Topic #1: INTRO TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCH
[PSYCCL 303]
SY 2024-2025
2ND SEMESTER
[ PSYCCL 303 ] : INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY | MIDTERMS
Lesson 1A. WHAT IS COUNSELING
●​ Counseling is an activity that emerged during the twentieth
century and reflects the pressures and values of modern life.
We live in a complex, busy, changing world. In this world,
many different types of experiences are difficult for people to
cope with. Most of the time, we get on with life, but
sometimes, we are stopped in our tracks by an event or
situation that we do not, at that moment, have the resources
to sort out. Most of the time, we find ways of dealing with
such problems in living by talking to family, friends,
IIA. PURPOSE OF COUNSELING
neighbors, priests, or our family doctor. But occasionally, their
advice is insufficient, or we are too embarrassed or ashamed
to tell them what is bothering us, or we do not have an
1.​ To bring about a voluntary change in the client
a.​ The counselor provides facilities to help achieve the
desired change or make the suitable choice.
appropriate person to turn to. Counseling is a really useful
option at these moments. In most places, counseling is
IIB. GOAL OF COUNSELING
available fairly quickly and costs little or nothing (McLeod, J.
2013).
1.​ To help individuals overcome their immediate problems
●​ Counseling is
○​ it is a special form of communication with an explicit
contract
○​ it is a confidential and non-judgmental form of
2.​ To equip them to meet future problems
●​ Immediate goal- to bring relief to the client
●​ Long-term goal- to be a fully functioning person
helping
IIC. AREAS OF COUNSELING
○​ it is based on the principle of empowerment it is a
a. ​Educational Counseling
relationship in which one person helps another
○​ it may take place in a group setting, where one
person may help several people in a group
○​ it entails a special kind of listening called ‘active
listening’
○​ it is a process which helps people to clarify and
address problems
○​ it recognizes that each person is unique with unique
experiences
●​ A term first coined by Truman Kelly in 1914, educational
counseling is a process of rendering services to pupils who
need assistance in making decisions about important
aspects of their education, such as the choice of courses
and studies, decisions regarding interests and ability, and
choices of college and high school. Educational counseling
increases a pupil’s knowledge of educational program.
○​ it is guided by theories about the causes of problems
B. ​ Personal/Social Counseling
and the methods needed to help
○​ it is an activity carried out by trained people
●​ It deals with emotional distress and behavioral difficulties,
●​ Biswalo (1996) defines counseling as a process of helping an
individual to accept and use information so that he/ she can
which
arise
when
individuals
struggle
to
deal
developmental stages and tasks.
either solve his/ her present problem or cope with it
○​
successfully.
○​ lingering anger over an interpersonal conflict
●​ Gladding
(1996)
defines
counseling
as
a
relatively
short-term, interpersonal, theory-based process of helping
with
Anxiety
○​ insecurities about getting older
○​ depressive feelings when bored with work
persons who are basically psychologically healthy to resolve
C. ​Vocational Counseling
developmental and situational problems.
●​ It is defined as individual contact with that counselee in
order to facilitate career development. This definition and
category encompasses counseling situations such as these:
○​ Helping
students
become
aware
of the many
occupations to consider
○​ Interpreting an occupational interest inventory for a
student
○​ Assisting a teenager to decide what to do after school
○​ *Helping a student apply to a college/university
○​ Role-playing a job interview in preparation for the real
thing
1
TOPIC #1: INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
○​ A third pioneer, frequently mentioned in the literature, was
IID. FIELDS OF COUNSELING
Clifford Beers, an early advocate for reform in mental health
1.​ Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors
facilities. His book, A Mind That Found Itself, published in 1908,
●​ Provides individuals and groups with career, personal, social,
and
educational
students
of
all
counseling.
levels,
School
from
counselors
elementary
assist
school
described the regrettable conditions he witnessed firsthand
as a patient (Gladding, 2004).
to
post-secondary education.
IV. EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELING
●​ Insight. The acquisition of an understanding of the origins
and development of emotional difficulties leads to an
2. Educational Counselors
increased capacity to take rational control over feelings and
●​ Also called employment counselors or career counselors,
they usually provide career counseling outside the school
setting.
actions.
●​ Relating with others. Becoming better able to form and
maintain meaningful and satisfying relationships with other
people, for example, within the family or workplace.
3. Rehabilitation Counselors.
●​ Self-awareness. Becoming more aware of thoughts and
●​ Helps people deal with personal, social, and vocational
effects of disabilities
feelings that had been blocked off or denied, or developing a
more accurate sense of how self is perceived by others.
●​ Self-acceptance. The development of a positive attitude
towards self is marked by an ability to acknowledge areas of
4. Marriage and Family Therapists
experience that had been the subject of self-criticism and
●​ Apply family systems theory, principles, and techniques to
address and treat mental and emotional disorders.
●​ Self- actualization or individuation. Moving toward fulfilling
potential or integrating previously conflicting parts of self.
III. HISTORICAL ROOTS OF COUNSELING PROFESSION
●​ Enlightenment. Assisting the client in arriving at a higher
state of spiritual awakening.
●​ The Early Years
○​ The origins of the counseling profession in the United States
have generally been attributed to Frank Parsons, “the father
of the guidance movement,” who established the first formal
career counseling center in Boston in 1909 (Hartung &
Blustein, 2002). This center offered assistance to young
people in vocational selection and other work-related issues.
○​ The first decade of the 20th century included major events
that launched the guidance movement in this country.
Industrialization, mass migration to large cities, compulsory
education, immigration, the women’s movement, and the
emergence of psychometrics led to changes that increased
needs for assessment and guidance.
○​ Migrant workers and war veterans needed expert guidance to
help find suitable occupations in various industries (Aubrey,
1982).
○​ At the beginning of the century, “visiting teachers” performed
social welfare functions to students who showed adjustment
problems (Sedlak, 1997).
○​ Parsons’s book, Choosing a Vocation, published in 1909, was a
capstone event in the emerging guidance movement and its
corollary process, counseling.
○​ Counseling was seen as a helpful tool to accomplish the
goals of guidance.
○​ Another early influential reformer was Jesse Davis, who, as a
high school principal, introduced vocational guidance into
public education. He believed in the idea of call to a vocation.
His initiatives established opportunities for students to explore
possible vocations while in school.
○​ Parsons also inspired Boston school superintendent Stratton
Brooks to introduce guidance practices in local schools,
although
Jesse
rejection.
Davis
is
generally
credited
with
the
naturalization of educational guidance.
○​ During these formative years, guidance was delivered in
regular classrooms just like any other subject of the
curriculum (Aubrey, 1982).
○​ Formal training of teachers in guidance began in 1911 at
Harvard College (Nugent, 1990).
●​ Problem-solving. Finding a solution to a specific problem
that the client had not been able to resolve alone. Acquiring
a general competence in problem-solving.
●​ Psychological education. Enabling the client to acquire
ideas and techniques with which to understand and control
behavior.
●​ Acquisition of social skills. Learning and mastering social
and interpersonal skills such as maintenance of eye contact,
turn-taking in conversations, assertiveness, or anger control.
●​ Cognitive change. Modifying or replacing irrational beliefs or
maladaptive
thought
patterns
associated
with
self-
destructive behavior.
●​ Behaviour change. The modification or replacement of
maladaptive or self-destructive patterns of behavior.
●​ Systemic change. Introducing change into the way in which
social systems (e.g., families) operate.
●​ Empowerment. Work on skills, awareness, and knowledge
that will enable the client to take control of his or her own life.
