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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A - COUNSELING TECHNIQUES
STEP ONE - Basic counseling techniques including active listening, body language, tone, asking questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, note taking, homework and THE GOODIE BAG!
Chapters (1 to 10):
1. Pattern of Sessions
In counseling there is normally a familiar pattern of sessions - Introduction, Information Gathering, Discussion, Conclusion and Homework!
2. Active Listening
Active listening happens when you when you "listen for meaning". The listener says very little but conveys empathy, acceptance and genuineness.
3. Body Language
Developing encouraging body language can take some practice. Remember that communication is 55% body language, 38% tone and 7% words.
4. Asking Questions
Asking questions - open and closed - is an important tool in the counseling kit. They can help a person open up or close them down.
5. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is when you, the listener, restate succinctly and tentatively what the speaker said - conveying empathy, acceptance and genuineness. 6. Summary A summary, in counseling, is when you focus on the main points of a presentation or session in order to highlight them.
7. Note Taking
Note taking is the practice of writing down pieces of information, often in a shorthand and messy manner.
8. Homework
Homework in counseling is fun and informative work done outside of the session. It extends the length of the session and increases progress.
9. The Goodie Bag and Other Fun Stuff
The goodie bag and other fun stuff help make a counseling session an occasion for joy, as well as understanding.
10. Technique References
Counseling Technique References include the following textbooks which can also be partially accessed on Google Books, in accordance with having this site by free and on-line.
STEP ONE - Basic counseling techniques including active listening, body language, tone, asking questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, note taking, homework and THE GOODIE BAG!
Chapters (1 to 10):
1. Pattern of Sessions
In counseling there is normally a familiar pattern of sessions - Introduction, Information Gathering, Discussion, Conclusion and Homework!
2. Active Listening
Active listening happens when you when you "listen for meaning". The listener says very little but conveys empathy, acceptance and genuineness.
3. Body Language
Developing encouraging body language can take some practice. Remember that communication is 55% body language, 38% tone and 7% words.
4. Asking Questions
Asking questions - open and closed - is an important tool in the counseling kit. They can help a person open up or close them down.
5. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is when you, the listener, restate succinctly and tentatively what the speaker said - conveying empathy, acceptance and genuineness. 6. Summary A summary, in counseling, is when you focus on the main points of a presentation or session in order to highlight them.
7. Note Taking
Note taking is the practice of writing down pieces of information, often in a shorthand and messy manner.
8. Homework
Homework in counseling is fun and informative work done outside of the session. It extends the length of the session and increases progress.
9. The Goodie Bag and Other Fun Stuff
The goodie bag and other fun stuff help make a counseling session an occasion for joy, as well as understanding.
10. Technique References
Counseling Technique References include the following textbooks which can also be partially accessed on Google Books, in accordance with having this site by free and on-line.
SECTION B - COUNSELING THEORIES
STEP TWO - Common Counseling Theories such as Client Centered (Rogers), Holistic Health (Biopsychosocial), Strengths Based (Positive Thinking). Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focussed and Existential.
Chapters (1 to 8):
1. Client Centered (Rogerian)
In Client Centered (Rogerian) counseling, the counselor provides the growth-promoting climate and the client is then free and able to discover and grow as she / he wants and needs to.
2. Holistic Health (Biopsychosocial Model)
Holistic Health or the Biopsychosocial Model posits that biological, psychological (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning.
3. Strengths Based
Strengths Based Counseling focuses on what is going right in a person’s life. The counselor and client work together to find past and present successes and use these to address the challenges.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ABC Model)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ABC Model) could be described as “as I think, so I feel (and do)!” Understanding it is as simple as A B C - Activing event, Beliefs about event, and Consequences.
5. Solution Focused
Solution Focused Therapy or Brief Therapy focuses on what clients want to achieve through therapy, rather than on the problem(s) that made them seek help.
6. Existential Therapy
Existential therapy or meaning therapy is concerned with helping us to get in touch with “the ultimate questions” such as "Why am I here?" and "What (if any) is the meaning of suffering?"
6. Letting Go
Letting go can at times be difficult for counselors, just as with clients. It both sitations there is a need to acknowledge and then take on something new, to move forward.
