Basic Counseling Skills
  • Home
  • A. TECHNIQUES
  • Pattern of Sessions
  • Active Listening
  • Body Language
  • Asking Questions
  • Paraphrasing/Tone
  • Summary
  • Note Taking
  • Homework
  • Goodie Bag/Fun Stuff
  • Technique References
  • B. THEORIES
  • Client Centered
  • Holistic/Biopsychosocial
  • Strengths Based
  • Cognitive/Behavioral
  • Solution Focused
  • Existential Therapy
  • Letting Go
  • Theory References
  • C. SAMPLE SESSIONS
  • 1. Client Centered Counseling
  • 2.&3. No Show/Cancellation
  • 4. Strengths Based
  • 5. Cognitive Beh. Counseling
  • 6. Holistic Health Counseling
  • 7. Solution Focused
  • 8. Existential Counseling
  • 9. Becoming Unnecessary
  • D. SELF HELP
  • Journaling
  • Mood Mapping
  • Whole Health Check In
  • Community Resources
  • Ten Things I Like About Me
  • Common Lies We Tell
  • Goal-Setting
  • A Why to Bear a How
  • Happy People
  • Self-Help References
  • E. CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • F. SITE MAP
  • G. CONTACT ME!
  • H. Readers Contributions
    • Articles >
      • Addiction and Sleep - Jessica S >
        • Alcohol Counseling - Carol G.
        • Depression and Addiction Rehab - Katherine C
        • Quit Smoking and Alcohol Rehab
        • Reducing Stigma - Patricia S.
        • Suicidal Thoughts and Alcohol Abuse - Julia W
        • Recovery Village - William B.
        • Bereavement Counseling - Sally W
        • Personality Traits - Sally W
        • 3 Solutions to Worst Fears - Paige M
        • 30 Min Reduce Anxiety - Paige M
        • Restorative Power of Arts & Crafts - Sally W
        • 3 Ways - Rid of Sunday Scaries
        • Conquer Fear of Flying - Sally W.
        • Document Anxiety through Journaling - Sally W
        • Career Options - Sally W
        • School Counselor ToolKit - Serena K.
        • Psychology Degrees - Lindsay F
        • Depression and Addiction Rehab - Katherine C
        • Diagnosing Depression - Melissa M
        • PostPartum Depression - Tracey F
        • Assisted Living Options for People with Disabilities
        • Wheelchair Home Safety - Michael M
        • Cerebral Palsy Resources
        • Counseling and Persistent Pain - Sally W
        • Mesothelioma Guide - Corine F.
        • Mesothelioma Resources
        • Finding Start Up Success - Eva B
        • Cleaning House for Better Health - Cheryl C.
        • Destress/Clean Home - Cheryl C
        • Financial Stress - Sally W.
        • Financial Debt - Sally W
        • Be Happy - Hazel G.
        • Gut Health & Mental Health - Sally W
        • How Having a Skincare Routine
        • Counseling the Impoverished - Sally W
        • Conquering Interviews - Eva B
        • Daily Journal Routine - Paige M
        • 4 Journaling Tips for Beginners - Shristi Patni
        • Drug Dangers - Rebecca P.
        • Recall Report - Laura P.
        • Living Mindfully - Mollie Wilson
        • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Sally W.
        • Couns. Resources - Tim C.
        • Practical Financial SKills - Johanne H
        • Nutrition to Help Anxiety - Sally W
        • Retirement Career Change - Sally W
        • Managing Phobias - Sally W
        • Healing Power of Pets - Sally W
        • Geriatric Counseling - Sally W
        • Counseling Seniors with Anxiety - Sally W
        • Senior Resources - Claire S.
        • Addiction and Sleep - Jessica S
        • Better Sleep - Better Health - Cheryl C
        • Treating Insomnia - Sally W
        • Tuck Sleep - Kellen S
        • De-Fogging Brain - Sally W
        • Recovery from Sports Injury
        • Improving Mental Clarity - Sally W
        • Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Mental Health - Sally W
        • Stress on Health - Sally W.
        • Stress Management - Sally W
        • Suicidal Thoughts and Alcohol Abuse - Julia W
        • Summer Side Gigs for Teachers - Joyce W
        • Tobacco in 2017 - Mary G.
        • Take Control of Your Life - Dorothy Watson
        • No More Winter Blues - Rufus Carter
        • How I Put Anxiety Attacks on Pause
        • 8 Effective Tips for Improving Mental Health - Camille Johnson
        • Manage And Reduce Stress For Your Employees With These Tips - Rufus Carters
        • Moving Forward When Grief Intrudes in Your Life - Camille J
        • Working Remotely - Emma Grace Brown
        • Unlock Greater Confidence - Rufus Carter
        • Coping With a Mid-Life Crisis - Rufus Carter
        • 6 Self-Care Tips - Laurie Abner
        • Help a Loved One After the Loss of a Spouse - Rufus CarterNew Page
        • Relocating After a Tragic Loss - Lucille Rosetti
        • Guidelines for Teens Who Want to Thrive as Entrepreneurs - Lucille Rosetti
        • 5 Common Lifestyle Habits That Can Cause Skin Damage - Andrew Mark
        • What to Do if a Loved One Is Battling Addiction
        • From Addiction Recovery to Financial Independence
        • Major Life Transition - Ryan Randolph
        • Find Your True Path - Ryan Randolk
        • Officers Coping With PTSD - Ryan Randolph
        • Self-Care Secrets for the Rookie Caregiver - Ryan Randolf
        • Self-Care Building Blocks for Improving Your Mental Health - Cheryl Conklin
        • Avoiding Burnout in the Counseling Profession
  • Reset Your Day Without Burning Out
  • The Big 6 Personality Traits
  • When Everything Breaks, Something Begins - Holli Richardson
  • Simple, Sustainable Gifting

