NURSES TRAINING COLLEGE HO

COURSE: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

DATE: 5TH JANUARY, 2024
TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF COUNSELLING
GROUP: 10

GROUP MEMBERS

1. SALITSI BERNICE AFUA

2. SAM ANTOINETTE JACKSON

3. SEFAH MARY

4. SENCHIM RICHARD MAWUFEMOR

5. SULLEY MUNIRATU

6. TEYE NAOMI MAMLE

7. TORKU PATIENCE
 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this presentation, students should understand the following;

1. Difference between counseling and guidance.
2. Definition and meaning, types of counseling.
3. Concept and nature of counseling.
4. Importance of counseling, why nurses need this knowledge and the role of counseling in
nursing.
5. The counselor and counselee
6. The counselor and counselee relationship
7. Attributes of a good counselor.
8. The Counseling process, the do's and don'ts.
9. Advantages and disadvantages of counseling.
10. Counselor's self-disclosure.
11. Self reflection in counseling

Understanding the nature of counselling

Counselling takes place when a counsellor sees a client in a private and confidential setting to
explore a difficulty the client is having, distress they may be experiencing or their dissatisfaction
with life.

But in the dictionary of education, counselling means guidance and advice giving. Which creates a
misconception between counselling and guidance.

Definition of Guidance
Guidance can be defined as an assistance given to the learner by the instructor in order to facilitate
his achievement.

Differences between Guidance and Counselling

1. Focus: Guidance typically focuses on providing direction and advice for specific issues or
challenges, such as career choices or academic decisions. Counseling, on the other hand, focuses
on a broader range of psychological and emotional well-being issues.

2. Scope: Guidance tends to address specific concerns or challenges, while counseling delves
deeper into exploring personal growth, self-reflection, and self-discovery.

3. Goals: The goal of guidance is to help individuals make informed decisions and overcome
specific obstacles. Counseling aims to enhance overall mental and emotional well-being and
facilitate personal development.

4. Approach: Guidance often involves providing information, advice, and practical solutions.
Counseling typically involves a more open-ended and empathetic approach, allowing individuals to
explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space.
5. Duration: Guidance is often focused on providing immediate support and solutions, while
counseling can be a longer-term process that allows for ongoing exploration and growth.

Types of counselling
There are several types of counseling in therapeutic communication. Some common ones include:
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Counselling:This type of counseling focuses on identifying and
changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues.

Examples
i. A setting where a counsellor helps a client identify negative thought patterns that contribute to
their anxiety.

ii.A setting where a counsellor guides a client to help them gradually confront and overcome their
fear of heights.

iii.A setting where a counsellor helps a client develop coping strategies to manage their depression
symptoms.

2. Psychodynamic Counselling: This approach explores the unconscious mind and how past
experiences shape current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Examples
i. A setting where a counsellor helps a client explore their unconscious thoughts and childhood
experiences to gain insight into their current relationship patterns.

ii. A setting where a counsellor uses dream analysis to uncover hidden meanings and symbols that
may provide insight into a client’s subconscious mind.

iii. A setting where a counsellor helps a client develop a deeper understanding of their defense
mechanisms and how they impact their relationships and behavior.

3. Person-Centered Counselling : Also known as Rogerian therapy. This approach

emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening to help individuals explore
their own feelings.
Examples
i. A setting where a counsellor provides a safe space for a client to explore their emotions without
fear of criticism.

ii. A setting where a counsellor actively listens and validates a client’s experiences, helping them
understand their own feelings.

iii. A setting where a counsellor encourages a client to set their own goals and supports them in
their journey towards personal growth.
4.Family Counselling : This type of counseling involves working with families to improve
communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
Examples
i. Communication enhancement in family

ii. Parent-child relationship building

iii. Blended family integration (eg. Step-parents and step siblings adjusting to each other)

THE CONCEPT OF COUNSELING

The concept of counseling is the collaborative effort between the counsellor and the client where
the client is helped to work through emotional and psychological issues of varying severity.
It can easily both verbal and non verbal interaction.

