Page 164 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Guidance and Counseling

Notes 15.1 Concept of Eclectic Counseling

Eclectic counseling is defined as the synthesis and combination of directive and non-directive
counseling. It represents a middle status between the two extremes represented by the ‘non-directive’
technique on one hand and the ‘directive’ technique on the other. In eclectic counseling, the counselor
is neither too active as in the directive counseling nor too passive as in the non-directive counseling.
He just follows the middle path between these two.
In eclectic counseling, the needs of a person and his personality are studied by the counselor. After
this the counselor selects those techniques, which will be useful for the person. The main techniques
used are reassurance giving information, case history, testing etc.
In eclectic counseling the counselor first takes into consideration the personality and need of the
counselee. He selects the directive or non-directive technique that seems to serve the purpose best.
The counselor may start with the directive technique. When the situation demands, he may switch
over to the non-directive counseling and vice-versa.

In elected councils an attempt is made to adjust the technique to the requirements of
the situation and the individual.

15.2 Assumptions of Eclectic Counseling

(1) In general, passive methods should be used whenever possible.
(2) Active methods may be used with specific indications.
(3) In the early stages when the client is telling his story. passive techniques are usually the methods
of choice. This permits emotional release.
(4) Until simple methods have failed, complicated methods should not be attempted.
(5) All counseling should be client centered.

(6) Every client should be given an opportunity to resolve his problems indirectly. Inability of the
client to progress through therapy as using passive methods alone is an indication for utilizing
more directive methods.

(7) Directive methods are usually indicated in situational mal adjustment where a solution cannot
be achieved with out co-operation from other persons.

According to an important protagonist of the eclectic point of view, Thorne (1950),
eclecticism is the most practicable and apt approach to counseling. He points to the fact
that there are wide personality differences and no single theory of personality can
justifiably encompass all phenomena.

15.3 Characteristic of Eclectic Counseling
(1) In this, objective and coordinating methods are used.
(2) In the beginning of counseling, client-active methods are used and the counselor remains
passive.
(3) In this, more importance is assigned to the job efficiency and treatment.

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