H. Readers Contributions

Addiction - No Shame, No Blame!

Signs & Symptoms of Drug Addiction

https://definingwellness.com/addiction-signs/
Addiction in Teens

​This guide looks at the causes and results of teenage addiction and provides information to help prevent and treat adolescent substance abuse. If you or someone you care about needs help with addiction, read on to find some valuable resources.
https://www.innerbody.com/addiction-in-teenagers
https://www.innerbody.com/types-of-addiction-treatment-programs-in-the-united-states
AI Resume Builder - Free

Free AI Resume builder at https://resume.ai
Supercharge Your Job Search
Elevate your job hunt with an AI-crafted resume that highlights your strengths and accelerates results. Save time, impress recruiters, and secure more interviews.
Cerebral Palsy

The Cerebral Palsy Toolkit
When your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it can dramatically alter the life you imagined for your child and your family. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy requires significant time and energy, and it can take a toll on your family’s finances. This guide can help you find support, cope with the changes, and explore ways to set your child on a path to a bright future. 
https://www.levinperconti.com/birth-injury/cerebral-palsy/guide-toolkit/
College Students

“Cybersecurity and Digital Tools for College Success" offers actionable insights for students so they can safeguard themselves against data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other online threats.
https://spin.ai/blog/saas-backup-restore/the-ultimate-tech-survival-guide-for-college-students-data-backup-digital-privacy-and-digital-hygiene/

Other topics included in this content:
- Strategies to safeguard against cyberattacks, ransomware, and data breaches prevalent in academic settings. 
- Best practices for data backup and recovery, emphasizing tools like SpinBackup, SysCloud, and Backupify.
- Practical digital hygiene tips to protect personal devices, social media accounts, and academic resources.
- Resources for safe browsing, device maintenance, and maintaining cybersecurity awareness.
With cyberattacks increasingly targeting educational institutions, this guide equips students with the knowledge to secure their academic and personal data while leveraging technology effectively.

Low-Investment Side Hustles for College Students on a Budget

According to educationdata.org, an average student paid $38,270 for tuition in 2024. This amount does not include their daily expenses and other costs a college student needs to worry about to get by. While a job can help ease the financial stress, it’s always best to take some side hustles, particularly low-investment ones.

This way, students can enjoy flexibility in their schedules and still profit from the work with minimal startup capital.

