Beginning Individual Counseling Session
Meeting a client for the first time is a new process for both the client and counselor. It is important as a counselor to take the initiative in setting the tone for the client/counselor rapport. I would begin an individual counseling session by having the paperwork ready as Laureate Education (2010d) suggests in the video. (Laureate Education, 2010d). I would also try to get the informed consent signed at the beginning of the session so that clients understand the confidentiality and how the session will work. (Laureate Education, 2010d). Laureate Education (2010d) also stated great advice in saying that beginning individual counseling sessions is a matter of practice and the more you do it the more natural it becomes. (Laureate Education, 2010d).
Micro skills
One micro skill I would use is encouraging. Ivey, Bradford, and Zalaquett (2016) write that the encouraging micro skill is to encourage with short responses that help the client keep talking. (Ivey, Bradford, & Zalaquett, 2016). These responses can be verbal or nonverbal. (Ivey, Bradford, et. al, 2016). I would also use paraphrasing in my counseling sessions. Paraphrasing is described by Ivey, Bradford, et. al, as to shorten or clarify the essence of what has just been said, but be sure to use the client’s main words when you paraphrase. (Ivey, Bradford, et. al, 2016). Paraphrases are often fed back to the client in a questioning tone of voice. (Ivey, Bradford, et. al, 2016). By being encouraging it will help the client to elaborate on the topic which will help me understand more about the client’s situation and hopefully build trust in the therapeutic relationship. (Ivey, Bradford, et. al, 2016). Paraphrasing will help build the therapeutic relationship because the client will feel heard. (Ivey, Bradford, et. al, 2016). Paraphrasing will also help the client become clearer and more organized in their thinking. (Ivey, Bradford, et. al, 2016).
References
Ivey, A.E., Bradford Ivey, M., & Zalaquett, C.P. (2016). Encouraging, Paraphrasing, and
Summarizing. Essentials of intentional interviewing: Counseling in a multicultural world (3rd ed.)., 5, 93-109. Boston, MA: Cengage.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010d). Counseling techniques- micro skills I. Baltimore, MD: Author.