●​ Restitution. Help the client make amends for previous
destructive behavior.
●​ Generativity and social action. Inspiring in the person a
desire and capacity to care for others, pass on knowledge
(generativity), and contribute to the collective good through
political engagement and community work.
Counseling should be flexible enough to make it possible for
the client to use the therapeutic relationship as an arena for
exploring whatever dimension of life is most relevant to their
well-being at that point in time.
IV. CURRENT ISSUES
1.​ According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (2014), there were
more than half a million jobs held by counselors in the United
States in 2012, with an occupational outlook expected to
grow faster than average over the years to come. The
distribution of these jobs includes school and career
2
TOPIC #1: INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
counselors (262,300); rehabilitation counselors (117,500);
substance
abuse
and
behavioral
disorder
counselors
(89,600); and mental health counselors and marriage and
family therapists (166,300).
2.​ Diversification along various dimensions, such as age, racial
and ethnic affiliation, sexual orientation, family patterns, and
disability, which will continue to challenge the counseling
profession
to
respond
to
the
need
for
enhanced
competencies to serve an increasingly diverse group of
individuals.
3.​ Aging of American society (Himes, 2001); the anticipated
Goals and Purpose
●​ To understand, predict, and treat or alleviate disorders,
disabilities, or any maladjustment. This aim involves a variety
of clinical specialties and competencies, such as assessing
problems or impairments, formulating problems (which are
linked to clinical judgment), and the indicated treatments for
these problems. A second aim is to act on a preventative
level to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and
personal development, thereby focusing also on preventing
mental health conditions.
increase in disability (partially related to aging and better
History of Clinical Psychology
quality health care); significant changes in the world of work;
and advancements in technology. The next chapter in the
●​ Early influences on the field of clinical psychology include the
history of counseling and related specializations is currently
work of the Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. He was
in progress, and, to some degree, its success will depend on
one of the first to focus on the idea that mental illness was
how well these issues are understood and addressed in
something that could be treated by talking with the patient,
practice by professional counselors from all the specialty
and it was the development of his talk therapy approach
areas.
that is often cited as the earliest scientific use of clinical
4.​ Currently, however, the Philippines has only 4,069 registered
psychology.
Guidance Counselors as of June 2022 since the first batch
●​ American psychologist Lightner Witmer opened the first
took the licensure examinations in 2008.2 Clearly, with 27.4
psychological clinic in 1896, specifically focusing on helping
million elementary and high school students3, the desired
children with learning disabilities. It was also Witmer who first
ratio of 1:500 Guidance Counselors to students is far from
introduced the term "clinical psychology" in a 1907 paper.
being met (Senate of the Philippines, 2022).
●​ Witmer, a former student of Wilhelm Wundt, defined clinical
psychology as "the study of individuals, by observation or
Lesson 1B. Introduction to Clinical Psychology
experimentation, to promote change."
●​ Clinical psychology specialty integrates the science of
psychology with treating complex human problems. In
addition to directing treating people for mental health
concerns, the field of clinical psychology also supports
●​ By 1914, 26 other clinics devoted to clinical psychology had
been established in the United States. Today, clinical
psychology is one of the most popular subfields and the
single largest employment area within psychology.
communities, conducts research, and offers training to
promote
mental
health
for
people
of
all
backgrounds (Vetri, 2021).
●​ The field of Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory,
and
practice
to
understand,
predict,
and
alleviate
maladjustment, disability, and discomfort, as well as to
promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal
development.
●​ Clinical Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional,
biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of
human functioning across the lifespan, in varying cultures,
and at all socioeconomic levels.
behavior,
and
of
psychiatric
problems.
This
assessments.
In
1917, the
although it was replaced just two years later with the
establishment of the American Psychological Association
(APA).
●​ During World War II, clinical psychologists were called upon
to help treat what was then known as shell shock, now
psychology during this period.
families, and groups (Cherry, 2023).
●​ Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory, and practice
and
alleviate
maladjustment,
disability, and discomfort and promote human adaptation,
adjustment, and personal development.
●​ Clinical Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional,
biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of
human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures,
and at all socioeconomic levels.
Changes in Focus
psychology
individuals, clinical psychology also focuses on couples,
predict,
psychological
American Association of Clinical Psychology was established,
and treating mental illness, abnormal
for complex mental health problems. In addition to treating
understand,
usefulness
veterans in need of care contributed to the growth of clinical
specialty area provides comprehensive care and treatment
to
period of World War I as practitioners demonstrated the
●​ The demand for professionals to treat the many returning
●​ Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned
assessing
●​ Clinical psychology became more established during the
referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Is Clinical Psychology?
with
Evolution During the World Wars
ages and
●​ While the early focus in clinical psychology had mainly been
on science and research, graduate programs began adding
additional
emphasis
on
psychotherapy.
In
clinical
psychology PhD programs, this approach is today referred to
as the scientist-practitioner or Boulder Model.
●​ Later, the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree option
emerged, emphasizing professional practice more than
research.
This
practice-oriented
doctorate
in
clinical
psychology is known as the practitioner-scholar or Vail
model
●​ The field has continued to grow tremendously, and the
demand for clinical psychologists today remains strong.
One survey found that the percentage of women and
3
TOPIC #1: INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
minorities in clinical psychology programs has grown over
D. Professionals Who Treat Mental Disorders
the last two decades. Today, around two-thirds of clinical
psychology trainees are women and one-quarter are ethnic
1.​ Psychiatrist (M.D)
minorities
2.​ Psychiatric nurses (BS,M.S.)
3.​ Physicians (M.D.)
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
4.​ Psychoanalyst (Ph.D.)
●​ In the United States, clinical psychologists usually have a
doctorate in psychology and receive training in clinical
settings. The educational requirements to work in clinical
psychology
are
quite
rigorous,
and
most
clinical
psychologists spend between four to six years in graduate
school after earning a bachelor's degree.
5.​ Psychologist
6.​ Clinical (M.A., PhD, Psy D.)
7.​ Counseling (M.A., PhD)
8.​ School (M.A., PhD)
9.​ Social workers (MSW)
10.​ Marriage and family counselors (M.A.)-Licensed professional
counselor
●​ Generally speaking, PhD programs are centered on research,
while PsyD programs are practice-oriented. Students may
Therapist and Their Training
also find graduate programs that offer a terminal master's
degree in clinical psychology.
●​ Before choosing a clinical psychology program, you should
always check to be sure that the APA accredits the program.
After completing an accredited graduate training program,
Types
Description
Clinical Psychologist
Most are psychologists with a Ph.D. and
expertise in research, assessment, and
prospective clinical psychologists must also complete a
therapy,
period of supervised training and an examination.
in
the
United
Kingdom
can
and
pursue
a
Clinical
Psychiatric
or ClinPsyD) through programs sponsored by the National
Workers
Service.13
National
Health
supervised
Service.
institutions,
and
half
in
private
practice.
doctorate-level degree in clinical psychology (DClinPsychol
Health
by
internships. About half work in agencies
Specific licensure requirements vary by state, so you should
check with your state's licensing board to learn more.
●​ Students
supplemented
or
A two-year Master of Social Work graduate
Social
program plus post-graduate supervision
prepares some social workers to offer
Clinical
psychotherapy,
psychologist.
mostly
to
people with
everyday personal and family problems.
●​ These programs are generally very competitive and are
About
half
have earned the National
focused on both research and practice. Students interested
Association of Social Workers designation
in enrolling in one of these programs must have an
of clinical social worker.
undergraduate degree in a psychology program approved
by the British Psychological Society in addition to experience
Counselors
Marriage and family counselors specialize
in problems arising from family relations.
requirements.
