| The psychological counseling process follows a | | | | brainstorming with the client about how to start moving |
| defined path of steps in a sequence. It is important to | | | | towards a lasting solution. |
| follow this process because of the power of human | | | | Goal Setting |
| emotions and because of the real need to arrive at a | | | | 'So what do you really want?' becomes the start of |
| desired outcome of the counseling. | | | | finding goals that really follow the interests and desires |
| Listening and Observation | | | | of the client. The question, 'what would you need to do |
| The first step is one of active listening and observing | | | | first?' leads to sub goals and tasks that must be |
| the client. Is he or she relaxed or disturbed and | | | | fulfilled in order to achieve the primary goal. The |
| agitated? Can eye contact be held or is the person's | | | | counselor's goal is to draw this information out of the |
| attention darting and being deflected everywhere? Is | | | | person instead of imposing one's values and beliefs. |
| the body language telling you something? Is the body | | | | Reinforcement |
| posture generally open or closed and defensive? (Self | | | | Systematically rewarding all progress including any |
| protective.) | | | | 'baby steps' taken in the right direction; i.e., towards the |
| Facing Negative Emotions | | | | agreed upon goals. Reward in this context of |
| Are there any clearly dominant negative emotions | | | | counseling means giving the person your focused |
| such as anxiety, fear, anger or guilt? These will need | | | | attention, acceptance, approval and praise. These |
| to be acknowledged and 'fed back' to the client as | | | | social reinforcers are very potent in supporting |
| being observable, real events that need to be dealt | | | | changes in behavior. |
| with. Unless these negative feelings are actively | | | | Conclusion |
| confronted, no progress can be made with behavior | | | | As you are beginning to realize, counseling techniques |
| modification and with goal setting. This task of | | | | are not particularly complicated, but they do need to |
| providing feedback on negativity and bringing strong | | | | follow a set order or sequence. In fact, psychological |
| emotions into the light of day may take a considerable | | | | counseling may be summarized in two rather direct |
| amount of time over several one hour sessions. | | | | questions: |
| Statements like, 'I see you are really angry about | | | | 1. 'How are you feeling?' |
| something' can be helpful. Also, 'so you've been | | | | 2. 'What do you want?' |
| worrying a lot lately.' | | | | The psychology here looks at first glance to be |
| Positive Suggestion and Options | | | | oversimplified, but is it really? Results will follow when |
| Some suggestions like, 'you can do something about | | | | this sequence is used with the appropriate sensitivity |
| this,' may be timely and empowering. Build up the | | | | and empathy. Take care with other people and |
| perception of skills and self esteem. 'You have real | | | | always remember to consult a trained and registered |
| ability and you can learn more skills to beat this thing. | | | | health practitioner when confronting mental health |
| Deep inside, you can imagine now and think up some | | | | problems of severity, when human life may be at risk. |
| solutions.' | | | | This article is provided for educational purposes only. It |
| 'What are the options facing you?' leads to a creative | | | | is not intended for therapeutic application. |