Counselling Psychology : Meaning And Goals

in Counselling Psychology, The word counselling originated from ‘Latin’ word ‘Consilium’ which means ‘to offer advice or consultation’.

Counselling is a process in which a client who needs assistance regarding mental, cognitive and emotional disturbances conjoin the counselor who is professionally trained to assist.  Counselor  established interpersonal relationship with client and  listen the problems of client carefully without being judgemental . Counselor uses variety of techniques in order to improve the quality of life. Counselor asks counselee to come at various sessions.

According to Brown 1993,

“Specifically a therapeutic procedure  in which usually trained person adopts a supportive,non-judgemental role ….or gives advice on practical problems.

who is Counsellor?

A counselor is a trained individual or professional , who uses different techniques to assist the client in dealing with cognitive, mental and emotional problems and helps in improving the quality of life of client.

There are eligibility criteria for being a counselor,

• Bachelors degree in any any field although psychology, sociology ,social work ,education or similar fields .
• Two yrs Masters degree in counselling / PG DIPLOMA in counselling.
• Field experience post-masters degree through supervised clinical internship. Note that in order to become lincesed up to 3000 hrs of working directly with clients under a supervisor is required , depending on the state .

License of practice should have approval of RCI ( REHABILITATION COUNCIL OF INDIA) in INDIA.

Stages of counselling

RAPPORT BUILDING →PROBLEM ASSESSMENT  →PLANNING → COUNSELLING INTERVENTION→ EVALUATION AND TERMINATION.

STAGE ONE:  Relationship Building /Rapport Building

It is an ice breaking session, The first steps  involves rapport building in this counselor create comfortable and interpersonal environment,so that client can easily  share the issues that directly affect them.First interview is important because the client is reading all the verbal and non verbal messages and makes inferences about the counselor and the counselling situation.

STAGE TWO: Problem Assessment 

Assessment refers to the things which a counselor  do to collect the information related to client. When counselor and client are in the process of establishing rapport , then second step takes place. In this stage counselor collects and classify all the information related to client’s life situation  to know the reason client seeking for counselling.

STAGE THREE: Planning 

In this counselor and client make discussion and they prepare planning or a set of conditions. Planning are the goals that client wants to achieve at the end of sessions. in other words we can say goals are the outcomes that client seeks at the end of counselling. goals helps in find out that what could be achieve through the counselling. In this with the help of counselor client identifies the particular ways to solve the problems. Setting goals are necessary for the success of counselling.

Some skills required for setting goals :-

• counselor should have solutions about every problem of client.
• counselor should have the ability to think critically and realistically.
• goals should be achievable.

STAGE FOUR: Counselling intervention  

In this best possible options are suggested to the client for the management of  the present problems. Counselor have to choose the approach suitable for the client, whether it can be directive approach,indirective approach and eclectic approach. If selected approach failed then counselor should be prepared for other approach. By the help of approaches counselor try to solve the problems of counselee or client.

STAGE FIVE: Evaluation, Termination or Referral.

When problem of  client get solved  after that termination is the final process of counselling. Termination means  to end the process of counselling. But termination of counselling have to be conducted with the sensitivity with the client knowing that it will have to end. Some follow up sessions may be given to help the client further to handle the problem independently.

Goals Of Counselling – Counselling Psychology

Goals are the outcomes that a counselor and counselee expect at the end of counselling. It is necessary to set the goals as it helps in knowing that what have done and what have to be done during counselling. The goals of counselling can vary depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual or group receiving counselling. However, there are some common goals that are typically associated with the counselling process. These goals include:

1. Enhancing Psychological Well-Being: One of the primary goals of counselling is to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of the individual. This can involve helping them cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
2. Improving Relationships: Counseling can also focus on improving interpersonal relationships. This includes enhancing communication skills, resolving conflicts, and building healthier and more fulfilling relationships with family members, friends, or romantic partners.
3. Developing Coping Strategies: Counselors often work with clients to develop effective coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges and stressors. This may involve teaching relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and stress management strategies.
4. Personal Growth and Self-Exploration: Counselling can be a tool for personal growth and self-exploration. Clients may seek counselling to better understand themselves, their values, and their goals in life.
5. Overcoming Specific Challenges: Some individuals seek counselling to address specific challenges or issues in their lives, such as addiction, grief, trauma, or phobias. The goal is to help them overcome or manage these challenges.
6. Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence: Building self-esteem and self-confidence is often a goal in counselling. This can involve challenging negative self-beliefs and developing a more positive self-image.
7. Behavioural Change: Counselling can be used to facilitate behavioral change, such as quitting smoking, adopting healthier lifestyles, or managing anger and aggression.
8. Academic and Career Success: For students and professionals, counselling can be geared toward achieving academic and career success. This may involve setting and working toward academic or career goals, improving time management, and enhancing job-related skills.
9. Crisis Intervention: In times of crisis or emergencies, counselling can provide immediate support and coping strategies to help individuals navigate difficult situations.
10. Enhancing Decision-Making: Counseling can help individuals make better decisions by providing them with tools to evaluate options, consider consequences, and make choices that align with their values and goals.
11. Promoting Emotional Regulation: Some individuals may struggle with emotional regulation, and counselling can assist in developing skills to manage and regulate emotions effectively.
12. Preventing Relapse: For individuals who have undergone treatment for issues like addiction or mental health disorders, counselling can help prevent relapse and maintain progress.

It’s important to note that the specific goals of counselling will vary based on the individual’s unique circumstances and the approach taken by the counselor. Effective counselling is often a collaborative process where the counsellor and client work together to identify and work toward these goals.