STAGES OF COUNSELING

I.    Problem Definition:  “What’s Going On?” 

      Four Major Objectives

        1.  Assessment:  Gather information about the client’s problems/concerns in the context of his/her life
                and personality.  Clarify the key issues for change. 

        2.  Relationship:  Establish a working relationship with the client (rapport, trust, etc)

        3.  Motivate:  bolster the client’s resolve to change.

                Does the client own the problem?

                I want to change vs. I don’t want to change.

                I can change vs. I can’t change.

        4.  New Perspectives Provided:  Challenge clients with new ways of looking at self, problem (and
                strengths/opportunities), others, and the world.  Help clients see and understand the impact of
                their "blind spots”.

        The Therapeutic Contract:  The mutually understood conditions and obligations (client’s and
                counselor’s) underlying future counseling sessions.

                Openly discussed, freely negotiated, clearly understood by both parties and/or unstated,
                undiscussed, implied conditions and obligations?

                The Fundamental Commitment of Therapy/Counseling 

II.   Setting Goals or Determining Outcomes:  What does the client need or want?  “What solutions make
            sense for me?”

III. Developing and Implementing Strategies and an Overall Plan for Accomplishing Goals: 
            “What do I have to do to get what I need or want?”

IV. Termination