Outcome-directed Counseling Page 5 - Evaluating the Counselor

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Outcome-directed Counseling

	1. What works in counseling?
	2. Tailoring strategies to clients
	3. Encouraging what already works
	4. Reaching goals sooner
	5. Evaluating the counselor

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5. Evaluating the counselor

(Page 5 of 5)

Since successful outcomes are based on rapid client improvement and positive client-counselor rapport, an outcome-directed counselor solicits feedback for both.

At each session, a client is asked to report his level of functioning during the previous week and to evaluate the counselor's work during the hour. If improvement seems slow, client and counselor strategize on how to kick-start it. If relationship needs improving, the client is encouraged to express clearly what seems missing.

If progress is stalled and/or the relationship doesn't click after four or five sessions, the counselor will suggest alternatives, including a referral to another therapist. In fact, feedback often has the result of getting therapy rapidly back on track.

The feedback process contrasts markedly with traditional counseling, where client and counselor almost always sense when therapy isn't working, but commonly avoid discussing it. Eventually, most dissatisfied clients vote with their feet, ending therapy without explanation. With feedback, the relationship can often be rescued and better strategies developed.

Not just another method

Outcome-directed counseling is a pragmatic rather than ideological approach to human interaction. It is best understood as process rather than method. It describes a special human relationship in which one of the parties aims to recover confidence in his ability to manage his life. Beyond that, the script must be rewritten by each new therapeutic alliance.

Source: What works in therapy? Institute for Therapeutic Change.

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