Discussion Topic Q
Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your nil post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. substantive response.
Adds value to the discussion and avoids simply repeating, agreeing with, or answering yes or no to peers’ comments. Challenges comments in class, including those of the facilitator. Ask insightful questions related to the topics and objectives for the class week. Answers other people’s questions related to the topics and objectives for the class week. Exemplifies course topic points with real-life events, when possible, making sure not to go beyond the boundaries of confidentiality. Makes comments that are relevant to the course content and objectives. Contains peer-reviewed references and citations to support assertions
Week 1 Discussion
The development of a strong and considerate relationship between client and counselor is an essential base for therapy. The bond acts as a bridge through which the counselor gains deep insight into the problem and mental condition of the client. The development of this relationship requires patience and practice. An ideal counselor adapts and combines different sets of skills depending on the stage of therapy and the situation with the client. The first and foremost skill that a counselor needs to inculcate is active listening. This skill helps to absorb knowledge about the client which in turn assists counselors to adopt a suitable behavior and style. However, active listening skills are not enough. It needs to be paired with attending skills where the client feels assured and comfortable to continue. A proper use of both listening and attending skills helps to avoid misunderstandings and builds trust. Ultimately, all this creates a meaningful interaction with interpersonal and authentic engagement (Brew & Kotter, 2017, p.205)
It is important to note that it is not always necessary to give verbal prompts as it may break the flow of conversation or interpret the thought process of the client. In these scenarios, it is better to alternate verbal assurances with nonverbal like head-nodding or non-lexical speech. Therefore, passive listening skills prove to be useful when a client is sharing a piece of sensitive information. Another crucial requirement in the development of strong relationships is observational skills. Whereas listening skill helps to absorb pieces of information that are transferred verbally, observation skills aid in deciphering the meaning behind body language. (Morett, 2022, p.5). The observation of body language is a strenuous task but very crucial in therapy. A counselor needs to keep an eye on details like facial and body gestures and movements to uncover more of the client’s personality. These movements are generally unplanned and reflect the inner thoughts and motives of a person. It is important to consider that observation is a parallel process and therefore, counselors need to maintain proper body language as well. In conclusion, these skills are essential to develop a problem-solving collaboration with clients. (Vazhenina, 2022, p.457).
References:
Brew, L., & Kottler, J. A. (2017). Applied helping skills: Transforming lives. Sage Publications.
Morett, L. M. (2022). Task-Based and Individual Differences Influence the Effect of Gesture Observation on Novel L2 Speech Sound Learning. In Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society (Vol. 44, No. 44).
Vazhenina, A., & Vojtik, N. (2022). The psychology behind nonverbal communication.