The resource covers the following topics:
- Affordable side-hustle ideas for college students 
- Legal and financial challenges of a side hustle 
- Scaling a side hustle as a college entrepreneur 
- More resources for college students starting a side hustle


https://www.kleinandwilson.com/blog/2025/02/low-investment-side-hustles-for-college-students-on-a-budget/
Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing Degrees - Unlock Your Potential in Digital Marketing - ​https://digitalmarketingdegree.org/
Data Security

Ben Hartwig is Web Operations Executive at Infotracer.com and Fascnet.org. He specializes in crafting actionable content on data accessibility, cybersecurity, and public records. His work has been featured in Infosecurity Magazine, Dataversity, and the InfoSec Institute—breaking down complex topics for readers who value clarity and insight. Contact Ben at [email protected] 

Here are a few examples of his published work:
  • CCPA vs. CalOPPA: Ensuring Data Security Compliance
  • Tips on Web Camera Security
  • Account Takeovers and Small Business Security
  • Public Records Insights
ducation

25+ Affordable ABA/BCBA Online Programs

Board certified behavioral analysts (BCBA) are in high demand, especially as our understanding of autism spectrum disorders and developmental disorders has grown. Prospective students with a passion for special education have many options when it comes to both online learning and affordability. This article explores 25 affordable Applied Behavior Analysis master’s programs that are 100 percent online, as well as 25 ABA certificate programs.
https://abamastersprograms.org/affordable-online-aba-masters-programs

​
Advanced Standing MSW

Your Exclusive Advanced Standing MSW Programs Database – Helping Secure Future Social Work Professionals
An advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for individuals who have already obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited institution. This program allows BSW graduates to complete their MSW degree faster than the traditional two-year program.
https://www.advancedstandingmsw.com/​

Affordable Library Science Programs

The following programs are the most affordable library science master’s programs, each accredited by the American Library Association. Any master of library and information science (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program is reputable, as the ALA (American Library Association) is the central governing body for library science, so you might as well save some money on the degree. Furthermore, a number of MLIS degree programs on this list can also be completed online.
https://librarysciencedegreesonline.org/affordable-library-science-programs/ 

Masters in Library Science - MastersinLibraryScience.org 

We are dedicated to helping students and professionals looking to advance their careers in library and information science through higher education. The website provides essential guides for those seeking a Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, helping them take the next step in their professional journey. We provide detailed information on accredited Master's in Library Science (MLS) and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs, including degree requirements, specializations, and career opportunities.

All of our information is fully accessible at no charge. We provide this as part of our commitment to supporting and advocating for students and professionals in the library science field. 

Masters in Public Administration: A Guide for Aspiring Learners -  https://mastersinpublicadministration.org/
​

Public administration is a field that involves the management and implementation of government policies and programs. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at efficiently and effectively delivering public services to citizens. Public administrators work in various sectors, including local government, private organizations, non-profit entities, and the public sector. 

Speech Language Pathology

Cheap and Affordable Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Masters Programs

The potential to speak and communicate functionally is something that makes us human. Speech-language pathologists help people who have lost their ability to communicate effectively. Speech-language pathologists employ theoretical and practical knowledge to help individuals who have acquired language and communicative disorders due to an injury or a congenital disorder. A master’s degree in speech-language pathology stands as the threshold for the minimum education required to work as a licensed speech-language pathologist in a working setting. If you’re considering pursuing a master’s in speech-language pathology at an affordable price, we’ve got you covered. This article features the most economical and affordable top-ranked graduate programs available in the US offered by accredited institutions.
​https://onlinespeechpathologyprograms.org/affordable-slp-programs/

Resource to Support Studying Speech-Language Pathology

SpeechPathology.org is a comprehensive, student- and professional-focused resource designed to support individuals pursuing or advancing careers in speech-language pathology.
This site offers:
  • Detailed information on accredited programs in speech-language pathology
  • Career insights for students, working professionals, and those considering a career change into the field
  • Practical tips on admissions, tuition, and flexible learning pathways
  • Guidance on certification, licensure, and continuing education
  • Content that’s fully accessible with no associated costs or subscriptions
The mission of SpeechPathology.org is to help individuals at every stage of their career make informed decisions about education, certification, and long-term opportunities in speech-language pathology.
Essay Scholarships

Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://philly-injury-law.com/scholarship.html
Deadline: July 31 Annually

Pittsburgh Injury Lawyers P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://www.pittsburgh-injury-lawyers.com/scholarship/
Deadline: July 31 Annually

Boland Injury Lawyers P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://boland-injury-law.com/scholarship/
Deadline: December 31 Annually

New Jersey Injury Lawyers P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://new-jersey-injury-lawyers.com/scholarship/
Deadline: December 31 Annually

PA Medical Malpractice Injury Lawyers P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://malpractice-injury-lawyers.com/scholarship/
Deadline: December 31 Annually

Bronx Injury Lawyers P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://bronx-injury-lawyers.com/scholarship/
Deadline: December 31 Annually

NYC Injury Attorneys P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://nyc-injury-attorneys.com/scholarship/
Deadline: December 31 Annually

Brooklyn Injury Attorneys P.C. Essay Scholarship
https://brooklyn-injury-attorneys.com/scholarship
Deadline: December 31 Annually

Christopher Co
Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (215) 298-9143
Website: https://philly-injury-law.com/
Freelancing While Studying: The Working Student’s Guide to Freelancing and Managing Income

The average college student pays a staggering $38,720 for tuition, books, supplies, rent, and other necessities. With many of them not getting support, the only choice they have is to work as a barista or waiter at Starbucks or McDonald’s. Fortunately, students can take gigs online as freelancers, which can accommodate their needs. However, becoming one that earns enough money is easier said than done.

Our comprehensive resource aims to empower working students to find success in freelancing, manage their income, and overcome financial challenges.

Here’s the link for your convenience:
https://gusto.com/resources/articles/start-business/students-guide-to-freelancing

Some topics included in this content:
- How freelancing can support long-term goals 
- Financial challenges freelancers often meet
- Tracking expenses and understanding taxes
- Financial tools and software
- Networking opportunities for working college students and more resources

This content will guide working students in finding clients and solving problems related to income and finance. 
Grants for Educational Non-Profits!

Boosting literacy rates and closing achievement gaps are some of the challenges of our current education system. Moreover, the advancement of STEM schooling lies in the hands of today’s educators, and enough funding would greatly help them take their success to newer heights. However, getting Education grants isn’t as easy as it sounds. New non-profits, lacking a history, must work harder to demonstrate they can handle these projects.

Instrumentl provides tools for finding the right grants, managing deadlines, and leveraging funder insights to advance educational initiatives. Our resource page provides answers to many questions on Education Grants, as well as sample proposals being reviewed by donors and major organizations. This is beneficial for non-profit groups and readers who need financial support to carry out their missions.

Here’s the link:
https://www.instrumentl.com/browse-grants/grants-for-education-nonprofits

Some topics included in this content:
- What type of non-profits can easily qualify for Education Grants? 
- Why are Education grants offered, and what do they aim to achieve?
- When’s the best time to apply for grants for higher chances?
- Who typically funds these grants?
- Strategies non-profit orgs can use to improve their success for Education grants.
- How Instrumentl can simplify grant application processes for Education grants?
- Funder insights and proposals related to Education grants

This resource page will guide every non-profit professional who wants to further their advocacies and movements. The Instrumentl site also has pages on grants for other movements!
Gut Health!

From sleep to anxiety: 40+ surprising facts about the impact of gut health
https://www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk/gut-health-impact-facts/

Learn valuable insights into how gut health influences digestion, mood, sleep, and even mental health. The guide also includes practical tips to support overall wellbeing—both physical and emotional.
Internet - Low Cost

Did you know that 4 million seniors and 10 million Americans over the age of 50 were impacted by the ending of the Affordable Connectivity Program?


