M1: The Counseling Environment

Question 1

Building rapport

Answer 1

a process that takes place in the initiating stage of the counseling process, and is characterized by an effort to create a connection, to reduce tension, and to provide an overview of the process.

Question 2

Confirmation of differences

Answer 2

recognizing the differences between the counselor and client with respect to financial values, beliefs, attitudes, risk tolerance and financial goals.

Question 3

Constructive feedback

Answer 3

a type of feedback with the effect of helping people measure how and if their behavior is helping them to achieve their goals.

Question 4

Destructive feedback

Answer 4

a type of feedback with the effect of discouraging, invalidating, or belittling people.

Question 5

Evaluating progress

Answer 5

In the evaluation stage, the priority is to review the action plan and evaluate progress toward the goal.

Question 6

Gathering information

Answer 6

a process that takes place in the exploring stage of counseling and is characterized by obtaining the facts and discovering important issues, such as clients’ needs, purposes, or goals.

Question 7

Mutual involvement

Answer 7

mutual responsibility between counselor and client for setting goals and developing plans to achieve them and for follow-through.

Question 8

Negative feedback

Answer 8

a type of feedback that helps people understand how their behavior might be undermining their goals.
Openness - individuals’ willingness to share information about the topics under discussion and about personal aspects that relate to the purpose of the relationship.

Question 9

Positive feedback

Answer 9

a type of feedback that helps people understand how their behavior is helping them to achieve their goals.

Question 10

Power

Answer 10

influence over another person stemming from various sources such as appearance, communicative style, general expertise, specialized knowledge, and the ability to control both decision-making and problem-solving processes for the client’s benefit.

Question 11

Realistic expectations

Answer 11

exercising knowledge and experience to determine if stated goals are achievable.

Question 12

Structure

Answer 12

the steps of the counseling process, including initiating, exploring, understanding, and acting.

Question 13

Taking action

Answer 13

In the acting stage, the client takes specific actions to advance the previously established purposes and/or goals.

Question 14

There are six elements that exist in an ideal counselor relationship.

Answer 14

1) openness,
2) realistic expectations,
3) structure,
4) power,
5) confirmation of differences,
6) mutual involvement.

Question 15

Openness

Answer 15

Openness refers to individuals’ willingness to share information about topics under discussion and about personal aspects that relate to the purpose of the relationship. The more your clients are able to open up to you, the stronger your relationship will be.

Question 16

Realistic Expectations

Answer 16

In any given situation, you will need to exercise knowledge and experience to determine if specific goals are realistic. Guiding a client to develop realistic goals for their own situation is valuable, particularly in achieving a realistic picture of options.

Question 17

Structure

Answer 17

Effective counseling follows a structure appropriate to the setting and goals of the relationship. As described in section 1.3, the counseling process includes building a rapport, gathering information, setting goals and creating an action plan, and finally taking action and evaluating progress.

Question 18

Power

Answer 18

Power stems from various sources such as the counselor’s appearance, communicative style, general expertise, specialized knowledge, and ability to control decision-making and problem-solving processes for the client’s benefit. As a counselor, you must use your power to achieve the purpose of counseling – influencing and motivating your clients toward acceptable goals.

Question 19

Confirmation of Differences

Answer 19

Effective financial counselors recognize the differences between themselves and their clients with respect to financial values, beliefs, attitudes, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Counselors use this awareness to help clients make personally relevant choices.

Question 20

Mutual Involvement

Answer 20

Effective financial counselors also get clients involved so that there is mutual responsibility for setting goals, developing plans to achieve them, and for follow-through. In a strong client-counselor relationship, neither party is dependent upon the other to achieve acceptable goals. Instead, both parties work together to reach those goals.