Pastoral counselors provide counseling to
Careers In Clinical Psychology
countless people. abuse counselors with
substance abusers and with spouse and
●​ Clinical psychologists work in various settings (hospitals,
child abusers and their victims.
clinics, private practice, universities, schools, etc.) and in
many capacities. All of them require these professionals to
draw on their expertise in special ways and for different
purposes.
●​ Some of the job roles performed by those working in clinical
psychology can include:
○​ Assessment
and
diagnosis
of
psychological
disorders, such as in a medical setting
○​ Treatment of psychological disorders, including drug
Psychiatrist
These
physicians
specialize
in
the
treatment of psychological disorders. Not
all
psychiatrists
have
had
extensive
training in psychotherapy, but as MDs, they
can prescribe medications. Thus, they tend
to
see
those
with
the
most
serious
problems. Many have a private practice.
and alcohol addiction
○​ Offering testimony in legal settings
○​ Teaching, often at the university level
○​ Conducting research
○​ Creating and administering programs to treat and
prevent social problems
●​ Some clinical psychologists may focus on one of these or
provide several of these services. For example, someone
may work directly with clients who are admitted to a
hospital for psychological disorders, while also running a
private
therapeutic
office
that
offers short-term and
long-term outpatient services to those who need help
coping with psychological distress.
E. Effectiveness of Psychotherapy
●​ Effectiveness: a measure of how well the treatment works in
the real world with all of its limitations.
○​ patients may have multiple problems (comorbidity)
○​ patients may receive multiple treatments at the
same time
○​ treatment may vary as a function of the therapist of
patient characteristics as well as insurance, time, etc.
Ten Major Achievements of Psychotherapy Outcome Research
(Lambert & Bergin, 1992)
1.​ Psychotherapy generally has positive effects
4
TOPIC #1: INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
2.​ Many therapies are placebos
3.​ Research bow looks at specific types
4.​ Behavior therapies are effective for many disorders
5.​ Different types of psychotherapy are often equally effective
6.​ Therapies have many factors in common
7.​ Cognitive therapy is effective for depression
8.​ Therapy may have negative effects
9.​ Brief therapy works for many (about 50%)
10.​ Effects are relatively lasting
F. Issues in Clinical Psychology
1.​ Changes in the Theory
a.​ Emphasis on Biology
b.​ Move to More Concise Theories
2.​ Changes in the Practice
a.​ Business and Psychotherapy
b.​ Economics and Psychotherapy
c.​ Managed Care
d.​ Integrated Behavioral Health Care
e.​ Politics and Health Care
f.​ Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy
5
Topic #2: THE THERAPEUTIC PROFESSIONAL
[PSYCCL 303]
SY 2024-2025
2ND SEMESTER
[ PSYCCL 303 ] : INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY | MIDTERMS
3.​ Responding (verbal)
THE COUNSELOR AS A THERAPEUTIC PERSON
4.​ Probing
●​ Counseling is an intimate form of learning, and it demands a
practitioner who is willing to be an authentic person in the
therapeutic relationship.
●​ It
is
within
the context of such a person-to-person
connection that the client experiences growth.
●​ If we hide behind the safety of our professional role, our
clients will likely keep themselves hidden from us.
5.​ Clarifying
6.​ Checking out
7.​ Confronting
8.​ Informing
9.​ Summarizing
10.​ Reframing
11.​ Silence
●​ If we strive for technical expertise alone, and leave our own
Attending
reactions and self out of our work, the result is likely to be
ineffective counseling.
●​ Helping them to clarify their thoughts
●​ Our own genuineness can have a significant effect on our
●​ Attending skills also help in conveying genuineness and
relationship with our clients. If we are willing to look at our
empathy.
lives and make the changes we want, we can model that
concentrating on what he/ she is telling. Attentiveness can be
process by the way we reveal ourselves and respond to our
both verbal and nonverbal.
clients.
Attending
means
focusing on the client and
●​ Verbal attentiveness is conveyed through such phrases and
●​ If we are inauthentic, we will have difficulty establishing a
working alliance with our clients.
prompts as, ‘yes’, ‘go on’, ‘uh..mm’ etc. Non-verbal attentiveness
is conveyed through the counselor’s postures and gestures. The
●​ If we model authenticity by engaging in appropriate
self-disclosure, our clients will tend to be honest with us as
body language of the counselor should communicate genuine
interest in the client
well.
A.​ PERSONAL QUALITIES OF EFFECTIVE COUNSELORS
●​ A counselor is someone who is trained to listen to people and
give
them
advice
about
their
problems
(Cambridge
Dictionary, 2022).
●​ According
to
Rogers
(1977),
the
therapist's
three
characteristics, or attributes, form the core part of the
therapeutic
positive
relationship
regard
(UPR),
-
congruence,
and
unconditional
accurate
empathic
understanding.
CONGRUENCE
●​ Is the most important attribute, according to Carl Rogers’.
●​ This implies that the therapist is real and/or genuine, open,
integrated, and authentic during their interactions with the
client.
●​ The therapist does not have a facade; the therapist's internal
and external experiences are one and the same.
●​ In short, the therapist is authentic. This authenticity is a
model of a human being struggling toward greater realness.
UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD (UPR)
●​ Refers to the therapist's deep and genuine caring for the
client.
●​ The therapist may not approve of some of the client's
actions, but the therapist does approve of the client. In short,
the therapist needs an attitude of "I'll accept you as you are."
ACCURATE EMPATHIC UNDERSTANDING
●​ This refers to the therapist's ability to understand sensitively
and
accurately
[but
not
sympathetically] the client's
experience and feelings in the here and now.
●​ Empathic understanding implies that the therapist will sense
the client's feelings as if they were his or her own without
becoming lost in those feelings.
B.​ DESCRIBE THE COUNSELOR’S COMMUNICATION SKILLS
1.​ Attending
Listening (non-verbal) (SOLER)
●​ SOLER- Developed by Gerald Egan, in his book, The Skilled
Helper,
this
acronym
details
the
essential
parts
of
communication – a method used in counselling.
●​ It is a method of actively listening to people. It can be a very
effective way of listening to people in a counseling situation
and generally in conversation.
NON-VERBAL
SOLER
Facial Expression
Sitting squarely
Gestures
Open
Tone of voice
Lean forward
Proximity
Eye Contact
Non-verbal sounds
Relax
➢​ S -sitting squarely. You sit and face the person that you are
talking to. The counselor sits attentively at an angle to the
person, so he/she can look at them directly and show that
the counselor is listening to them and paying attention to
them.
➢​ O- open posture. Do not cross your arms, as this can make
you appear anxious or defensive.
➢​ L- lean forward to show interest in what the person is
discussing. It also means that the person can lower their
voice if they wish to if they are talking about personal issues.
➢​ E - eye contact. Maintaining eye contact again shows that
we are interested and listen to what the person says. It
doesn't mean staring at the person, as this can make them
feel uncomfortable, but maintaining good, positive eye
contact.
➢​ R -relaxed body language. This shows the person that you
are not in a rush to get away, but are letting them talk at
their own pace.
2.​ Listening(non-verbal)
1
TOPIC #2: THE COUNSELOR
(When listening to people, it is important to show your interest.
