but it is very effective in boosting the morale and behavioral changes in our clients.
Conclude the Session
At the end of every session, especially at the very end of your client’s counseling with you, give a positive note and concluding statement to your client. Narrate your observations on your very first meeting with him/her, and give off approval and praises on how great the client has come to treating him or herself.
Furthermore, each counseling process has a common ground, a predefined path or sequence of steps. These stepping stones must be followed so that we will arrive to the desired or goal output, as well as to overcome the strange and strengthening power of our human emotions. This article then lists the basic, predefined path, for everyone, and not just health care providers, to understand how important the steps must be followed.
Listen and Observe
Assessment is the primary step. It is important to observe the client first, and listen to what he or she has to say, before implementing any techniques. We have to see first his or her present state of mind. Does the client look relaxed, or is he/she agitated, or looking really demented? Can we establish eye contact with the patient, or is their attention darting everywhere except on you? Does his/her body language tell you something important? Is their stance open to you, or gives off a self-protective and defensive mode?
Face the Negative Emotions
This negativity needs to be acknowledged upfront, and upon seeing any anxiousness, fearfulness and anger. But be tactful in stating so. Tell this observation to the client as how you observed it, and that this needs to be solved. When this negativity is not actively confronted, modifying this behavior will be unlikely to happen. Though it may take time or take several sessions in doing so, giving feedback to their negative emotions brings this issue to light. “I see that you are angry about something” or “I observe that you worry about something a lot during the past few days” are examples of helpful statements to bring about the client’s reaction to their behavior.
Give out Positive Options and Suggestions
Letting them blow off their steam in their negativity will drain the life out of them. It is therefore needed to boost their self-esteem - which they can carry on with their problems. Give off statements like, “You have this true ability in you, and deep inside I know you know that you have the skills to beat this negative thing inside you. Now think of some ways to beat these struggles that face you”. This then leads your client to think inside his or herself on how he/she can continue towards a better and positive solution.
Goal Setting
“What then is your goal for this?” and other similar statements will kick start your client’s interests and desires. Letting him/her discover which things needed to be solved first, second, and furthermore lets the client create sub tasks that need fulfilling to obtain their main goal, without the counselor’s imposition or influence.
Reinforcing or Rewarding
With each right step, may it be small or big, to the correct direction, give off rewards or what we call as compliments. Give them all your attention, as well and acceptance of their goals and in approving them. They may be just words of praise, but it is very effective in boosting the morale and behavioral changes in our clients.
Conclude the Session
At the end of every session, especially at the very end of your client’s counseling with you, give a positive note and concluding statement to your client. Narrate your observations on your very first meeting with him/her, and give off approval and praises on how great the client has come to treating him or herself.