Types of Counselling

Types

1.         Directive counselling,

2.         Non directive counselling, and

3.         Eclectic or cooperative counselling.

1.         Directive Counselling – E. G. Williamson developed comprehensive theory of Counselling in 1930s. In this approach the Counsellor plays central role by issuing directions to the client as it is assumed that solution to the problem is beyond the client’s reach due to several factors. The Counsellor uses several tools such as information, knowledge, interpretation, explanation etc. to modify the client’s behaviour. Williamson suggested that the Counsellor has to assess a behavioural lacking in the client, and then design a tailored made system to tide over the problem.

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Assumptions

1.         Counsellor being expert can offer better suggestions and solutions.

2.         Availability of appropriate information is central to the Counselling process.

3.         Counsellor plays relatively more active role in Counselling than the counselee.

4.         Counsellor takes decisions in respect of solutions of counselee’s problems.

Steps of Directive Counselling

1.         Analysis – The information collected from counselee is meticulously analysed.

2.         Synthesis – The collected data are organized to understand client’s strength and weaknesses etc.

3.         Diagnosis – The conclusions are drawn about the nature and causes of client’s problem.

4.         Prognosis – Prediction about the chances of occurrence of the client’s problem.

5.         Counselling – Modification of behaviour and adjustment in context of the problem.

6.         Follow-up – It is a post Counselling step where counselee is monitored for her/his adjustment with the problem and ensure that problem should not reoccur.

 

2.         Non-Directive Counselling – The non-directive Counselling is the brain child of Carl Rogers. NDC is also known as client centred Counselling or therapy. The Counsellor is expected to play the role of facilitator with the attitude of non-judgmental and acceptance. The Counsellor is expected to act as a mirror, reflecting the verbal and emotional concerns of clients. They should have a rapport and Counsellor should show unconditional regard towards the client. The relationship between client and Counsellor is of mutual self-commitment. The aim is to bring psychological growth, maturity and positive growth in the client. The client is made capable enough to plan, make decisions and execute plans successfully. It is also known as permissive Counselling.

Assumptions

1.         The primary concern is satisfaction of counselee.

2.         Client has right to select goals of his life.

3.         The Counsellor remains passive.

4.         Tendency towards Actualization.

5.         Belief in the Dignity of Man.

6.         Emotional disturbance inhibits a person’s proper adjustment initially.

7.         In the Counselling situation, one should reach very quickly at a point from where the client may be able to start functioning independently. Steps of Non-Directive Counselling

According to Carl Rogers

1.         Defining the Problematic Situation – Counsellor should define the problematic situation at the outset.

2.         Free Expression of Feelings – The client should be made aware she/he can express her/his feelings freely.

3.         Development of Insight – The Counsellor thinks and analyze the client’s feelings along with the development of client’s insight.

4.         Classification of Positive and Negative Feelings – After the free expression of feelings, the Counsellor identifies client’s negative and positive feelings for classification.

5.         Termination of Counselling Situation – The Counsellor looks for a point where he can terminate the Counselling process.

 

3.         Eclectic or Cooperative Counselling – According to Brammer (1969) it refers to selecting, or choosing from various systems or theories. The best is selected from available systems and set into one which suits the Counsellor in dealing with the counselee. Thorne (1950) said that eclecticism is the most practicable and apt approach to Counselling. He called it integrative psychology. It is an individualized and custom-made Counselling technique designed to address the uniqueness of content and intensity of individual needs. The Counsellor is neither too active nor too passive.

            Thorne prefers the term ‘Psychological case handling’ to ‘psychotherapy’ (Rao, 2004). The former term is broader and more comprehensive. The objectives according to Thorne are: -

(i)        Precluding and halting the aggravation,

(ii)       Rectifying etiological factors to prevent the recurrence.

(iii)      Facilitating personality growth.

(iv)      Helping expressing & clarifying emotions.

(v)       Resolving conflicts and inconsistencies.

(vi)      Enabling the individual to accept what cannot be changed – ‘endure what cannot be cured’.

(vii)     Changing attitude for self-actualization.

Assumptions

1.         Information collected from counselee forms the base for the selection of Counselling technique.

2.         The information is collected through various means such as Counselling interview, from parents & friends, using psychological tests etc.

3.         The will, wish of the counselee & what she/he wants are important requirements prior to the beginning of Counselling process.

4.         Conducive environment and situations help the counselee in gaining insight to deal with problems.

5.         The selection and design of appropriate Counselling process is dependent upon the inferences that are drawn by analysing the information collected from the counselee.

 

Steps of Eclectic Counselling

Thorne, suggested the following steps

1.         Diagnosis – A systematic process to obtain complete picture of the client’s problem.

2.         Preparation – A tentative plan is prepared by understanding methods including their strengths and weaknesses.

3.         Pinpointing the Causes – Concentrating on the basic or underlying causes rather than treating the superficial symptoms.

4.         Selection of Method – Designing/choosing a specific method suited to the unique needs of the client.

5.         Evaluation – The selected method is evaluated on the basis of the results.

6.         Analysis – Scientific analysis of the data and evaluation of results.

 

References:

1 http://www.publishyourarticles.net/knowledgehub/education/what-is-non-directive-Counselling/5380/.

2.         https://www.oum.edu.my/pages/prospective/prospective/ pdf/HMEF5063%20T1.pdf.

3.         Rao, S. N. (2004). Counselling and Guidance. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hills.

4.         http://www.bruntsfieldmedicalpractice.co.uk/documents/ Counselling%20Modalities%20Information%20Leaflet.pdf.

5.         https://kaamchalao.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/eclectic-counselling

 

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