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Guidance and Counseling

Notes • Paraphrasing and clarification : Paraphrasing is repetition of the jest of client’s feelings by
the counselor in their own words. For example, “You seem to be saying that you are afraid
that your family is not going to take care of you”. The clients might then agree with the
interpretation. If not, the counselor can seek clarification by saying “will you please explain
it with more details?” Utilizing this technique, the counselor attempts to give feed back to
the client; the essence or content of what the client has just said and clarifies understanding
of the client’s world. Clarification helps the client to come to understand themselves better.
When you ask the client to explain something in more details or in a different way; by doing
this clients not only explore their own feelings further, but will also feel that you are trying
hard to understand their situation. In the process, counselors also tell the client about the
scientific facts not known to them.
II. Interpretation : Often people avoid focusing on the real problem and talk around the issue.
Interpretation goes beyond what is explicitly expressed by the feelings and implied meanings
of the client’s statement. Even client is unaware of this. Counselor redefines the problem from
a different point of view to bring out more clarity to the problem and make client aware to the
core problem. The counselor also helps client to establish what is relevant, emphasising the
important points – for example, “Of all the things you talked about today, it seems to me you
are most concerned about....”
III. Repeating : At times of stress and crisis, clients are in a state of denial or feeling overwhelmed.
They may not always understand everything they are told. As a counselor, do not hesitate and
repeat salient points of the discussion, statements of support or necessary facts. It ensures that
the clients clearly understand the problem and requisite action. Client would usually convey
that they understand and accept the information.
IV. Summarizing : Many people who are stunned by news of the disease may respond by talking
quickly and trying to provide more details or ask more questions; than counselor c a n
absorb or comprehend. It is then helpful for the counselor to interrupt at times and summarize
what has been said. This is like paraphrasing and helps to ensure that each understands the
other correctly. Summarizing towards the end of the Counseling provides guidance and
direction to both counselor and counselee; to deal with practical matters of the problem and
decide plan of action. A summary resembles a combination of reflection of feeling and
paraphrasing over a longer period of time. At the end of each session, the counselor should
summarize the salient points of the discussion, highlight decisions which have been made and
need to be acted on.
V. Confrontation : Many a time’s clients are so much preoccupied with their fears that cannot see
the connection between their behaviour and the responses of the others. Confrontation involves
a direct examination of incongruities and discrepancies in the client’s thinking, feeling and/or
behaviour. The counselor tells the client that how their thoughts affect their action and
behaviour, which in turn affect the behaviour of others towards them. E.g. Because of fear of
discrimination, people withdraw themselves and do not speak to friends and relatives. Friends
and relatives in turn also respond by not talking to them. Establishment of strong relationship
and rapport is essential before commenting on such issues. It is a highly intrusive skill hence
timing is very important and advice on confrontation must be delivered in an atmosphere of
warmth, care and concern.
VI. Respecting : As a counselor, try to appreciate that people see their problems in unique personal
ways determined by culture, social class and personality. Respect client’s views and beliefs
and build on them. Show respect, for instance, by asking a client to explain different aspects of
the culture or personal beliefs that are strange to you; for example, “you feel strongly about
this. I don’t know about it. Tell me more about it”.
VII. Structuring or Prioritization : Structuring means helping the client to see relationship between
facts and feelings. It helps clients to determine the important aspects of their concern that
needs immediate attention and other less important aspects that can be put off until later. It is
essential part of planning and probably one of the most critical skills in counseling.

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