○​ Client: I feel that people will be looking at me and
Active listening is not just listening and hearing, it is also developing
might
an interaction with the person we are listening to. As a visually
actually see them looking at you?
driven counseling skill, SOLER does not lend itself to a telephone or
●​ Genuinely
Factors that might affect counselors and their possible effects on
their listening ability.
thinking Counselor: you feel…Do you
Checking out
online counseling situation. You would need to look to other more
appropriate methods for these).
be
confused
about
his/her
perception
of
the
counselee’s verbal or nonverbal behavior or when the helper
has a hunch that bears trying out. (If there is a difference
between verbal and non-verbal, check it out).
1.​ Tiredness and stress
Confronting
2.​ Personal problems
3.​ Minor illness or pain
●​ providing honest feedback about what is really going on.
4.​ Similar experiences to those described by the client
Informing
5.​ Total dissimilarity of experience to that described by the
client
●​ share objective and factual information. Information giving
6.​ Cultural, religious, or social difference
can also prove challenging for clients, especially when their
expectations are clearly unrealistic in some way.
Responding (verbal)
●​ Requires that the counselor's attention is focused on the
client's feelings and verbal expression at all times. There are
many occasions when we respond – perhaps by offering a
●​ In the following example a client called David wanted to
leave his present relationship in order to establish a new life
with his new girlfriend:
○​ DAVID: I want to leave everything behind . . . I know I
nod of the head.
a.​ Minimal
verbal
response-verbal
counterpart
can do it, and I can just about afford it.
of
○​ COUNSELOR: Taking into consideration maintenance
occasional head nodding. other verbal cues are
for the two children?
“mmmm”,”yes”, ”I see”
○​ DAVID: My wife is financially OK . . . that’s one thing,
b.​ Paraphrasing-statement interchangeable with the
she has never quibbled about money . . .
client’s statement. Refers to the rewording of the
content
of
what
clients
say.
Reflection
○​ COUNSELOR: On the other hand, there is probably a
and
certain amount you will need to provide from a legal
paraphrasing are very similar.
point of view . . .
Example: Client: I didn’t get the work done because
○​ DAVID: Yes, I suppose you’re right.
my mother fell ill last week. Then she was taken into hospital
for tests and I had to look after the two younger ones. I don’t
(In this example the counselor directed the client’s attention to the
feel so well myself either, especially after all the stress and
financial details he wanted to minimize. She did this by challenging
the extra work.
him with the information that there were certain requirements
Counselor: Things have been hectic and stressful at
which, in all likelihood, he would need to observe).
home for you, and there was no way you could think about
Summarizing
writing an assignment. And feeling ill, of course, made it
worse for you.
●​ synthesizes what has been communicated.
(Counselor picks up the stress and anxiety which the
●​ Example:
○​ A client called Alice talked about her experiences like
student expresses, and reflects this back in her response. It is
this: The area I live in was flooded about two years
likely that such a response will assure the student that her
ago and we lost almost everything. The insurance did
explanation for not doing the work is respected and
cover a lot of things, but there are some things you
understood.) (acknowledges emotional content)
can’t replace. Then, just about that time, I found out
about my husband’s affair, something that nearly
Probing
everyone else seemed to know about. It was
●​ an open attempt to get more information about something.
devastating and I don’t think I’ll ever recover from it.
(explore the problem) Questions are meant to encourage
Everything seems to happen at once because my
clients to enlarge or expand on their initial response. The
youngest child developed eczema at about that
following are examples:
time, although I suspect myself that it was linked to
○​ Can you say more about that?
all the stress going on in the family. I kept going
○​ And what happened then?
through it all, but then six months ago I became very
○​ Could you describe that
Clarifying
●​ attempt to focus on or understand the basic nature of a
counselee’s statement.
●​ Example:
○​ Counselor: But what is it about saying para that is
difficult?
depressed . . . I couldn’t stop thinking about all that
had happened and it just came flooding back to me.
●​ The counselor gave the following summary of what Alice had
said: You had all those stressful experiences two years back .
.
.
being
flooded, losing important possessions, your
husband’s affair and your child’s illness. It was terrible for you
but you coped. But now you feel the depression linked to it
all.
2
TOPIC #2: THE COUNSELOR
●​ The counselor identified the factual elements of the story.
sensitivity to cultural differences if they hope to make
She also highlighted the stressful feelings associated with it
interventions that are consistent with the values of their
and she used the word ‘terrible’ to describe the client’s
clients. The therapist’s role is to assist clients in making
experiences. This confirmed for the client that what she had
decisions that are congruent with their worldview, not to live
said was understood and validated by the counselor. Later
by the therapist’s values.
on, the counsellor also drew attention to the fact that the
●​ Sue, Arredondo, and McDavis (1992) and Arredondo and her
client had used the word ‘flooding’ when describing her
colleagues (1996) have developed a conceptual framework
delayed reaction to the events of the past which had, in fact,
for competencies and standards in multicultural counseling.
started with a flood.
Their dimensions of competency involve three areas: (1)
beliefs and attitudes, (2) knowledge, and (3) skills.
Reframing
1.​ Beliefs and Attitudes. Counselors are aware of their positive
●​ another probable and positive viewpoint on a situation
(negative standpoint to positive)
○​ Counselor: I noticed that you are failing in two
subjects
○​ Client: Because, I miss a lot of quizzes in those two
subjects
beliefs and values.
2.​ Knowledge. Culturally skilled counselors understand that
of minorities. They know the historical background, traditions,
and values of their client populations. The greater their depth
●​ no verbal response
●​ Silence is another aspect of communication which you
might feel self-conscious about at first, and when you are
uncomfortable in this way there is always a temptation to fill
in the spaces, either through asking questions or finishing the
client’s sentences for him.
●​ However, you should remember that clients often need
periods of silence in order to collect their thoughts, or as a
way of experiencing a very strong feeling or emotion. If they
are not allowed to do this, they will almost certainly regard
a
of their clients. They respect clients’ religious and spiritual
know how these forces operate with respect to the treatment
Silence
communicate
examine and understand the world from the vantage point
external socio political forces influence all groups, and they
○​ Counselor: Miss not fail
intervention
racial and ethnic groups that may prove detrimental to
establishing collaborative helping relationships. They seek to
●​ Example:
any
and negative emotional reactions toward people from other
as
intrusive
great
deal
and
insensitive.
Clients
through silence, both to
themselves and to counselors. As well as this, clients
frequently refer to silence afterwards, and in doing so
effectively clarify aspects of their problems which may have
been obscured in the past.
and breadth of knowledge of culturally diverse groups, the
more likely they will be effective practitioners.
3.​ Skills and Intervention Strategies. Effective counselors have
acquired certain skills in working with culturally diverse
populations. Counselors take responsibility for educating
their clients about the therapeutic process, including matters
such as setting goals, appropriate expectations, legal rights,
and the counselor’s orientation
L2.B. THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AS A THERAPEUTIC PERSON
●​ What is a clinical psychologist? Although it seems as though
we are inundated with real and fictional portrayals of clinical
psychologists in the media, the general public remains
rather confused about what psychologists do as well as their
educational backgrounds.
●​ Perhaps this should not be too surprising given that clinical
●​ Ending sessions.
○​ It is important for counselors to develop the skill of
ending individual sessions.
○​ Ending sessions is often more difficult than it sounds,
psychologists are a heterogeneous group with respect to
age, gender, theoretical allegiance, and roles (Norcross,
Karpiak, & Santoro, 2005).
especially when clients talk at great length and it
seems impossible to stop them without appearing
intrusive or insensitive to their needs. One way of
dealing with this issue is to address it at the
beginning of counseling, so that clients are aware of
time boundaries from the outset. Another useful idea
is to state the time ten minutes before the session
ends.