Allconnect has more than 27 years in the broadband. Click the link below to access our resource:
https://www.allconnect.com/blog/internet-deals-for-seniors
Learning

The Effects of Sound on Learning -  https://ivypanda.com/blog/the-effects-of-sound-on-the-learning-process/
Sound permeates our lives. It’s one of our five senses through which we continuously perceive the world and its dynamics. It can either be a source of distraction or, if properly used, a catalyst for improved performance.
Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Seniors - gorilaw.com/mesothelioma-in-seniors/
  • Seniors are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer resulting from asbestos exposure. 
  • Seniors, veterans, and others who were exposed to asbestos, usually through occupational exposure, are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
  • Due to mesothelioma’s long latency period, this form of cancer is more often diagnosed in older individuals. 
  • While no one wants to face a mesothelioma diagnosis, you are not alone. New and effective treatment options for mesothelioma can improve a patient’s life expectancy and quality of life.
Mindfulness Links

https://studycorgi.com/#five-minute-mindfulness-activities
Nurse Practitioner Programs

A comprehensive guide for aspiring nurse practitioners, offering insights into various program options and areas of specialization to help individuals find the right fit for their career goals. ​https://npprograms.org/
Period Pain

Many women consider period pain a regular part of their cycle; however, not all menstrual discomforts are normal. To raise awareness and help women understand their symptoms better, online clinical service Treated released an in-depth guide on period pain, which you can find here: https://www.treated.com/understanding-period-pain/

This comprehensive four-part resource covers: 
  1. An introduction to period pain, its symptoms and causes, and medical conditions associated with period cramps
  2. An in-depth discussion of medicinal and non-medicinal period pain management, and when surgery should be considered
  3. When to see a doctor, what to say and do during a consultation, and a look at treatment plans 
  4. Additional resources on period cramps and associated medical conditions

Some interesting figures on the impact of period cramps: 
  • 90 percent of people who menstruate say they experience various symptoms of menstrual discomfort. 
  • It was found to affect the concentration of 94.1 percent of students and impact homework and learning for 94 percent. 
  • 55 percent of workers had to take time off for period cramps, but only 27 percent told their employers why.
    ​
Through this guide, we hope to improve people's understanding of period cramps and promote women's reproductive health in general.
Police Officer Training

Online Guide to Becoming a Police Officer: https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/how-to-become/police-officer/
​

 Top Online Law Enforcement Degrees: https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/online-degrees/law-enforcement/
Recovery Centers
 
Ark Recovery - https://www.arkviewrecovery.com/

Blume Behavioral Health - https://blumebh.com/programs/residential-inpatient/

Breakwater Behavioral Health - https://breakwaterbehavioralhealth.com/

Cypress Lake Recovery - https://www.cypresslakerecovery.com/

Granite Recovery Centre - https://www.graniterecoverycenters.com/mental-health-programs/​

Live Again Detox - https://liveagaindetox.com

The Lovett Centre - https://thelovettcenter.com/ ​

Mana Recovery - https://manarecoverycenter.com/

Mental Health Peak - https://mentalhealthpeak.com/

Origins Texas - https://www.originstexas.com/

​Pathways Treatment - https://pathwaystreatmentcenter.com/

Rebirth Recovery - https://rebirthrecoverycenter.com/

Sabino Recovery - https://www.sabinorecovery.com/

Surf City Detox - https://surfcitydetox.com/

Tulip Hill Healthcare - https://tuliphillhealthcare.com

White Lotus Landing - https://www.whitelotuslanding.com/

Wisconsin Recovery - https://wisconsinrecoveryinstitute.com/ 
Recovery Redefined

Unbecome your core beliefs, shed learned toxic behaviors, and release repressed trauma to become everything you’ve ever hoped you could be. Through holistic recovery courses and private coaching programs, you're reconnected with your mind, body & soul to awaken a visceral desire for sobriety so it no longer becomes an obligation. ​https://cleencarma.com/.
Remote Work Scams

