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Counseling Skills Assignment 1

The assignment analyzes two videos of initial counseling sessions, focusing on how counselors explain confidentiality and session boundaries. The first video employs a formal, structured approach, resulting in a more reserved client, while the second video uses a conversational style that fosters comfort and engagement. Ultimately, the second approach is deemed more effective for building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship early on.

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44 views3 pages

Counseling Skills Assignment 1

The assignment analyzes two videos of initial counseling sessions, focusing on how counselors explain confidentiality and session boundaries. The first video employs a formal, structured approach, resulting in a more reserved client, while the second video uses a conversational style that fosters comfort and engagement. Ultimately, the second approach is deemed more effective for building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship early on.

Uploaded by

shanaya singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PG DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY &

CLINICAL SKILLS
COUNSELLING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
ASSIGNMENT

SUBMITTED BY - SANDHYA CHOUDHARY


Title: Comparing Approaches in First Counseling Session

Introduction / Instructions: In this assignment, you will watch two videos of initial
counseling sessions where the counselor covers important topics like confidentiality and
session boundaries. Your task is to analyze and figure out how the approaches in these videos
differ and reflect on their effectiveness.

Related Topic: Counseling Techniques – Approaches in Explaining Boundaries and


Confidentiality.

Scenario: Read the below scenario. Each video presents a different style of handling the initial
session. Pay close attention to how the counselor explains confidentiality, boundaries, and other
session rules, and consider how the dynamic between counselor and client is impacted.

Now Watch the provided videos:

Approach-1: h,ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upbo4KWUf24

Approach-2: h,ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7C60LVfoyc

Q1. What differences do you notice in how the counselor explains session rules in each
video?

Answer
In the first video, the counselor uses a direct and structured approach when explaining session
rules and confidentiality. They list the key points in a clear, formal manner, ensuring the client
understands the legal and ethical aspects of confidentiality. The counselor seems to follow a
more traditional, rigid protocol, emphasizing the importance of boundaries early in the session.
In contrast, the second video portrays a more conversational and relaxed approach. The
counselor incorporates explanations about confidentiality and boundaries within a broader
discussion of the client's expectations and concerns. Instead of listing rules, they naturally
weave them into the dialogue, allowing for a more collaborative and client-centered
explanation.

Q2. How does each approach affect the client’s engagement and comfort during the
session?

Answer
In the first video, the client appears more reserved and formal, perhaps due to the counselor’s
straightforward delivery of the rules. While the client seems to understand the session
boundaries, there is a sense of distance, and the engagement appears somewhat surface-level.
The client may feel more like a recipient of information rather than an active participant.
In the second video, the client appears more at ease and involved in the conversation. The
informal tone and integration of boundaries into the overall dialogue help the client engage
more deeply with the process. The relaxed approach seems to foster a more comfortable
environment, allowing the client to open up and express themselves more freely.
Q3. Observe the tone and body language of the counselor in both videos. How does this
impact the session dynamic?

Answer
In the first video, the counselor maintains a formal tone and neutral body language, sitting
upright with minimal facial expressions. This gives the impression of professionalism but may
come across as distant or rigid. While this approach establishes a clear structure for the session,
it may create a power dynamic where the client feels less inclined to share openly at the outset.
In the second video, the counselor adopts a more informal tone with warm body language,
including open gestures, leaning slightly forward, and maintaining consistent eye contact. This
creates a welcoming atmosphere and reduces the hierarchical distance between counselor and
client. The softer approach encourages a more collaborative and comfortable interaction, likely
fostering a stronger connection with the client.

Q4. Based on your observations, which approach do you think would be more effective in
building trust and a strong counseling relationship early on?

Answer
The second approach appears to be more effective in building trust and establishing a strong
counseling relationship early in the process. The counselor’s relaxed and conversational style
helps the client feel more comfortable and engaged, creating a sense of safety and openness.
The integration of boundaries and confidentiality into the natural flow of the conversation
allows for a smoother transition into more personal topics, potentially deepening the
therapeutic connection.
While the first approach provides clear structure and professionalism, it may inadvertently
create distance between the counselor and client, hindering the establishment of a strong
rapport in the initial session.

Conclusion:
Both approaches have their merits, but in terms of building trust and a strong therapeutic
alliance, the second approach seems to foster a more comfortable and client-centered
environment. This approach is more likely to engage clients emotionally and create a safe space
for open communication, which is crucial for effective counseling, especially in the early stages
of the relationship.

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