Many people use counselling skills in their daily lives. However, sometimes it may be inappropriate for people to use their usual methods of support. They may not want to discuss their problems with a friend or family member. They may feel that the person is too close, that they don’t want them to know their confidential problems or the person they would usually confide in might be part of the problem. Counsellors are trained to be effective helpers in difficult or sensitive situations. They should be independent, neutral and professional, as well as respecting our privacy. Counselling can help people to clarify their problems, identify changes they would like to make, get a fresh perspective, consider other options and look at the impact that life events have made on their emotional wellbeing.
Counsellors do not usually offer advice, but instead give insight into the client’s feelings and behaviour and help the client change their behaviour if necessary. They do this by listening to what the client has to say and commenting on it from a professional perspective. Counselling covers a wide spectrum from the highly trained counsellor to someone who uses counselling skills as part of their role, for example, a nurse or teacher.
1. Learning specific skills:
2. Listening & bonding:
3. Reflection:
4. Questioning:
5. Interview techniques:
6. Changing beliefs and normalising:
7. Finding solutions:
8. Ending the counselling:
Explain any negative aspects of dependency in a case study.
More Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
Sample Notes
Dependency
On occasion the counsellor may wish to terminate sessions before the client wishes. This can raise issues of dependency. Dependency will perhaps inevitably occur during the counselling relationship.
There are several reasons for this occurring.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> A meaningful relationship will emerge, especially if the counsellor is warm and compassionate (some clients may even wish the relationship to continue after the sessions have ended, though obviously this is encroaching on ethical boundaries).
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]--> Clients may perceive that sharing their most intimate thoughts and feelings with the counsellor will result in an ongoing relationship.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->A number of the clients who seek the help of a counsellor may not have many close friends or family members, and so will naturally strive for closeness and affection through the counselling relationship leading to dependency.
Dependency may also evolve out of the counselling process itself. It is possible that some clients once they have worked through the most difficult issues will then turn their attention to less troublesome issues. The counsellor needs to recognize this as the whole point of the counselling is to help the client to return to society and resolve their own issues. Working through minor issues that do not directly interfere with the client’s quality of life is self-defeating.
Dependency of Counsellors
Similarly, it is possible for the counsellor to become dependent on the client. Once again the intimacy of the sharing relationship can lead the counsellor to become dependent on the client. It is therefore essential that the counsellor remains vigilant to prevent them from continuing with the counselling relationship merely to satisfy their own needs.
Dependency is bound to occur from time to time and one of the purposes of ongoing supervision is to identify when this may be occurring.
Ending the Counselling Process
It is often clear to both counsellor and client when it is time to end the whole counselling process. In some instances, particularly where dependency has occurred, it might not be so obvious.
It is therefore necessary for the counsellor to frequently review the progress that is being made in the sessions and update the goals that are being achieved.
If progress is not being made and goals are not being achieved, then it may be necessary for the counsellor to address this issue with their supervisor.
It is of course possible that the counsellor’s own unresolved issues are interfering. It could also be that the counsellor does not have the necessary skills in their repertoire to deal with the issues that the client has raised. Supervision may help the counsellor to deal with a client who seems unable to change. Another option is to suggest to the client that they are referred on to someone else who may be better able to help them.
Of course it is important too, to note that some clients will not change.
Ending the process may be similar to ending other relationships, and it may be necessary for the counsellor to use questions to challenge the client. They may ask the client how it feels to end the relationship and other similar questions.
Confronting Dependency
If it is necessary to inform the client that dependency has emerged in the counselling relationship, then obviously this has to be dealt with by exercising a great deal of sensitivity. If the dependency is reframed in a positive manner then it will help to lead the process toward termination.
The end of the counselling process will also inevitably lead to a sense of loss. This can be resolved by arranging meetings with the client in the future at longer intervals than the sessions were being held at. For example, if the counsellor was meeting clients on a weekly basis, they might arrange a couple of appointments on a monthly basis.
It can also be useful to have a follow up session say 3 months down the track. This enables the client to have a period to adjust to their independence and it also provides a gentle transition away from dependence. Finally, it is a good way of assessing whether there are any loose ends that need to be tied up.
Our staff have written a useful e book, packed with easy to read, practical information about counselling.
It's title is "Counselling Handbook" .
See
http://www.acsebook.com/products/2249-counselling-handbook.aspx You can upload some sample pages for free to see what it looks like.
Buy as a download now and read on an ipad, computer, laptop or book reader