8. Theory References
Theory References in Counseling include the textbooks which can also be partially accessed on Google Books.
STEP TWO - Common Counseling Theories such as Client Centered (Rogers), Holistic Health (Biopsychosocial), Strengths Based (Positive Thinking). Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focussed and Existential.
Chapters (1 to 8):
1. Client Centered (Rogerian)
In Client Centered (Rogerian) counseling, the counselor provides the growth-promoting climate and the client is then free and able to discover and grow as she / he wants and needs to.
2. Holistic Health (Biopsychosocial Model)
Holistic Health or the Biopsychosocial Model posits that biological, psychological (thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning.
3. Strengths Based
Strengths Based Counseling focuses on what is going right in a person’s life. The counselor and client work together to find past and present successes and use these to address the challenges.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ABC Model)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ABC Model) could be described as “as I think, so I feel (and do)!” Understanding it is as simple as A B C - Activing event, Beliefs about event, and Consequences.
5. Solution Focused
Solution Focused Therapy or Brief Therapy focuses on what clients want to achieve through therapy, rather than on the problem(s) that made them seek help.
6. Existential Therapy
Existential therapy or meaning therapy is concerned with helping us to get in touch with “the ultimate questions” such as "Why am I here?" and "What (if any) is the meaning of suffering?"
6. Letting Go
Letting go can at times be difficult for counselors, just as with clients. It both sitations there is a need to acknowledge and then take on something new, to move forward.
8. Theory References
Theory References in Counseling include the textbooks which can also be partially accessed on Google Books.
SECTION C - SAMPLE SESSIONS
Step Three - These sample sessions are a way for you to see how Counseling Techniques and Counseling Theories come together in a meeting.
Chapters (1 to 9):
1. Client Centered Counseling
Session One is Client Centered Counseling - a good opportunity to use your active listening, empathy, acceptance and genuineness.
2 & 3. Cancellation
Session Two and Session Three are a "no-show" and a cancellation by the client. The counsellor needs to learn to not take it personally. It happens!
4. Strengths Based Counseling
Session Four has examples of a Strengths Based Counseling or Positive Thinking / Learned Optimism approach. Watch for the exercise "The Ten Things I Like About Me."
5. Cognitive Behavioral Counseling
Session Five highlights Cognitive Behavioral Counseling (challenging the lies we tell ourselves). Watch how 'direct' the counselor gets with her client.
6. Holistic Health Counseling
Session Six investigates Holistic Health Counseling / Inventiory or the Biopsychosocial Model. This includes physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and vocational wellbeing.
7. Solution Focused Counseling
In Session Seven Solution Focused Counseling is used to help Mary envision what her perfect world is, and how to get there.
8. Existential Counseling
Session Eight explores Existential Counseling aka Logotherapy or Meaning Therapy. Themes include "Why am I here?" and "Why is there suffering?"
9. Becoming Unnecessary
Becoming Unnecessary is part of the helping relationship for the counselor, but it isn't always easy.
Step Three - These sample sessions are a way for you to see how Counseling Techniques and Counseling Theories come together in a meeting.
Chapters (1 to 9):
1. Client Centered Counseling
Session One is Client Centered Counseling - a good opportunity to use your active listening, empathy, acceptance and genuineness.
2 & 3. Cancellation
Session Two and Session Three are a "no-show" and a cancellation by the client. The counsellor needs to learn to not take it personally. It happens!
4. Strengths Based Counseling
Session Four has examples of a Strengths Based Counseling or Positive Thinking / Learned Optimism approach. Watch for the exercise "The Ten Things I Like About Me."
5. Cognitive Behavioral Counseling
Session Five highlights Cognitive Behavioral Counseling (challenging the lies we tell ourselves). Watch how 'direct' the counselor gets with her client.
6. Holistic Health Counseling
Session Six investigates Holistic Health Counseling / Inventiory or the Biopsychosocial Model. This includes physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and vocational wellbeing.
7. Solution Focused Counseling
In Session Seven Solution Focused Counseling is used to help Mary envision what her perfect world is, and how to get there.
