Active listening is an essential skill in counseling, but it is by no means sufficient. Once we get the client’s story, we need to move them to action. After all, that is what clients are looking for, right?
In this two-part series, I will outline various ways of moving clients to action. In this (second) post I will discuss providing information and directives.
Providing Information/Psychoeducation
Another way to motivate clients to change is by providing information. Providing information and psychoeducation are almost the same thing, with a slight difference: information is very concrete, specific, and brief, such as telling a client the different types of jobs their degrees qualify them for. Information can also consist of correcting misinformation. Psychoeducation is more general, with the counselor taking on more of a teaching role. An example of psychoeducation could be teaching a set of skills, such as assertiveness training. Either way it is done, the hope is that the client will use the information to change the way they are thinking, feeling or behaving.
First, be sure the client is ready to hear, be clear specific and concrete, then check to see you have been understood.
It is important to note that information/psychoeducation is NOT giving advice. Counselors are experts on counseling theory, listening, understanding and motivating human behavior. Counselors, however, are not the experts on any individual clients’ life: the client is. It isn’t possible for counselors to know every detail about a client’s life. This is one of the main reasons why counselors should not give advice. Instead, counselors can give clients information, which helps clients to make their own informed choices.
Directives
Although counselors never tell clients what to do, there will be times when giving a directive is appropriate. Directives are instructions to clients to follow specific actions that may be important in broader strategies. For example, if you are a career counselor and your client is interested in a certain major, you may give the directive that they search the internet for all universities that provide instruction under that major. Directives are specific tasks that are empowering to the client because they are directly involved in the process; they are considered co-participants. It is important that the directive is clear and concrete in terms of tasks and timeframes, and to check with the client to make sure they understand. Directives are particularly useful when assigning homework, because counselors should provide clients with specific instructions. The hope is that clients will make positive progress by engaging in new behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are more positive.
Specific directives can vary by counseling theory, and include:
role plays
relaxation training
journaling
guided imagry
encouraging physical health & nutrition
thought stopping
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
*Source: Essentials of Intentional Interviewing by Allen E. Ivey, Mary Bradford Ivey and Carlos P. Zalaquett
