Introduction
Counselling is a dynamic and collaborative process aimed at helping individuals navigate
challenges, make informed decisions and achieve personal growth. Like any structured journey,
counselling follows a series of steps that ensure effective communication, trust building and
meaningful outcomes.
These steps typically include: Initial disclosure building rapport, Problem Assessment, Goal
Setting, Counseling Intervention, Termination and follow up.
Understanding these steps is crucial for the counselors and clients.
They provide a roadmap for transformation and healing.
The following are five steps in counseling process. The steps ensures effective guidance and
meaningful outcomes.
Step one.
Establish a strong relationship.
Initial disclosure (Building rapport)
- Create a safe and supportive environment.
- Show empathy active listening.
- Get to know the cheat and the client to know the counselor.
- Counsellor use good listening skills and building a positive relationship and trust.
- This stage focuses on the counsellor engaging with the client explain the issues that
directly affect them.
- Set clear boundaries and outline the counselling process.
- Introduce yourself
- Invite client to sit down
- Ensure client is comfortable
- Address the client by name
- Invite social conversation to reduce anxiety
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- Watch for non-verbal behavior as signs of clients emotional state
- Invite client to describe his or her reason for coming to talk
- Allow client time to respond
- Show interested in the conversation
Step two
Problem Assessment
-While the counsellor and the client are in the process of establishing a relationship a second
process is taking place i.e problem assessment
- Gather detailed information about the clients background life, work, home, education
etc]
- This step involves the collection and clarification of information about the client’s life
situation and reasons for seeing a counsellor
- Use open ended questions to encourage deeper sharing
- Identify patterns ,trigger and underling issues
Step Three
Goal Setting
-Effective counselling relies on setting appropriate and realistic goals
-Goals are the results to achieve at the end of counselling
-The goals must be identified and developed collaboratively with the client
-The goals should be Specified Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound [SMART]
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Step Four
Counselling Intervention
Apply approaching therapeutic techniques and strategies based on the client’s needs.
Encourage self-awareness and explore alternative perspectives equip clients with coping skills,
communication strategies and problem solving techniques.
Step Five
Termination and Follow Up
Terminating the counseling process will have to be conducted with sensitivity with the client
knowing that it has to come to an end.
Review process and evaluate the achievement of counselling goals.
Discuss and plan for the end of counselling sessions.
Offer follow up sessions if needed and provide referrals when necessary.
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Conclusion
The counselling process is a structured yet flexible pathway and self-discovery healing and
growth.
By following the above mentioned steps both Counselor and client can work together to foster
meaningful change.
Ultimately, effective counselling empowers individuals to develop resilience, gain clarity and
lead more fulfilling lives.
The success of this journey lies in the counselor’s skills and the client’s commitment to growth
and transformation.
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References
1. Covey, G (2017) Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy.
Cengage learning.
2. Egan, G (2018) The Skilled Helper. A problem Management and Opportunity –
Development Approach to Helping.
Cengage learning.
3. Gladding, S.T (2020) Counselling a Comprehensive Profession. Pearson.
4. Neukrug, E (2017) The world of the counselor. And introduction to the Counselling
Profession.
Cengage learning.
5. Sharf. RS (2015) Theories of Psychotherapy and Counselling. Concepts and Cases.
Cengage learning.
