Category: Counseling Skills
Counseling Skills – Confrontation
Confrontation involves addressing discrepancies in a client’s statements or behaviors when those discrepancies would hinder progress. This is often a challenge for counselors. When done therapeutically, it opens a space for the client to acknowledge the barrier to progress and view it from a more helpful perspective. When done poorly, it creates defensiveness and may…
Counseling Skills – Immediacy
Immediacy involves using what’s happening in the moment to help aid the client’s process. The counselor may point out body language, ask the client to identify current feelings, or even point out dynamics happening between the client and counselor. Skillful immediacy can help the client process deeper and recognize new insights. In this example, a…
Counseling Skills – Reflection
Reflection is restating what the client is expressing in session. It can take many forms, such as reflection of content, feeling, or meaning. Reflection is sometimes called paraphrasing. Reflection is a powerful tool to help clients feel heard, help them make sense of their experiences, promote insight, and encourage further exploration. In this example, the…
Counseling Skill – Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure is when the counselor shares personal thoughts or experiences with the client for the purpose of helping the client. Self-disclosure can be a powerful skill when it helps normalize, empathize, or learn a new skill. A counselor must be mindful of boundaries and ensure the focus remains on the client. Counselors should always consider…
Counseling Skill – Validation
Validation is the process of helping a client to give themselves permission to feel how they feel. It shows the client that their feelings “make sense” under the circumstances. This is not agreeing with the client or saying that their feelings are rational, but rather saying that they’re allowed to have their feelings exactly as…