As a client, you look to your counselor for help in managing problems. But since counseling aims to have you out of therapy and back to enjoying a richer life as soon as possible, an effective counselor will encourage self-reliance and agency.
Agency means taking an active role in addressing difficulties and achieving aims. It includes an ability to clarify wishes and set goals. Most importantly, it involves a willingness to follow through with action and to persist in managing problems.
Successful counseling can be seen as a three-stage process: - Exploration: the client clarifies his understanding of the problems that have brought him to counseling.
- Planning: he develops strategies to improve his situation.
- Action: he takes concrete steps to achieve measurable change.
Source (including slides below):
—Egan, G. (1986). The skilled helper: A systematic approach to effective helping (3rd ed.). Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole. |