■​ Maybe we could look at what you’ve said so
far, and highlight any points which you would
like to talk about further in your next session.
■​ Then we can make arrangements for another
appointment next week.
C. BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE MULTICULTURAL COUNSELOR
●​ Part of the process of becoming an effective counselor
involves learning how to recognize diversity issues and
counseling
practice
then 5 years of graduate work. It involves training in
assessment, research, diagnosis, and therapeutic skills,
along with an internship.
●​ Most often, this effort culminates in a Ph.D. (Doctor of
Philosophy)
degree
from
a
university
psychology
Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) either from a university
■​ We have just ten minutes left.
one’s
●​ Clinical psychologists complete a bachelor’s degree and
department. In some instances, the degree awarded is the
○​ This can be done as follows:
shaping
Core Competencies
to
fit
the
client’s
department of psychology or from a training institution not
affiliated with a university.
RA 1109- This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Psychology Act
of 2009
●​ Section 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes that
psychologists have an important role in nation-building and
development.
It
also
acknowledges
the
diverse
specializations of psychologists and the diverse functions
specific to the varied specializations.
worldview. It is an ethical obligation for counselors to develop
3
TOPIC #2: THE COUNSELOR
●​ In
particular,
it
recognizes
the
significance
of
the
e.​ Ethical/Legal
Standards:
Application
of
ethical
psychological services that practicing psychologists provide
concepts and awareness of legal issues regarding
to diverse types of clients, but also recognizes the need to
professional
protect the public by preventing inexperienced or untrained
organizations. Advocating for the profession.
activities
individuals from offering psychological services. Hence, it
➢​ Knowledge
shall
➢​ Ethical
nurture
competent,
upright
and
assiduous
psychologists whose standards of practice and service shall
be
excellent
and
globally
competitive
through
the
Conduct
individuals,
(including
groups,
and
application of
ethical decision making)
f.​ Interdisciplinary
Systems:
Professional
and
administration of inviolable, effective and credible licensure
competent cooperation with colleagues and peers in
examinations
related disciplines.
and
the
imposition
and
promotion
of
regulatory measures, programs and activities that enhance
➢​ Understanding the shared and distinctive
their professional growth and well-being.
contributions of other professions
●​ "Psychologist" means a natural person who is duly registered
➢​ Knowledge of key issues and concepts related
and holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid
professional identification card as professional psychologist,
to the work of other professionals.
➢​ Respectful and productive relationships with
issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology
individuals from other professions.
and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to this
Act for the purpose of delivering the different psychological
services defined in this Act.
Skills of a Clinical Psychologist/ Multicultural Clinical Psychologist
●​ To be able to practice clinical psychology in the Philippines,
one must first possess the appropriate education and
training. This would constitute a minimum master’s degree
from a recognized educational institution. Subjects offered
in
such
programs
include
the
following:
advanced
personality psychology, advanced abnormal psychology,
assessment techniques, and counseling and psychotherapy.
Requirements also include supervised practicum hours with
actual clients, and the site is usually chosen by the individual.
This allows the individual to apply what she has studied in a
supervised setting.
within
Practice/Self-Assessment:
the
boundaries
of
demonstrates
commitment
to
Practices
competencies;
lifelong
learning;
engages with scholarship; capable of critical thinking;
demonstrates a commitment to the development of
the profession
b.​ Scientific method: Demonstrates
derived
knowledge;
a
respect
for
understands
research and research methodology; understands
of behavior, cognitive-affective
bases of behavior, and lifespan human development
➢​ Scientific Mindedness
Demonstrates
capacity
to
relate
effectively and meaningfully with individuals, groups,
and/or communities
➢​ Formal assessment skills
➢​ Interview
➢​ Tests/Measurements
➢​ Integration
➢​ Report writing/Communication skills
to alleviate suffering and to promote health and
well-being
➢​ Knowledge of Interventions
➢​ Intervention planning
➢​ Intervention Implementation
➢​ Progress evaluation
➢​ Role Knowledge
➢​ Addressing Referral Question
d.​ Research/evaluation: The generation of research
that contributes to the scientific knowledge base
and/or
evaluates
the
effectiveness
of
various
professional activities
e.​ Supervision: Supervision and training of professionals
➢​ Knowledge of models and approaches
➢​ Awareness of factors affecting quality of
➢​ Intra-disciplinary Relationships
diversity:
➢​ Application of Scientific Method to Practice
➢​ Knowledge of ethical and legal issues
➢​ Interpersonal Relationships
d.​ Individual/Cultural
➢​ Diagnostic and conceptualization skills
➢​ Scientific Approach to Knowledge Generation
➢​ Knowledge
c.​ Relationships:
individuals, groups, and/or organizations
needs or goals.
➢​ Professionalism
bases
and conceptualization of problems and issues of
or professional assistance in response to a client’s
➢​ Self-Assessment and Self-Care
biological
assessment, diagnosis
c.​ Consultation: The ability to provide expert guidance
➢​ Reflective Practice
scientifically
a.​ Psychological Evaluation:
b.​ Psychological Interventions: interventions designed
1.​ Foundational Competencies
a.​ Reflective
2.​ Functional Competencies
Awareness
and
supervision
sensitivity in working professionally with diverse
individuals, groups and communities who represent
various
cultural
and
personal
background and
characteristics.
➢​ Self-Awareness
➢​ Applied Knowledge
4
Topic #3: ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES IN THE HELPING
PROFESSIONS
[PSYCCL
303]
SY 2024-2025
2ND SEMESTER
[ PSYCCL 330 ] : INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
C. DUAL RELATIONSHIPS
ETHICAL ISSUES IN COUNSELING PRACTICE
●​ As counselors, we cannot always separate our
personal needs from our relationships with clients.
Ethically, it is essential that we become aware of
our own needs, areas of unfinished business,
potential personal problems, and especially our
sources of countertransference. We must realize
●​ Having overlapping roles with the helpee
●​ Helpee is also a friend, lover, boss, employee, etc
●​ Power differential
●​ Conflicts of Interest
●​ Affects both the helpee/helper relationship and
the relationship outside of the helping situation.
how such factors could interfere with effectively
and ethically serving our clients.
●​ We must also examine other, less obviously
harmful personal needs that can get in the way of
creating growth-producing relationships, such as
the need for control and power, the inordinate
need to be nurturing, the need to change others in
the direction of our own values; the need for
feeling adequate, particularly when it becomes
overly important that the client confirm our
competence; and the need to be respected and
appreciated. It is crucial that we do not meet our
needs at the expense of our clients. For an
expanded discussion of this topic, see M. Corey
D. Physical Contact
●​ Sexual relationships
●​ Sexual harassment
●​ Solicitation, verbal, non-verbal suggestions, or
physical advances
●​ Touching helpees in session (controversial)
E. Helper Competence and Limitations
●​ Provide services only in areas where you have
been trained and have expertise
●​ Do not claim training or professional qualifications
you do not possess.
●​ Correct misunderstandings about your credentials
and Corey (2016, chap. 1).
F. Informed Consent
●​ Information needs to be given regarding:
EXPLAIN
○​ Limitations and expectations of the helping
A. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ETHICS AND LAW?
relationship
●​ Ethics
○​ Background of the helper
○​ Moral principles and ideas standards are
adopted by a professional organization that
seeks to guide its members' professional
behavior and conduct.
