Study unit 8: Checking out: importance for counseling process

Question 1

what is the key outcome regarding counseling

Answer 1

This
depends on the satisfactory attainment of the client’s goals for the counselling
encounter. A key outcome for the counselling process is the facilitation of
appropriate problem-solving with regard to difficulties or adversity; that is, in such
a way that the client(s) (who, again, may be an individual, a couple, a family or
a community) are not dependent on the counsellor, but empowered and able to
empower themselves and find a context of appropriate support and assistance.

Question 2

what are Themes relevant to termination

Answer 2

Firstly, termination
signals that something is finished. Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes Hellos begin at birth, and goodbyes end at death. Between
birth and death, individuals enter into and leave a succession of experiences,
including jobs, relationships and life stages.

Secondly, termination is a means of maintaining changes already achieved
and generalising problem-solving skills acquired in counselling Successful counselling results in significant changes
in the way the client thinks, feels or acts.

Thirdly, termination serves as a reminder that the client has matured Besides offering the client new skills or different ways of thinking about
him- or herself, effective counselling that ends with an appropriate termination
marks a time in the client’s life when he or she is less absorbed and preoccupied
with personal problems and more able to deal with other people and outside
events.

Question 3

what factors are important when considering termination

Answer 3

•• examining whether initial problems or symptoms have been reduced or
eliminated;
•• determining whether the stress that motivated the client to seek counselling
has dissipated;
•• assessing increased coping ability;
•• assessing increased understanding and valuing of self and others;
•• determining increased levels of relating to others and of loving and being loved;
•• examining increased abilities to plan and work productively, and
•• evaluating whether the client can better enjoy life

Question 4

how to initiate the termination

Answer 4

(1) Summarise the sessions: Ask the client to summarise the main points
that have emerged in the sessions.
(2) Review or remind about the action plan for after treatment:
At this point, it may be useful to discuss the way forward: Does the client
have a need for more counselling? If so, for what types of issues? Also, if
so, does s/he need a referral or can you help with the remaining problems?
(3) Emphasise achievements: If the client has made good progress it
can sometimes be appropriate to offer words of acknowledgement and
encouragement. Stress specific outcomes which you think have been helpful.
(4) Normalise mixed feelings: The client may be excited and relieved
about ending counselling, but may also feel sadness about ending a relationship,
especially if it was fruitful and close. It is useful to remind client
that all these feelings are normal and appropriate.
(5) Conclude on a high note: If possible, give the client a meaningful
quote or statement to think about. Where appropriate, utilise a metaphor
to describe the counselling process or the relationship between the counsellor
and the client. Thank them for their involvement and wish them
good luck with the implementation of any plans or steps agreed upon.
Remind them of your ongoing availability by telephone or appointment
(6) Do not avoid challenges or gaps: Not all sessions are successful or
devoid of problems or gaps. It would be more honest to acknowledge
challenges if they have occurred. The client will value this honesty, if tactfully
handled, and be less likely to leave counselling with unresolved feelings.
Remember that in the process of ending counselling no new information
should be introduced or discussed.

Question 5

what should be included in a counseling report

Answer 5

•• The reason for referral. This describes why this report is written and
what issue is addressed.
•• Client demographic data. This includes, for example, the client’s name,
date of birth, gender, language spoken, and educational standard.
•• Socio-economic data. This includes occupational status, monthly income,
transportation status and economic stressors.
•• Sources of information. List the sources that contributed to the information
supplied in the report, for example, Dr Smith (GP), school report.
•• Presenting problem. The emphasis is on including information that is
relevant to the purpose of the report. This should include a description of
the problem from the client’s perspective, for example, missing increasingly
more time from work/avoiding friends/marital conflict.
•• History of presenting problem. This includes events, precipitating factors
and incidents leading to the need for counselling services.
•• Current family and significant relationships. This includes current
family status and structure.
•• Testing (past and present, if available). This should include methods
and instruments, evaluator, location, dates, reasons for testing and results.
•• Observations during assessment. Here you will record the impressions
of your client. This will include manner of dress, physical appearance, general
self- presentation, speech, mood, and behaviour towards counsellor.
•• Summary/Conclusions. This section provides a brief, integrated summary
of the relevant findings, linked to how these affect the individual in question.
•• Recommendations. State what you feel is appropriate action for the
present and future to assist the client