The Counselling Journal

Objective is simply a goal or an aim for something.  In a new helping relationship, objectives should be agreed in a SMART way!  Here is how:  Specific (S): If the client wants to better their fitness and lifestyle, to achieve the goal, the helper will ask a few questions, such as:   - why do you want it  - how are you going to reach the goal  Measurable (M): This shows the helpee when the goal or objective has been completed. This motivates them.  For example, the aim for a better lifestyle and fitness will be met when the client has made a vision board, a diet and workout plan maybe and a proper routine to follow daily. The client can discuss this with a friend or family or even a fitness coach if needed.  Attainable (A): The objectives should be divided into small and consistent daily goals. Otherwise it can be overwhelming for the client. Like while climbing a mountain, you should not keep your eyes at the top, you should focus on your next st...

Core counselling skills can be used in a counselling relationship and in other helping activities in many effective ways, such as:  1. Empathy and Active listening:  Counselling relationships, professional or non professional, has only one core goal, that is to help the helpee. For that, the helper needs to start with the basic skill of empathy and active listening.  Empathy and active listening goes hand in hand.  Through unconditional positive regard, kind and understanding words and gesture, etc,  can demonstrate empathy to the helpee.  By actively listening to the client, repeating and reflecting, makes the helpee feel seen and understood. They feel more comfortable to open up and express.  2. Questioning and Silence:  Asking open questions, which can help the client to answer and express, is proven to be highly effective. Followed by silence, the helpee can reflect and think.  Questioning skills are only effective when it is complimented...

Boundaries can simply be defined as the limits of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours. For the helper and helpee, boundaries help to understand, what the helper is able to provide in the relationship and what the helpee can expect to get from the relationship.  There are important boundaries that need to be taken into account while starting a new helping relationship.  Here is why, 1. Confidentiality:  The most important part of building a helping relationship is probably confidentiality. A helper should make sure of that, so that the helpee feels 100% comfortable to discuss their sensitive matters, honestly and fearlessly.  In the beginning of establishing a helping relationship, the helpee should be assured that their identity and story will remain completely confidential. The helpee should also be informed that, only in certain cases where there is a possibility of self harm or risk of harming others, the information will be shared with other professionals to a...