○​ Cost of services
○​ Limits of confidentiality
G. Incidents that need to be reported immediately
●​ Threats of suicide
●​ Law
○​ Rules of behavior are established by courts
●​ Threats of danger to others(homicide)
and legislatures to define the minimum
H. Privileged Communication
standards of individual and community
●​ The right of the helpee to keep confidentiality
conduct and behavior.
B. Western Values that Guide Ethical Codes for Most
Helpers
within
to
do
harm(non-maleficence)
○​ The obligation to prevent harm
relationship
even
when
●​ This right belongs to the helpee and not the helper
I. Record Keeping
○​ Respect for authority
obligation
helping
requested by the court or subpoenaed.
●​ Ethics are based on cultural beliefs and values:
○​ The
the
no
●​ Keep records locked in a file, not just in a locked
office
●​ The helpee must be told who else besides the
○​ Equal distribution of burdens and benefits
helper will have access to the file and under what
○​ Fidelity
circumstances
○​ Trust within relationships
○​ Truthfulness
●​ managed care organization employees, courts,
etc
1
TOPIC #3: ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS
J. Malpractice
●​ When the behavior of the helper is deemed
“incompetent” or beyond the scope of practice
PRINCIPLE II. Competent Caring for the Well-Being of
Persons and Peoples
●​ THEREFORE, psychologists and psychometricians
●​ It is usually filed as a result of boundary violations
accept as fundamental the Principle of Competent
●​ dual relationships, sexual relationships
Caring for the Well-Being of Persons and Peoples.
In so doing, they accept the following related
K. Protection From Harm
values:
●​ Most helpers are legally mandated reporters of
abuse of children or the elderly
a)​active
concern
individuals,
●​ social workers, counselors, psychologist
for
the
well-being
families,
groups,
of
and
communities in the delivery of psychological
services, whether face-to-face or via online
IV. TITLE, DECLARATION OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS
●​ Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the
platforms;
b)​taking care to do no harm to individuals,
families, groups, and communities;
"Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004," Section 2.
c)​ maximizing
benefits
Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a
potential
to
policy of the Senate to promote the improvement,
groups, and communities;
harm
and
minimizing
individuals,
families,
advancement, and protection of the guidance and
d)​correcting or offsetting harmful effects that
counseling services profession by undertaking and
have occurred as a result of their activities;
instituting measures that will result in professional,
e)​ developing and maintaining competence;
ethical, relevant, efficient, and effective guidance
f)​ self-knowledge regarding how their own
and
counseling
services
for
developing and
enriching individuals and group lives.
values, attitudes, experiences, and social
contexts
interpretations,
SEE SEPARATE PDF RA 9258
PRINCIPLE I. Respect for the Dignity of Persons and
Peoples
choices,
and
groups, and communities to make decisions
for themselves and to care for themselves
and each other.
PRINCIPLE III. Integrity
of all human beings;
b)​respect for the diversity among persons and
those
actions,
g)​respect for the ability of individuals, families,
a)​respect for the unique worth and inherent dignity
(including
their
recommendations; and
SEE SEPARATE PDF -PAP PHILIPPINES CODE OF ETHICS
peoples
influence
from
indigenous
communities);
a)​honest, truthful and prudent, open and accurate
communications;
b)​avoiding incomplete disclosure of information
c)​ respect for the customs and beliefs of cultures, to
unless
complete
disclosure
is
culturally
be limited only when a custom or a belief seriously
inappropriate, or violates confidentiality, or carries
contravenes the principle of respect for the dignity
the potential to do serious harm to individuals,
of persons or peoples or causes serious harm to
families, groups, or communities;
their well-being;
c)​ maximizing impartiality and minimizing biases;
d)​ free and informed consent, as culturally defined
and relevant for individuals, families, groups, and
communities;
e)​ privacy
for
professional, or financial gain; and
e)​ avoiding conflicts of interest and declaring them
individuals,
families,
groups, and
communities;
f)​ protection
d)​not exploiting persons or peoples for personal,
when they cannot be avoided or are inappropriate
to avoid.
of
confidentiality
of
personal
information, as culturally defined and relevant for
individuals, families, groups, and communities;
g)​fairness and justice in the treatment of persons
and peoples; and
h)​ respect for the environment, which ultimately
ensures a safe haven for a dignified human
PRINCIPLE IV. Professional and Scientific
Responsibilities to Society
a)​the discipline’s responsibility to increase scientific
and professional knowledge in ways that allow the
promotion of the well-being of society and all its
members;
existence.
2
TOPIC #3: ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS
b)​the discipline’s responsibility to use psychological
knowledge for beneficial purposes and to protect
such
knowledge
from
being
misused,
used
incompetently, or made useless;
c)​ the discipline’s responsibility to conduct its affairs
in ways that are ethical and consistent with the
promotion of the well-being of society and all its
members;
d)​the
discipline’s responsibility to promote the
highest ethical ideals in the scientific, professional,
and educational activities of its members;
e)​ the discipline’s responsibility to adequately train
and
supervise
its
members
in
their
ethical
responsibilities and required competencies; and
f)​ the discipline’s responsibility to develop its ethical
awareness
and
sensitivity,
and
to
be
as
self-correcting as possible.
GENERAL ETHICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES
●​ how we resolve ethical issues in our professional
lives and communities;
●​ how we adhere to the highest standards of
professional competence;
●​ how we respect for the rights and dignity of our
supervisees (i.e., clients, peers, and students) and
our other stakeholders in the profession and
scientific discipline;
●​ how we maintain confidentiality in the important
aspects
of
our
professional
and
scholarly
functions;
●​ how we ensure truthfulness and accuracy in all our
public statement; and
●​ how we observe professionalism in our records
and fees.
3
Topic #4: Stages and skills of counseling and clinical
practice
[PSYCCL
303]
SY 2024-2025
2ND SEMESTER
[ PSYCCL 330 ] : INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
be the problem to the client initially may not be the actual
Lesson 4. Process of Counseling and Psychotherapy
problem.
●​ Counseling, being a profession, follows certain systematic
steps to reach the counseling goals. The ultimate aim of the
counseling is the well-being of the client.
●​ The counselor uses different assessment techniques such as
observation, initial interview, case history, and psychological
tests to help assess the problem.
●​ Towards this end, it is very important to create a therapeutic
Goal-Setting
atmosphere in the counseling situation, which will help
create trust and confidence in the client and encourage
him/ her to explore things from different perspectives.
●​ Once the problem is clearly understood, the next step is to
decide on the goals to tackle the problem.
●​ Counseling is a process that has a beginning, middle, and
●​ It should always be remembered that goals are set mutually.
end. It begins with establishing a relationship with the client
Galileo said, “You cannot teach a man anything; you can just
and ends with terminating this relationship and following up
help him find it within himself.”
to find out the effectiveness of the counseling provided.
●​ Counselors
Diagnostic/Problem
Intervention
Assessment
Definition,
Strategies
and
for
counseling
in
●​ The client and counselor need to agree upon setting the
goals. Goals can be short-term as well as long-term.
steps/ stages that are cyclical. The steps are as follows:
Relationship,
goals
achieved.
●​ The counseling process can be described in five broad
and
establish
agreement with the client; then only the goals can be
Counseling Process Structure (Hackney & Cormier, 2001)
○​ Rapport
should
and
Goal-setting,
Goal setting serves various functions as described by Cormier
and Hackney (1987) as follows:
Problem-solving,
Termination and Follow-up
1.​ Motivational function. When clients are encouraged to
specify the desired changes, they feel motivated to achieve
Rapport and Relationship
those outcomes.
