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Unit 11: Counseling: Concept, Need and Goals with Reference to India

In the ancient world of the Orient, the pupil has the choice or freedom to seek his own guru Notes
(teacher). The guru, in his turn, was free to give the kind of education that he thought best suited
the pupil and was free in the choice of the method of instruction. However, this gurukula system
of education could not survive the onslaughts of repeated foreign invasions. It disappeared and
was replaced by alien models of education. The element of freedom that was present in the
ancient educational system came to be substituted by regimentation. Pupils had to learn from a
fixed curriculum and teachers were bound to teach along the lines of this fixed curriculum. Thus
freedom disappeared from the scene of Indian education.Indian society came to be much maligned
by the Varnashrama dharma.

11.1 Concept of Counseling

Definitions of Counseling
We have already stated that counseling is the most important part of the Guidance Programme.
We have also seen that the meaning of counseling in the professional sense differ from the
popular understanding of the term. Now let us examine the meaning of counseling more closely.
For this purpose we shall analyze the various definitions of counseling. It will help us clarify the
concept.
Rogers (1952) describes counseling as “ The process by which the structure of the self is relaxed
in the safety of the clients relationship with the therapist and previously desired experiences are
perceived and then integrated into an altered self”.
According to Halm and Mchean (1955) “Counseling is a one to one relationship between an
individual troubled by problems with which he cannot cope alone and a professional worker
whose training and experience have qualified him to help others reach solutions to various types
of personal difficulties”.
Smith (1955) defines “Counseling is a process in which the counselor assists the counseling to
make interpretations of facts relating to a choice plan or adjustments which he needs to make”.
According to Stefflre (1970) “Counseling is a learning-teaching process”.
Gustad (1953) stated that “Counseling is a learning oriented process carried in a simple one to
one social environment in which the counselor, professionally competent in relevant psychological
skills and knowledge seeks to assist the client by methods appropriate to the latter’s needs and
within the context of the total personnel programme, to learn bow to put such understanding
into effect in relation to more clearly perceived, condition.” In short a helping profession involves
specialized knowledge, trained skills and the desire to provide comfort to others.

Pepisky and Pepisky (1954) defined “Counseling as that interaction which occurs
between two individuals called counselor and client, takes place in a professional
setting and is initiated and maintained to facilitate changes in the behaviour of a
client”.

11.2 Need of Counseling in Human Problems

Counseling aims at helping the clients understand and accept themselves “as they are”, such that
they are able to work towards realizing their potential. Often this requires modification of
attitudes, outlook and behaviour. The nature of the counseling process depends on the setting or
the situation. The counselor accepts his clients and has unconditional regard for their personality
or self or self-worth. Naturally, counseling involves the feelings of clients. It is often because the

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