Component Task: Facilitating a Counselling Session

This is when the RCPN helps a client with physical, emotional and mental issues make an informed decision to improve their sense of wellbeing, alleviate feelings of stress or distress and resolve life crises.

Aims

·         Relieve stress from client and family

·         Improve client and family’s wellbeing

·         Prevent complications/relapse

·         Build confidence and boost client’s self-esteem

·         Improve client’s coping mechanism

·         Provide social and legal support where necessary

Types

·         Counselling the mentally ill at home

·         Counselling the sexually abuse at home

·         Counselling client with alcohol or substance abuse disorder at home

Requirements

·         Pen and paper

·         Table and chair

·         Topic for the session

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (refer to procedure) and explain procedure to client

2.      Inform client about the counselling session, time, venue and goals

3.      Arrange the place and ensure good lighting and ventilation

4.      Arrange chairs and table in an appropriate manner

5.      Welcome client and or family with a smile to the venue

6.      Allow client to sit first while observing his gestures, mannerism and posture

7.       Initiate the conversation with brief introduction of what is to be expected

8.      Reassure client of confidentiality and effectiveness of the counselling

9.      Encourage client to express challenges, fears and conflicts

10.    Identify client thoughts and feelings as he/she expresses himself/herself

11.      Identify with client his/her perceived difficulties and possible contributing factors to the challenge

12.    Speak in calm, soft voice during discussions without being judgmental

13.    Avoid advising client but rather educate on coping strategies

14.    Allow client to come out with coping strategies

15.    Support client to implement the strategies if possible

16.    Inform the client that the identified strategies will be reviewed periodically to assess the progress

17.    Communicate areas of progress and where client needs improvement

18.    Allow client to express likes and or dislikes of the session and therapist

19.    Document the procedure and inform the client, date and time of the next session