NATURE OF COUNSELING
It is the use of core skills which include listening, reflecting and summarising.
1.The counsellor will be supportive but give little or no direct advice.
2.The nature of counselling is aimed at helping clients to help themselves.
3.There is a permissive relationship where client avails themselves ,then the counsellor provide
services.

IMPORTANCE OF COUNSELING
1. It helps improve mood and treat mental illness: By relieving depression and anxiety this is
because depression hinders quality of life.
2. Increases ones confidence level and decisions making skills : In order to make good decision
in all situations .
3. Help people grow to solve their own problems:By developing problem solving skills.
4. It brings change in attitude and behaviour.
5.Improve conflict resolution.
6.Provide education
7.Improves communication relationship

WHY NURSES NEED THIS KNOWLEDGE

1. Educate their patients :To have the knowledge about disease and treatments.
2. Immediate understanding of patients condition or needs.
3.Understanding the emotional state of patients.
4. Tracking changes in care.
5. To help patients understand how to cope more effectively.
6. Help patients make the best decision about the appropriate actions they should follow.

THE ROLE OF COUNSELING IN NURSING

*The nurse encourages the patient to examine him or her problems.
*To assist nurse clarify various challenges of the patient.
* Provide hope and offer comfort.
* Help improve health status
* For insight

COUNSELLOR AND COUNSELLEE

A counsellor is a trained professional who provides guidance, support, and assistance to
individuals or groups facing personal, emotional, or psychological challenges.
Counselors may specialize in various areas, such as mental health, marriage and family or career.
Qualification of a counselor:
Typically holds a degree in counseling or a related field, with specialized training in therapeutic
techniques.
A counsellee, also known as a client or patient in the context of counseling, is an individual
seeking guidance and support from a counselor.

Some reasons for seeking counseling

1. Emotional distress: Dealing with stress or anxiety.
2.Relationship issues: Struggling with interpersonal relationships or romantic relationships.
3.Self exploration: Thus seeking personal growth or self discovery.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A COUNSELLOR AND A COUNCELLEE

The relationship between a counselor and a counsellee is a professional and therapeutic alliance
characterized by trust, confidentiality, and collaboration.

Confidentiality: The counselor is bound by ethical standards to keep the information shared by
the counsellee confidential. This fosters an environment where the counsellee feels safe to disclose
personal and sensitive information.

Trust: Building trust is crucial for an effective counseling relationship. The counsellee should
feel confident in the counselor's expertise, empathy, and commitment to their well-being.

Open Communication: A successful relationship involves open and honest communication. The
counsellee expresses thoughts and feelings, while the counselor actively listens and provides
guidance without judgment.

Collaboration: The counselor and counsellee work together to identify goals, explore
challenges, and develop strategies for positive change. The collaborative nature of the relationship
empowers the counsellee in their journey towards well-being.

Empathy and Understanding: The counselor demonstrates empathy and understanding,

acknowledging the counsellee's experiences without imposing personal values or judgments. This
creates a supportive environment for the counsellee to explore their feelings and thoughts
ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD COUNSELLOR

Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Discretion
Confidentiality is of upmost importance when you are a Counsellor. You must be able to maintain
confidentiality so the client can trust you and so that an effective rapport can be built with your
client.

Patience
As a Counsellor you need to have patience with your clients as they process the discussion. It may
take them time to accept certain things and to move towards positive changes. It may also take time
for you to see large changes.

Compassion
It is very important that your clients sense you truly care about them. You may not be able to relate
to every issue that is shared with you, but you need to be able to have compassion for how it feels to
be in their shoes.

