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Unit 14: Types of Counseling: Non-Directive Counseling

(c) It is further hypothesized that in such an acceptant understanding and non-threatening Notes
atmosphere the client will reorganise him/herself.
(d) This adjusted way of life as achieved in the therapeutic relation with the counselor will be
genrealized to real life situations as a whole.
Thus the whole idea of the theory is that the clients are capable of correcting misperceptions or
incongruencies between self and experience, in the accepting environments of a counseling situation.
If the counselor possess some personal qualities like congruency (counselor being a genunie and
integrated person), unconditional positive regard (non evaluative attitude of the counselor whereby
client’s thoughts feelings or begaviour are accepted without judging them as good or bad) and
empathy (counselor’s ability to know the client’s world as he/she does and to convey this
understanding).
However, this theory underestimates the need for the counselor to be an expert in behaviour
dynamics, problem solving techniques or developmental processes, etc. Moreover, Rogers rejects
the use of diagnosis testing and other such techinques saying that they hinder the client’s natural
gorwth. Instead he/she stresses listening, paraphrasing, reflecting client’s comments rather than
interpreting direct questioning, etc.

14.4 Non-Directive Counseling Techniques

Non directive counseling involves active listening by the therapist.
Self-acceptance is the key concept of nondirective counseling. Also known as client-centred therapy
and developed by Carl Rogers, this therapeutic method uses multiple, in-session techinques to
assist clients. Though not commonly in use today, this counseling option ideally enabled patients to
understand their behaviours while accepting their individuality.

Listening
Listening by the therapist proves essential in nondirective counseling. Rather than being an active
participant in therapy, the therapist’s main job is to listen to the patient. After allowing the patient
ot guide the direction of therapy, the therapist restates what the client has disclosed, thus creating
a situation where the patient reflects upon past behaviors and choices.
Accepting

Unconditional positive regard -- a vital aspect of nondirective therapy -- enables patients to feel
safe, secure and accepted regardless of the things they have done. The counselor does not judge
patients by past mistakes. With unconditional positive regard, patients ideally can try new things
and make mistakes without fear of rejection, allowing them the opportunity to self-actualize, or
achieve their potential.

Respecting and Understanding
Respecting the patient is essential in the psychotherapy. The counselor not only respects the privacy
of the patient, but also the patient’s integrity, personal beliefs and morals. Showing respect and
understanding allows the patient to feel accepted by and trust the counselor. The counselor must
also respect the experiences and choices of the patient, even if they’re not in agreement. Due to the
individualized nature of nondirective therapy, the counselor must be open-minded and willing to
work outside of the box when necessary.

Responding
The way in which the counselor responds to the patient plays a direct role in the healing process.
The counselor, using feedback and restating the ideas of the patient, forces the patient to acknowledge
ineffective or inappropriate behaviors and thought patterns. If the counselor responds to the patient
in a nonsupprtive way, therapy will most likey be unsuccessful. The therapist’s role is to continuously
direct the attention the topics back onto the patient rather than responding to irrelevant questioning.

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