What are the different steps in the counselling process?
Counseling Process consists of four steps :
1. Identify the Need for Counseling
Developmental counselingmay be conducted whenever the need arises for focused, two-way communication aimed at development. Developing consists of observing their performance, comparing it to the standard, and then providing feedback to them in the form of counseling.
2. Prepare for Counseling
Successful counseling requires preparation. To prepare for counseling following are the requirements:
- Select a suitable place.
- Schedule the time.
- Inform the client well in advance.
- Organize information.
- Outline the counseling session components.
- Plan your counseling strategy.
- Establish the right conducive atmosphere.
3. Conduct the Counseling Session
Be flexible when conducting a counseling session. Good leaders take advantage of naturally occurring events to provide client with feedback. Counselor should address the four basic components of a counseling session. Counseling sessions consist of:
- Opening the session.
- Discussing the issues.
- Developing the plan of action.
- Recording and closing the session.
Ideally, a counseling session results in a Client’s commitment to a plan of action. Assessment of the plan of action becomes the starting point for follow-up counseling.
4. Follow Up
The counseling process doesn’t end with the counseling session. It continues through implementation of the plan of action and evaluation of results. After counseling, Counselor must support Client as they implement their plans of action. Appropriate measures after counseling include follow-up counseling, making referrals, informing the chain of command, and taking corrective measures.
The purpose of counseling is to develop Clients who are better able to achieve personal, professional, and organizational goals. During the assessment, review the plan of action with the Clients to determine if the desired results were achieved. The assessment of the plan of action provides useful information for future follow-up counseling session