Basic Counseling Techniques

Assessment tool; Includes the social systems surrounding the individual which need to be examined in order to understand how the presenting problem is impacted/manifested in each area.-Cognitions, behaviors, motivations in terms of our systems' strengths and weaknesses-How healthy are systems you interact with?-Imp: Ongoing stressors in 1st or 2nd spheres1.Self 2.Immediate Family 3.Friends 4.Other Family 5. Job/School 6.Community 7.Culture/religion 8. External events(need ex)

Like "checkout"; universal skill to ensure therapist hears the client correctlylike "paraphrase, but really is re-stating the fact or clarifying what you think you heard:-asks if what he/she heard is correct-clarifies meaning-to avoid assumptions and misunderstanding which could impede progress(need ex.)

Anticipatory beliefs client brings to therapy and can encompass beliefs about procedures, outcomes, therapists, or any other facet of the intervention and it's delivery.-can be unrealistic and needs to be addressed in the beginning.-what they want to get out of treatment.-helps determine objective and direction of therapy.
(need ex.)

A communication with the client that actively allows them to self-examine some aspect of his or her behavior in chick there is a discrepancy in words & deeds. Addressing discrepancies that client is expected to explain.-if client is not ready to go there yet, don't
"A therapist may wish to engage a client in a confrontation in order to make him aware of his people-pleasing tendencies, when he claims to be assertive."

Rogerian/Client-centered TherapyGenuineness; the more the therapist is genuine, putting up no personal facade, greater the likelihood client will change and grow constructively.Congruence between what is experiences at the gut level, what is present in awareness, and what is expressed to the client.(need ex.)

Rogerian/Client-Centered TherapyEssential for effective counseling:1. Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR)2. Empathy3. Congruence or genuineness (integration in the relationship) 4. Warmth-needed to facilitate change (need ex.)

BCT; Skills include demonstrating concern for clients through active listening and empathy, communicating respect for, and confidence in clients. -Active listening; any act that promotes client disclosure
Focusing on client's strengths, assets, & resources in order to help client generate perceptual alternatives for discouraging fictional beliefs.Focus efforts on progress and helping clients to see humor in everyday experiences.(need ex.)

The act of the therapist achieving an influential relationship with the client in order to enter their space.Involves behavioral techniques & tactics therapists may use to manage difficult moments.

Involves holding an open, non-judgmental attention to an internal knowing which is directly experienced, but not in words.Can be used to become clear on what one wants, or to obtain new insights on a situation, & to stimulate change.(need ex.)

When the therapist talks openly about something occurring in the presentA dynamic, non-verbal communication, a process, or a behavior occurring in session. -an experiential intervention to learn from real life experience (in the moment)"I see that when we talk about your grandfather, you tense up & look away. (needs work)"

The therapist may infer meaning of current behavior in relations to the past.Reserved for when client is ready & therapist is fairly sure of accuracy.(need ex.)

Show client they are being heard & understoodTherapist must be able to actively listen, showing attentive interest in verbal, as well as non-verbal, ways, such as capping, summarizing, & matching posture with the client.(need ex.)

Behaviorism/CBT tool to change bx, discuss the logical consequence if bx continues without intervention. a behavioral term that emphasizes the best course of action for altering a problem bx, may not be traditional punishment but rather a natural consequence, serves as a wakeup call and is important for developing understanding of the possible consequences of a bx and promotes self control
Ex: beth did not show up for her 2nd therapy session and did not call in advance, therapist billed Beth anyway

Universal skill used to promote more detailed discussion and to help client relate their story in some detail. Usually involves how, why (careful with why q's), or what.(need ex.)

Universal skill used to demonstrate that the therapist is listening and to clarify.-meaning, content, tone, feeling are retained in the reflection and the therapist acts as a backboard.(need ex.)