Introduction
Modern counseling models and methods are as diverse and varied as the counselor and clients who apply them. Most counselors have a particular theory or method that they embrace, i.e., either cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, solution-focused therapy or holistic health. Apparently, all these approaches share at least a thing in common, i.e., their potential usefulness is likely to be suppressed lest the counselor is successful in developing a robust therapeutic association with the client (Meyers, 2014). For the counseling session to be successful, the counselor must be sincerely engaged in the therapeutic relationship, have unconditional positive regarding the client, show empathy, and clearly communicate his or her attitude. Others include giving a client room, validating, accepting and empowering your clients. In most cases, when these factors are applied the client portrays signs for readiness to change.
Empathy Understanding and Active Listening
Empathy is the ability to comprehend and imagine what an individual is going through. From the case, Vivian portrayed empathy when she comments “…it sounds like you are burdened… Is that right?” Another instance is when she said, “you sound like you are very sad and discouraged.” To address the issues within the client’s context, it is vital for a counselor to have a good understanding of them. This can be achieved by learning the client’s worldview, i.e., the client’s concern, and goals. Vivian expresses understanding when she says “After all that your mother has been through…” this indicates that she has been following what her client has been telling her (Okun & Kantrowitz, 2014).
Another instance is when she “…so, you are kind of torn between feeling it is your duty to help and also feeling unappreciated…” when Vivian says “that sounds like an excellent goal…” it implied that she had understood her client’s worldview pertaining her goals. Active listening is a skill that involves full concentrating on what a person is saying rather than just passively hearing. Active listening can be portrayed when one shows concern, non-verbal cues, waiting to disclose your opinion, asking a particular question to get clarification, and developing trust and rapport (Okun & Kantrowitz, 2014). Vivian demonstrates this skill by paraphrasing Hideko’s explanation, i.e., “So even though you are living at home and doing a lot…” Another example is “…what is your thoughts about that meeting?”
Additional active listening
One of the ways through which Vivian could have demonstrated active listening is by asking, “Tell me what I can do to help.” I am really impressed by your stand “…I really want to stop feeling so stressed and tired”. Another way is through demonstrating concern “I am ready to help you: I understand you are facing some tough challenges.” I understand how hard it is not to feel appreciated…”
Readiness to Change
Stages of changes are dependent on the trans-theoretical model which is defined as an intentional behavior change. The stages involved include pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance (Chang, Scott & Decker, 2013). Hideko is at the preparation stage. Preparation stage is a stage at which an individual is ready to take action immediately. In this stage an individual develops a plan of action, for instance, Hideko saying that “I thought about the problems I want to work on, and I need to stop feeling so stressed and tired.”
This indicates that she was ready to take action regarding her problem. She goes ahead to set a plan of action to overcome her challenge “…I want to take some time off…” In order to confirm my evaluation regarding Hideko’s stage of readiness to change, the following question can be of great importance. One “have you tried anything before to make progress towards your goals?” Secondly, “if you are not contented with the way things are, what would you like to change?” Thirdly, “what plans have you set in place to make these changes?” Fourth, “what are those steps you are working on now?” Lastly, “what can you do to keep the change moving forward?” With these questions, it will be possible to evaluate which stage she is at now (Meyers, 2015).