●​ The first step in the counseling process is establishing
rapport or relationship with the client.
2.​ Educational function. Clients begin mentally rehearse new
responses they can make to the situation once they decide
●​ Since counseling is a helping relationship,the client needs to
upon the changes.
have trust and confidence in the counselor in the first place.
3.​ Evaluation function. Goal setting helps to select appropriate
To build this up, forming a proper rapport or relationship with
strategies to achieve those goals. It also facilitates assessing
the client is the crucial first step, which will enable the client
the progress of the clients.
to feel at ease and open up.
4.​ Clarification. Goal setting helps clarify the main concerns
●​ The success of rapport establishment determines the
and issues that need attention.
success of other counseling steps and achievement of
Intervention Strategies and Problem-Solving
counseling goals.
●​ The counseling relationship is a special relationship in that it
is not a social relationship but a professional relationship in
which the client and counselor together progress towards
achieving counseling goals.
●​ This relationship is based on trust, empathy, genuineness,
warmth, mutual understanding, and confidentiality.
●​ This relationship building is a continuous process; however,
this first step is important in laying the foundation for trust,
confidence, and hope for a solution.
●​ The client is also informed about the structure, roles, and
responsibilities of both the counselor and the client.
●​ The next step after setting goals is to select the counseling
techniques and strategies to be used for achieving those
goals.
●​ The strategies are decided depending on the client’s nature
and personality and the feasibility.
●​ Here, it may be noted that if the strategies do not work out
well, the counselor and client go back to the previous steps
and rework.
●​ It may be that the problem was not clearly understood or the
goals were not properly set; so it is a cyclical process.
Termination and Follow-Up
Assessment and Diagnostic/Problem Definition
●​ Once the relationship is built, the next important step is
understanding and assessing the problem.
●​ Different counseling skills are required here to identify and
understand the problem.
●​ The problem stated by the client may or may not be the real
one, sometimes, the problem might be something else.
●​ As the client interacts with the counselor and opens up
revealing his or her motives, intentions, expectations, belief
systems,
insecurities,
ambitions,
and
perceptions,
the
problem's understanding becomes clearer. What appears to
●​ This is the last step of the counseling process which has its
own significance.
●​ Counseling, being a relationship, has to be ended in an
appropriate and effective manner.
●​ The counselor needs to take care of different issues such as
preparing the client for the termination beforehand; making
the process of termination a gradual and smooth one, not an
abrupt one; dealing with the issue of client dependence on
the
counselor;
overcoming
resistance
to
termination;
attending to any unresolved issues, indicating a follow-up
1
TOPIC #4: STAGES AND SKILLS OF COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
plan; and finally instilling confidence in the client that the
client can handle the things on his/ her own now.
Thus, broadly, we can describe the counseling process in terms of
three stages such as:
and resources
How is it impacting your daily
Clarify life functions: work,
life?
family, health, and intimacy
2.​ Focus - Mental Status
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
●​ Developing the counseling relationship
How do you feel now?
Note
●​ Working in this relationship
How is your mood affected?
Age & mannerisms
●​ Terminating the counseling relationship
Had any unusual experiences?
Dress & grooming
How is your memory
Orientation
Do you think that life isn’t worth
Probe (anxiety symptoms; form,
living?
suicidal ideation; violent
Psychotherapy
●​
also can be described in terms of these three broad phases
beginning, middle, and terminal phases, i.e., establishing a
working relationship conducive to jointly working towards a
impulses
3.​ Focus - Developmental history and dynamics
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
How would you describe
Clarify
yourself as a person?
​
Current self-view
attainment of goals decided upon and readiness of the
​
Level of self-esteem
client to move on independently.
​
Personality style
common
goal; working in this relationship to assess
problems, and employing interventions to achieve goals and
solutions; and terminating the relationship, signifying the
●​ Thus, both counseling and psychotherapy processes move
through the stages described above. The main objective of
the process of counseling and psychotherapy is to know and
Shift to the past, how were
Note
things when you were growing
​
up?
milestones
Developmental
understand the main issues/problems of the client and to
​
Experience in school
employ different strategies and techniques to bring about
​
Best friends
changes
in
​
Educational level
promote
positive
maladaptive
growth
thoughts
and
and behavior and
development.
The only
difference is that counseling addresses mild day-to-day
problems of a psychological nature, such as anxiety,
sadness, conflict, and hurt feelings, whereas psychotherapy
deals with problems of a severe nature.
●​ Hence, psychotherapy is long-term and uses more number
4.​ Focus - Social history and cultural dynamics
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
What is your current living
Elicit
situation?
of sessions. Throughout this process, the counselor/ therapist
What is your ethnic
●​ Job or military
uses various counseling skills, which you will learn in the
background?
●​ Legal problems
following sections
●​ Social support system
●​ Race, age, gender
Skills involved. Formal Diagnostic Assessment (Sperry, Carlson, &
●​ Sexual orientation
Kjos, 2003)
●​ Religion
●​ Language
●​ Counselors and psychotherapists use different assessment
●​ Dietary influences
techniques as part of the counseling/ therapeutic interview.
●​ Important
methods
of
assessment
include
●​ education
interviews,
observation, and psychological tests.
●​ These provide relevant information to be used in different
5.​ Focus - Health history and behaviors
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
stages of counseling and contribute to the effective outcome
Tell me about your health
Identify
of counseling and psychotherapy.
Health habits
Prescriptions
○​ Interview
Substance usage
○​ Observation
Health status
○​ Psychological Tests
Health habits
Interview
●​ The interview is one of the most commonly used assessment
tools. Counselors use interview method to help gather
information about clients and clarify the results of other
assessments.
A.​ Interview Format
6.​ Focus - Client Resources
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
How have you tried to make
Probe
things better? Results?
●​ Focus
1.​ Focus - Presenting problem and context
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
What concerns brought you
Clarify stressors
How do you explain your
Why now?
Elicit
Has this happened before?
Coping skills; social support;
Clarify client explanatory model
symptoms?
What is your/my role in your
treatment?
here?
Efforts to change
Efforts vs. successes
●​ Basic Screening Questions
●​ Detailed Inquiry
​
Clarify client explanatory model
Identify treatment expectations
2
TOPIC #4: STAGES AND SKILLS OF COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
When will things change/get
assessment methods and measures that are available to
Specify readiness for change
address the specific assessment situation at hand.
better?
●​ Definition and Purpose
○​ Clinical assessment involves an evaluation of an
7.​ Focus - Wind down and close
individual’s or family’s strengths and weaknesses, a
conceptualization of the problem at hand (as well as
Basic Questions
Detailed Inquiry
What else would be important
Use an open-ended
for me to know?
possible etiological factors), and some prescription
for alleviating the problem; all of these lead us to a
better understanding of the client.
Allows the client to add
​
○​ Intuitively, we all understand the purpose of diagnosis
information
or assessment. Before physicians can prescribe a
Do you have any questions for
Creates a sense of reciprocal
me?
and collaborative
treatment, they must first understand the nature of
the illness. Before plumbers can begin soldering
pipes, they must first determine the character and
location of the difficulty. What is true in medicine and
relationships
plumbing is equally true in clinical psychology. Aside
from a few cases involving pure luck, our capacity to
solve clinical problems is directly related to our skill in
Goal Setting
defining them. Most of us can remember our parents’
stern admonition: “Think before you act!” In a sense,
●​ Indicates how well counseling is working
this is the essence of the assessment or diagnostic
●​ Indicates when counseling should be conducted
process.
