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Who we are
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Outcome-directed Counseling
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2. Tailoring strategies to clients (Page 2 of 5) While not dismissing methodology, the outcome-directed counselor views it as secondary to extra-therapeutic factors and the client-counselor relationship. Furthermore, since research finds all methods to be equally effective, therapeutic approaches are used pragmatically. Methods are chosen to complement and enhance a client's own understanding of his problem and the means by which, often without realizing it, he achieves symptom relief. This is in marked contrast to traditional counseling, in which a standard theory is applied to everyone regardless of individual circumstances. Traditional versus outcome-directed strategies For example, if a client is anxious, a conventional approach would encourage relaxation and other stress-reduction techniques. According to research, these industry-standard methods—aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—would work as well as anything. But what if CBT isn't suited to this particular client? He may view relaxation techniques as time-consuming and tedious. In fact, many clients do. So, while CBT makes good sense, it misses the mark with this client. In contrast, an outcome-directed counselor tries to understand the problem of anxiety from the client's point of view. What is the client's description of his discomfort? What specifically is problematic about it? For example, does anxiety always plague him or only sometimes? In what situations has the client managed to experience temporary relief? What specifically did he do to reduce his distress? In what situations can he function despite feeling stressed?
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