COUNSELLING PROCESS (STAGES)

The counseling process is a journey between the counselor and the client aimed at addressing
concerns.The process involves five stages which include
1.Building rapport:The counselor establishes a rapport with the client, which helps the client to to
become more cooperative. The counselor need technique such as active listening, non judgment
attitude which allows the client to feel safe and more willing to share their thoughts and emotions

2..Assessing the situation:The counselor gather information to understand the client concerns,
circumstances and needs this is done through one - on - one sessions to gather background
information and understand the client reasons for seeking counseling. Also the use of assessment
tools such as questionaire, behavior , emotions and when appropriate with consent gather
information from external sources.

3. Setting goals:It involves establishing achievable and meaning objectives that the client aims to
accomplish during this time the counselor and clients work together to define goals that align with
the client desire and needs ensuring the goals are attainable within a reasonable timeframe

4. Implementing intervention:This involves putting strategies into practice to address the identified
issue . The counselor might use techniques like cognitive -behavioral exercise, this is where the
agreed upon strategies are utilized to facilitate change or growth.

5. Conclusion: This is the planned conclusion of the therapeutic relationship between the
counselor and clients. This occurs when the goal of the client has been achieved or made
significant progress towards them. although it marks the end of the relationship it's time for
reflection.

DO’S AND DON’TS IN COUNSELLING PROCESS

DO’S
1. Active listening:This is the fundamental skills that involves fully concentration, understanding
and remembering what the client communicating verbally and non- verbally.

2. Empathy:This helps the counselor to understand and connect with the client on deeper level. It
creates a safe space for the client to feel heard which aids in effective communication.

3. Establishing rapport:This helps the client to express themselves freely, allowing them to delve
deeper into their thoughts and feeling. It helps uncover underlying issues.

4. Asking open-ended questions :It is crucial in counseling as it builds trust and create comfortable
environment between the counselor and clients which enables openness and honesty.

DON’TS
1. Being judgemental: The counselor should avoid being judgemental in other to create a safe, non
threatening space for clients to share their feeling, thought and experiences without fear of
criticism.
2.Interrupting: When the counselor avoids interrupting it allows the client to fully express
themselves without feeling rushed it also demonstrate respect for the client narrative.

3. Giving advice:Counselor giving advice can undermine the client autonomy instead the counselor
should focus on guiding the client to explore their own perspectives, strengths and solutions. This
will empower the client to make informed decisions.

4. Premature interpretation: These can hinder the counseling process . This may overlook crucial
informations , to ensure accuracy and relevance to the client, the counselor should gather
comprehensive and understanding before offering interpretation.

ADVANTAGES OF COUNSELLING
1.Emotional support:Counseling provides a safe and non judgemental space where one can express
his or her thoughts and emotions freely.

2.Personal growth: Counseling can help one gain self-awareness, develop insight and make positive
changes in one's life.

3.Problem solving:During the counseling process, the counselor helps one explore different
perspectives and develop effective strategies to overcome challenges.

4.Stress management: Counseling equips one with tools and techniques to cope with stress, anxiety
and other overwhelming emotions.
5.Improved relationships:Counseling can enhance communication skills, empathy and
understanding leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

6.Confidentiality:Counseling sessions are confidential allowing one to freely discuss sensitive

topics without fear of judgement or disclosure.

7.Improved decision making:A counselor can help one explore options, weigh pros and cons, and
make informed decisions.

8.Mental health management:Counseling can be an essential component of managing mental health

conditions like depression and anxiety.

9.Increased self esteem:Through counseling, one can develop a more positive self image and build
confidence in oneself.

10. Coping with trauma: Counseling can provide support and guidance in processing and healing
from past traumatic experiences.

DISADVANTAGES OF COUNSELLING
1. It can be expensive. Counseling sessions often cost a lot of money, especially if they are not
covered by insurance or offered by low-cost or free services.

2. It can be time-consuming. Counseling requires a commitment of time and energy, both for
attending sessions and for doing homework or exercises between sessions. It can be hard to fit
counseling into a busy schedule or balance it with other responsibilities.

