advanced microskills Flashcards
what are some advanced microskills
reframing
challenging (identifying incongruencies)
exploring options
therapist self-disclosure
normalising
externalising
orienting vs influencing questions
deconstructing questions
what is reframing
Supporting a client to understand a situation in a new light with a new awareness.
why do we reframe
helping client to see a different perspective
presenting an expanded view of the situation
reframing behaviour in an adaptive way
highlighting alternative possibilities
reframing loaded words and phrases
expanding perspectives of the self
Redefine problems
what do you need to be mindful of when reframing
Not implying agreement or support for the problem
Not always positive – silver lining
what is Challenging – Identifying Incongruencies
Confrontation is not a direct, harsh challenge. Think of it, rather, as a more gentle skill that involves listening to the client carefully and respectfully; and, then, seeking to help the client examine self or situation more fully.
why do we use challenging/identifying incongruencies
Assist clients to increase their self-awareness.
Highlight discrepancies that clients have previously been unaware of.
Provides space for exploration
Provide clarity
things to be mindful of for challenging/identifying incongruencies
It is done in relativity with the underlying strength of the relationship you share.
Is offered thoughtfully, and not in a way which is likely to be perceived as judgmental or reprimanding.
example of challenging/ identifying incongruencies
Client: “I can’t do anything right; I am always messing things up.”
Counsellor: Tom, I can hear how frustrated you feel but I’m a little confused when you state you can’t do anything right, especially in light of what you told me about your recent promotion at work?
what are the pros to self-disclosure
Providesa role model for appropriate social interaction (important for clients who may experience social anxiety)
Helpsthe client feel as though they are not alone
can reducethe power differential between counsellor and client, and reduce intimidation
Providesvalidation – can help the client to feel “normal”
Buildsrapport and trust
Human to Human Connection – I-thou relationship
cons to self-disclosure
Can movethe focus away from the client
Can compromisethe professional relationship – client views the counsellor more as a “friend
Can createrole confusion
Clientmay feel burdened, and so may “hold back” or censor information.
Clientmay feel the counsellor is “too involved”.
Can “pressure”the client into disclosing when they are not ready – by creating expectations.
what is Externalising
Principle or philosophy that refuses to locate problems within people – refuses to pathologise
The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem
why do we externalise
- a context where people are separate from the problem
- reduces guilt and blame but allows for responsibility.
- frames the client to have a position to the problem
- prevents the problem overwhelming the client
- demonstrates the politics and context of people’s experiences
things to be mindful of when externalising
Intentions & theoretical underpinning
Not blaming someone else – eg not the child but the parent
Not undermining the problem – providing a way to speak about the problem
We separate selves from problem – not from responsibility – idea is that we invite people to take a position to reduce the effects of the problem on self and others
what is normalising
is a process that emphasises that the experiences a person finds upsetting exist within the range of normal functioning
why do we normalise
Make the feeling of distress normal and understandable
Sense that you are not alone
Can help reduce secondary emotions – eg being anxious about feeling anxious
