COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
Counseling may be defined as -the process of helping another person help him/herself. It is a relationship where :
- Someone is seeking help
- Someone is willing to give help “whols
- Capable of or trained to help
- In a setting that permits help to be given & received
It may be conducted with persons who are considered to be functioning well and those who are perceived to be experiencing more serious problems.
- A counselor’s role is to help the client help himself or herself.
- Counseling can be done with an individual or with couples or families
Acc, to the ACA, counseling is
“The application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective,- behavioral or systemic interventions, strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development:as well as pathology.’ –
“Counseling is a series of direct contacts with the individual which aims to offer him assistance (
in changing his attitudes and behaviours” — Carl Roger
Counselling involves the following :
- Interactive relationship
- Collaboration
- Set of clinical skills & teaching techniques
- Positive reinforcement
- Emotional support
- Formal record
Counseling is Not :
- Giving of information, though information maybe presgnt
- Giving of advice
- The influencing of attitudes, beliefs & behaviours by persuading, admonishing, thretening of compelling
Purpose of Counseling
- Owning ploblcms and issues
- Developing understanding of problems and issues
- Acquiring new behaviours and actions
- Developing effective relationships
Aims of Counseling
- To create an emotionally safe space
- Tocreate an accepting, caring relationship in which the client can explore, discover and clarify ways of living more satisfyingly and resourcefully
- To focus on growth and change
Other Aims
- Reducing tension
- Reducing conflict
- Increasing understanding
- Increasing self-acceptance
- Exploring problem-solving options
- Improving interpersonal relationships
- Providing information, when appropriate
Areas of Counseling Psychology
- Anxiety
- Depression (mild)
- Marital and Family Counseling
- Divorce
- Abuse (physical/emotional/sexual)
- School related problems
- Substance Abuse
- Trauma
- Interpersonal Issues
- Conflict resolution
- Special Population/minorities
- Stress Management
- Anger Management
- Career Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Self esteem issues
- Crisis intervention
- Physical injury/illness
Counselling Intervention to regain confidence and concentration