Being able to
effectively communicate is a counselor’s intrinsic role .The counselor’s job
during a session is to provide support to clients, and it commences during the
client’s initial assessment .In most
cases ,the client’s emotional state will become a barrier for him or her to
effectively communicate with the counselor-at
this point ,it is the time to observe the client’s body language in
order to recognize what is occurring between the line .It is not an assumption
game ,but rather an analysis based on behavioral tendencies .
It is reasonable to
affirm that the counselor’s main focus in the communication process is to focus
on the client’s expression, and if needed, encourage that expression .But what
are the requirements for good listening?.In essence, there is no requirement s
–in practice, there are several guidelines which tend to improve the client’s
confidence in expressing his /her issues, improve the counselor’s ability to
capture the messages which are being given, and encourage positive feedback
from the client.
The
counseling setting
There are aspects of
counseling setting that will contribute to improve communication
·
Comfort –a comfortable setting improve
client expression of feelings
·
Security/Privacy-proving the client with
the security during the session.
·
Noise control-ensuring that noise does
not affect communication.
·
Stimuli control-a neutral environment
(light colors and decoration )
·
Unhurried /supportive environment –a space
in which the client can share in their own pace
Basic communication skills
Once
the appropriate counseling setting has been provided, it is time to apply basic
communication skills to help improve the client’s expression of emotions and
formulation of thoughts .Such rules are beneficial for any communication process,
but particularly important during a counseling relationship.
i.
Listening-valuing the client and
demonstrating interest for the conversation.
ii.
Observing –observing body language,
voice tone and emotive expressions.
iii.
Acknowledgment –the recognition for the
client’s initiative to state his /her issues.
iv.
Awareness –ensuring that the counselor’s
body language is appropriate for the context.
v.
Thinking –reasoning about what is and
what is not appropriate input to the process.
vi.
Verbal expression –ensuring the use of
the appropriate tone, rhythm and volume of voice.
vii.
Reflecting – clarifying and verifying
what the client has expressed to the counselor
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