3. It can raise privacy concerns. Some people may worry that their personal information or issues
will not be kept confidential by the counselor or the agency. They may also fear that their
counseling records could be accessed by others, such as employers, family members, or legal
authorities.

4. It can cause emotional discomfort. Counseling can bring up painful or difficult feelings and
memories, which can be stressful or upsetting. Some people may feel worse before they feel better,
or they may not feel any improvement at all.

5. It can be ineffective. Counseling does not work for everyone, and it depends on many factors,
such as the quality of the counselor, the type of counseling, the rapport between the client and the
counselor, and the client’s willingness and readiness to change. Some people may not find
counseling helpful or suitable for their needs.
COUNSELLORS SELF-DISCLOSURE
This is when a counselor shares with client similar experiences to the one that is causing him or her
difficulties and uses this as a common denominator to work with.
Self-disclosure should be used with tact and sensitivity and only when a relationship of trust has
been established between the client and the counselor.

Aims of self-disclosure.
1. Using self as a model
2. Showing genuiness in helping
3. Sharing experiences
4. Sharing feelings
5. Sharing opinions
NB:Self-disclosure should be direct, sensitive, relevant and brief.

Advantages of self-disclosure
1. Building rapport and trust: self-disclosure helps to Foster a sense of connection, authenticity and
trust between counselor and client. It can create a relatable therapeutic relationship which may
enhance clients comfort and willingness to open up.

2. Normalizing experiences: self-disclosure can help normalize certain experiences or emotions by

demonstrating that The counselor has their own life experiences. This can help clients feel less
alone in their struggles.

3. Modeling appropriate coping skills or perspectives by demonstrating how to deal with challenges
or problems.

4. Increases clients motivation by providing hope and encouragement.

Disadvantages of self-disclosure
1. Counselor centered sessions: if self-disclosure becomes excessive or used as a means of
satisfying counselor's need for connection, it can lead to sessions that are more focused on the
counselor rather than the client's needs.

2. Gives the impression "This is the way I overcame it". The implication being that the clients must
also use the same method to overcome his situation.

3. Potential for boundary confusion: self-disclosure can blur professional boundaries if not
carefully managed. It is essential for therapist to access the appropriateness and potential impact of
sharing personal information, consider potential effects on therapeutic relationship and the clients
will being.

4. Self-disclosure can have an impact on confidentiality as client may disclose to another person
what went on during his or her counseling session.
5. The counselor may not try to understand the client's feelings and assume the client felt the same
way he did.

Self-disclosure is only useful if;

1. It encourages the clients to open herself up to the counseling process.
2. Keeps client on target and doesn't distract.
3. Does not add to the client's burden.
4. It is not done too often

SELF-REFLECTION IN COUNSELLING
Self reflection in counselling is an important and valuable aspect of the therapeutic process. It
involves taking time to examine your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and gaining deeper insight
into your experiences.
During counselling, self reflection often takes pace both within and outside the session.
In counselling setting, self reflection can take various forms, some of which include:
1. Exploration of emotions.
2. Challenging beliefs and assumption.
3. Examining behavioural patterns.
4. Understanding interpersonal relationships.
Importance of self reflection
1. Self reflection can lead to deeper understanding of oneself.
2. Increase in self awareness.
3. The ability to make more conscious choices.
4. It can also help in healing process and promote personal growth.

NB:It is important to be kind to yourself during this process. Self reflection can sometimes bring up
challenging emotions, but it is all part of the journey towards self discovery and healing.

REFERENCES
The Skilled Helper" by Gerard Egan

"Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy" by Gerald Corey"

Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession" by Samuel T. Gladding

"Learning To Counsel" by Jan Sutton and William Stewart

"Counseling Skills in Context", Edited by Sally Aldridge and Sally Rigby(29th June, 2001)

"First Steps In Counselling" (5th edition) by Pete Sanders, Paula J. Williams and Andy Rogers