●​ Prevents dependent relationships
1.​ The Referral
●​ Determines the selection of interventions
●​ The assessment process begins with a referral. Someone—a
parent, a teacher, a psychiatrist, a judge, or perhaps a
Interventions
psychologist—poses a question about the patient. “Why is
●​ The objective is to initiate and facilitate client change
Juan disobedient?”“Why can’t Alicia learn to read like the
●​ After assessment and goal setting, answer the question,
other children?” “Is the patient’s impoverished behavioral
“How shall we accomplish this goal?
repertoire function of poor learning opportunities, or does
this
Termination
represent
an
effort
to
avoid
close
relationships with other people who might be threatening?”
2.​ The Interview
●​ No clear cut ending, but no need to continue beyond the
●​ The assessment interview is, at once, the most basic
usefulness
●​ Awareness by the counselor and the client that the work is
accomplished
●​ May take the same number of sessions as rapport-building
Methods and Process
and the most serviceable technique used by the
clinical psychologist.
●​ In the hands of a skilled clinician, its wide range of
applications and adaptability make it a major
instrument
for
clinical
decision-making,
understanding, and prediction. But for all this, we
●​ Gradual tapering off of sessions
must not lose sight of the fact that the clinical utility of
the interview can be no greater than the skill and
b. Observation
sensitivity of the clinician who uses it.
●​ The counselor/therapist must be a keen observer who can
get important information from observing the non-verbal
○​ An Interaction. An interview is an interaction
at
least
two
persons.
Each
participant contributes to the process, and
c. Psychological Test
●​ Psychological
●​ General Characteristics of Interviews
between
behavior of the client.
each influences the responses of the other.
tests
are
objective
and
standardized
measures of a sample of behavior. Standardization is the
most important term here. The role of Psychology in Positive
Growth Across Life Span means the test is characterized by a
uniform
constriction
procedure
of
administration,
scoring,
and
interpretation.
●​ A good psychological test must be both reliable, i.e., give
consistent results over time, across raters, etc.; and valid, i.e.,
measure what it intends to measure.
Clinical Assessment-page 159
○​ However, a clinical interview is initiated with a
goal or set of goals in mind.
●​ Interviewing Essentials and Techniques
1.​ The Physical Arrangements.
○​ Two
of
the
considerations
most
are
important
privacy
and
protection from interruptions.
2.​ Note-Taking and Recording
○​ a moderate amount of note-taking
seems worthwhile.
3.​ Rapport
○​ Perhaps the most essential ingredient
●​ Assessment has long been an important activity of clinical
psychologists.
●​ Clinical psychologists must be properly trained to know
of a good interview is a relationship
between the clinician and the patient.
The
quality
and
nature
will
vary,
of
that
about the assessment process itself, about the conditions to
relationship
be evaluated, and about the psychometric properties of
depending on the purpose of the
of
course,
3
TOPIC #4: STAGES AND SKILLS OF COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
interview.
These
undoubtedly
differences
affect
the
will
kind
6.
of
Clinical Judgment
●​ Interpretation is an inferential process that takes up
relationship that develops during the
where assessment leaves off. The interviews have
contact.
been completed, the psychological tests have been
○​ Definition and Functions. Rapport is the
administered. Now, what does it all mean, and what
word often used to characterize the
relationship
between
patient
and
clinician.
Rapport
involves
a
comfortable atmosphere and a mutual
understanding of the purpose of the
decisions are to be made?
IIIC. DEVELOPMENT OF TREATMENT PLAN: The Basic Treatment plan
●​ The document that contains the problem statement, goals,
objectives, and interventions
interview.
●​ Is a road map that outlines how the client and therapist will
○​ Characteristics of good rapport
■​ Communication
travel from the issues, concerns or problems identified
■​ Language
through the assessment and diagnosis to the client’s life
■​ Special considerations
when those issues have been successfully addressed.
●​ It is unrealistic to assume that the problems that the clients
■​ The Use of questions
come in with can be resolved in a linear fashion
■​ Listening
●​ Realistic to think, to develop the best plan, and when life
○​ Five types of interview questions
derails the plan, revisit and revise the plan
■​ Open-ended
○​ why your client is seeking help, and why is she
■​ Facilitative
seeking help now
■​ Clarifying
○​ what problems or problems would he/she like to
■​ Confronting
resolve
■​ Direct
clinical
○​ what will be done in therapy, and what will the client
interview is not the time or the place for
do outside of the therapy to address these problems
○​ Gratification
clinicians
of
to
Self.
work
The
out
their
problems. Clinicians must resist the
temptation
to
shift
the
○​ what will indicate therapy is no longer necessary
own
focus
●​ How will the therapist know when to terminate or to
transition into another treatment
to
○​ Step1: Data Gathering
themselves.
○​ Step2: Problem Selection
Variety of interviews
○​ Step3: Defining Problem
○​ Step4: Goal Development
●​ The Intake-Admission Interview
○​ Step5: Objective Development
○​ An intake interview generally has two purposes:
○​ Step6: Treatment Strategy Creation
○​ (a) to determine why the patient has come to the
clinic or hospital and (b) to judge whether the
agency’s facilities, policies, and services will meet the
needs and expectations of the patient.
●​ The Case-History Interview
○​ In a case-history interview, as complete a personal
and social history as possible is taken. The clinician is
interested both in concrete facts, dates, and events
and in the patient’s feelings about them. It is
important to note that a relentless pursuit of dates
and names can sometimes obscure important data
Sample Treatment Plan Goals and Objectives
Always make objectives measurable, e.g. 3 out of 5 times, 100%,
learn 3 skills, etc..unless they are measurable on their own as in “List
and discuss (issue) weekly.
Anxiety
Goal:
●​ Develop strategies to reduce symptoms or reduce anxiety
and create in the patient a set to respond in concrete
terms. This mental set can sometimes impede
progress in later interviews.
●​ The Mental Status Examination Interview
○​ A mental status examination is typically conducted to
assess the presence of cognitive, emotional, or
behavioral problems.
and improve coping skills
●​ Be free of panic and improve coping skills(100%)
●​ Recognize and plan for top five anxiety-provoking situations
Depression
Goal:
●​ The Crisis Interview
○​ Increasingly, clinicians have been functioning in novel
settings, including storefront clinics and telephone
hotlines specializing in advice or comfort to drug
abusers, to parents fearful of abusing their children, or
to persons who are just lonely.
5. The Psychological Testing (Intelligence assessment,
Personality assessment, Behavioral assessment,
Projective Tests assessment)
●​ Improve decision-making skills
●​ Be free of suicidal thoughts
●​ Call crisis hotline if having suicidal thoughts
●​ Report feeling more positive about self and abilities
Family Conflict
Goal:
●​ Learn and use conflict resolution skills
4
TOPIC #4: STAGES AND SKILLS OF COUNSELING AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
●​ Recognize patterns of family conflict and discuss weekly
therapy
●​ Avoid angry outbursts by walking away from stressful
situations
●​ Get through Xdays out of 7 without fighting with sibling
TREATPLAN PLAN EXAMPLE
A.​ Infidelity
●​ Behavioral Definitions
○​ One partner engages in nonsexual behavior that
involves sharing intimate time, feelings, and /or
thoughts with an extramarital partner, and secrecy
that
violated
the
explicit
expectations
of
the
relationships.
●​ Long-Term Goals
○​ Hurt partner indicates a willingness to attempt to
engage in a process of forgiveness and to begin
rebuilding a trusting relationship.
○​ Partners attempt to meet each other’s emotional and
physical needs
5