8. Existential Counseling
Session Eight explores Existential Counseling aka Logotherapy or Meaning Therapy. Themes include "Why am I here?" and "Why is there suffering?"
9. Becoming Unnecessary
Becoming Unnecessary is part of the helping relationship for the counselor, but it isn't always easy.
SECTION D - SELF-HELP
The term Self-Help normally refers to any practice whereby an individual or a group attempts self-guided improvement – physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, economically, or intellectually.
Chapters (1 to 11):
1. Journaling
When you are sharing your thoughts and feeling by facebook, msn, text-messaging, emailing, etc – you are doing a form of journaling.
2. Mood Mapping
In mood mapping you chart your moods for at least one week - identifying good, bad and indifferent moods. Then the task is to identify triggers and find solutions. ysical, intellectual, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual needs - the neglect of which reduces the ability to withstand stress.
4. Socio-Economic
The Socio-Economic Well Being Inventory is a crucial component of the whole health check in.. These factors can enhance or demean our long-term well-being.
5. Know Your Community Resources
It’s not enough to know what your Community Resources are, you need to participate in them. By “community resources” I mean those organizations and activities that are accessible to all.
6. Ten Things
“The Ten Things I Like About Me” is a fun exercise where we practice positive self talk and build our self esteem.
7. People Lie / Common Lies
According to Gregory House, MD on many occassions… “People lie.” Dr Albert Ellis documented the most common lies that we tell ourselves.
8. Goal-Setting
You and I engage in goal-setting whether or not this is conscious. Unfortunately, unconscious goals can be self-defeating.
9. A Why to Bear a How
A Why To Bear a How. Is there a way to live with dignity and purpose in a brutal and hopeless time.
10. Happy People
To be one of the happy of the you need to pinpoint exactly what makes you happy and incorporate more of it into your life. This is true regardless of income, health, age and attractiveness.
11. Self-Help References
Self-Help References include the following textbooks which can also be partially accessed on Google Books. For example, "Writing To Save Your Life" and "Where's God When It Hurts?"
The term Self-Help normally refers to any practice whereby an individual or a group attempts self-guided improvement – physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, economically, or intellectually.
Chapters (1 to 11):
1. Journaling
When you are sharing your thoughts and feeling by facebook, msn, text-messaging, emailing, etc – you are doing a form of journaling.
2. Mood Mapping
In mood mapping you chart your moods for at least one week - identifying good, bad and indifferent moods. Then the task is to identify triggers and find solutions. ysical, intellectual, social, emotional, vocational and spiritual needs - the neglect of which reduces the ability to withstand stress.
4. Socio-Economic
The Socio-Economic Well Being Inventory is a crucial component of the whole health check in.. These factors can enhance or demean our long-term well-being.
5. Know Your Community Resources
It’s not enough to know what your Community Resources are, you need to participate in them. By “community resources” I mean those organizations and activities that are accessible to all.
6. Ten Things
“The Ten Things I Like About Me” is a fun exercise where we practice positive self talk and build our self esteem.
7. People Lie / Common Lies
According to Gregory House, MD on many occassions… “People lie.” Dr Albert Ellis documented the most common lies that we tell ourselves.
8. Goal-Setting
You and I engage in goal-setting whether or not this is conscious. Unfortunately, unconscious goals can be self-defeating.
9. A Why to Bear a How
A Why To Bear a How. Is there a way to live with dignity and purpose in a brutal and hopeless time.
10. Happy People
To be one of the happy of the you need to pinpoint exactly what makes you happy and incorporate more of it into your life. This is true regardless of income, health, age and attractiveness.
11. Self-Help References
Self-Help References include the following textbooks which can also be partially accessed on Google Books. For example, "Writing To Save Your Life" and "Where's God When It Hurts?"
SECTION E - CONTINUING EDUCATION (always in progress)
SECTION F - SITE MAP
You're looking at it! :-D
You're looking at it! :-D
SECTION G - CONTACT ME
Contact me. I welcome constructive feedback about this site.
SECTION H. - READERS CONTRIBUTIONS
Contact me. I welcome constructive feedback about this site.
SECTION H. - READERS CONTRIBUTIONS
Not all who wander are lost.- J. R. R. Tolkien