In today’s digital age, working from home is becoming increasingly popular, offering reduced stress, greater flexibility, and a healthier work-life balance. However, as more opportunities flood online job boards, distinguishing legitimate positions from fraudulent ones can be a challenge. Regarding this, our team has compiled a comprehensive article to guide individuals through key red flags to watch out for and share safety tips to make informed decisions during their job search. It is called "Remote Work Scam – Red Flags & Safety Tips in 2025". Moreover, we invite readers to take a fake job test to avoid falling victim to online scams. 
Here's the link: https://custom-writing.org/blog/remote-work-scam-red-flags-safety-tips
Resume Building

https://www.GotResumeBuilder.com  
GotResumeBuilder.com integrates the latest AI technologies to assist users with their resume writing. Additionally, as part of its community give-back program, GotResumeBuilder is completely free for students, library users, and all non-profit organizations to use.
Sexual Health and Wellbeing

The Full A-Z of Sexual Health and Wellbeing
https://www.lovehoney.com/trends-insights/a-z-sexual-health/
​

This detailed glossary features 80 items including sex and gender-related terms, health conditions, mental and emotional considerations, and more.

It aims to raise awareness on sex and gender-related wellbeing, promote safe practices, and empower people to make fully autonomous and informed choices about their bodies. 
Sleep

College Students

In the latest statistics released by NHS England, 64.9 percent of young people aged 17 to 23 years had a problem with sleep three or more times in a span of seven nights. University students are not getting enough sleep, which negatively impacts their physical health, mental clarity, and emotional wellbeing.
This comprehensive guide takes a statistics-based look at how school affects sleep, and features over 40 science-backed tips and tricks to help the youth develop healthier sleeping habits.
Through this guide, readers will learn how to create healthier bedtime habits despite academic stress, so that they can improve their performance and maximize their learning.
https://www.dunelm.com/info/40-tips-for-uni-students-to-optimise-their-sleep 
Sleep Tourism

Citing the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, The Global Wellness Institute states that 58 per cent of people feel unsatisfied with their sleep. This has led to sleep tourism emerging as a trend among wellness travellers, as people use their holiday as a chance to catch up on quality rest.
To understand this emerging trend better, read this article:
Sleep tourism revealed: 50+ facts and statistics for travellers
https://www.skyscanner.net/news/sleep-tourism-facts-statistics
This data-driven introduction covers statistics on sleep quality and travel, offers tips on planning a holiday around sleep, and lists the best destinations for this type of tourism.
Small Business

Starting a Small Business in College

With exposure to many influential people and new ideas, college can be the best opportunity to start a business. But, due to some challenges and uncertainties, particularly not having enough business knowledge, experience, and funding, students may be discouraged from pursuing their entrepreneurship dream.

We came up with a comprehensive guide that serves as a one-stop shop for information and tools for aspiring entrepreneurs. This will help students get their businesses up and running while still in college.

Here’s the link for your convenience:
https://www.cactusmailing.com/blog/start-small-business-in-college

Some topics included in this content:
- First steps: identifying business ideas and market research 
- How to secure funding as a college student
- Leveraging campus resources and connections for your business
- Common obstacles college entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them
- Effective marketing strategies for college entrepreneurs
- More resources: funding and financial, legal and administrative, networking, marketing, etc.

This content will educate college students on running a small business and leveraging the available resources around them.
Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14), we're highlighting the importance of mental health resources for students. Our comprehensive Suicide Awareness and Prevention Guide offers critical information to help students recognize warning signs and access the help they need.

Suicide Prevention Online Guide: https://www.edumed.org/resources/suicide-awareness-and-prevention-guide/

This guide covers key topics such as understanding risk factors, spotting early warning signs, and knowing how to offer support to peers. It also provides essential resources for professional counseling, hotlines, and tools to help students prioritize their mental health. With these insights, students can take proactive steps to maintain mental well-being and support others in need.
Workplace Stress

Workplace Stress Statistics You Should Know About

Nearly everybody can relate to dealing with stress in the workplace. More and more people are now coping with stress related conditions such as depression and anxiety, and we are seeing workplace stress contributes a lot to these conditions. These are 33 workplace stress statistics will serve to show you just how stress is affecting those in work, and what can be done about it.
​ https://academized.com/blog/worrying-workplace-stress-statistics
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