Process of Counseling

Processes in
Counseling
Matthew Miles Villanueva DIASS

Introduction
Some people think that counseling occurs only in one session
wherein a client comes in and talks to the counselor, and the
problem is solved. In reality, the resolution of a concern through
counseling takes more than one session. Moreover, counseling
involves processes apart from the client sharing his or her concerns
to the counselor. These processes enable the counselor to help the
client more effectively. They are guides in choosing which steps to
take throughout the whole counseling program.
2
Counseling is said to be an art
and a science. As an art,
counselors should be sensitive to
the needs of the clients.
Counseling requires good
listening skills and the ability to
show care and empathy. As a
science, it requires the use of
research-based techniques. It also
follows a process that helps
counselors monitor and evaluate
the client’s progress.
3
This process usually consists of three stages:
the beginning or early phase – in which the counselor and the

client establish the therapeutic relationship;
the middle phase – in which both work together to achieve the

goals of counseling;
and lastly, the late phase in which the counselor and the client
terminate the counseling relationship (Brown and Srebalus
2003; Gladding 2009). 4
How should counseling be conducted?
Stage 1: Relationship-Building
At the heart of the counseling process is the relationship between the client
and the counselor. Research has shown that the client-counselor
relationship is one of the most important factors that determines the
effectiveness of any specific counseling technique (Wampold 2015). Any
technique is only as effective as the quality of the relationship between the
counselor and the client. Without trust, a sense of safety, respect, and care in
the relationship, it is difficult for the counselor and the client to work
together to achieve their therapeutic goals.
5
According to Carl Rogers (1957 in Corey 2017), certain core
conditions must be present in the therapeutic relationship
in order to facilitate change in the client.
Accurate empathic understanding – entails the ability to get into the

client’s thoughts and feelings without getting lost in them. It means that
the counselor is able to correctly sense his or her clients’ internal world
and reflect an understanding of it back to them.
Unconditional positive regard – entails the ability to show genuine care

for the client. It means accepting and caring for the client without any
conditions or judgment.
5
According to Carl Rogers (1957 in Corey 2017), certain core
conditions must be present in the therapeutic relationship
in order to facilitate change in the client.
Congruence – is the ability to show genuineness and authenticity. In this

state, there should be a match or congruence between the counselor’s
internal experience and how he or she behaves towards the client.
5
Stage 2: Assessment and Diagnosis
Such an understanding and evidence can be obtained from an assessment,

or the use of data-gathering methods such as tests, observations, and
interviews to obtain information and evaluate the client’s situation.
Assessment is important as it helps the counselor formulate an explanation
of the client’s problems. This explanation, in turn, will guide the counselor
in developing an appropriate treatment plan or approach.
5
Stage 3: Formulation of Counseling Goals
Once a counselor has a sound understanding and evaluation of the client’s

problems, they must work together to formulate certain goals. Goal-setting is
important because it directs the counseling process. Once formulated, it will
serve as a guide to or a roadmap of what will happen in the succeeding
sessions.
5
Stage 4: Intervention and Problem Solving
Intervention pertains to the deliberate process or method of solving the

client’s problems. Because counseling is a therapeutic relationship, the
cooperation between the client and the counselor is important. Clients must
be involved in the choice of interventions to be implemented.
5
Stage 5: Termination and Follow-Up
The vital goal of counseling is to enable clients to reach a point wherein they
will no longer need the assistance of a counselor as they go along with their
life. One of the goals of counseling is to empower the client to have the
mental and emotional capacities to deal with different kinds of problems
later in life. The whole counseling process between the counselor and the
client can end when clients can already cope with their difficulties on their
own. Counselors and clients agree on a termination date.
5
Stage 6: Research and Evaluation
Using their experiences in counseling, some counselors can design certain

types of studies, such as determining the effectiveness of a particular
intervention technique. However, in such cases, counselors must be well-
versed and knowledgeable in designing and conducting research. Counselors
whose sole focus is on the practice of counseling must still take the time to
inform and train themselves in developments regarding research as they
practice.
5
Wrap-Up
Counseling does not occur only in a single session. It happens in several
stages and requires several sessions between the counselors and the
clients.
The process of counseling can be divided into the following stages:
Stage 1: Relationship-Building
Stage 2: Assessment and Diagnosis
Stage 3: Formulation of Counseling Goals
Stage 4: Intervention and Problem-Solving
Stage 5: Termination and Follow-Up
Stage 6: Research and Evaluation
6
Thank you
for listening!

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Processes in

Matthew Miles Villanueva DIASS

the beginning or early phase – in which the counselor and the

the middle phase – in which both work together to achieve the

Accurate empathic understanding – entails the ability to get into the

Unconditional positive regard – entails the ability to show genuine care

Congruence – is the ability to show genuineness and authenticity. In this

Stage 2: Assessment and Diagnosis

Such an understanding and evidence can be obtained from an assessment,

Stage 3: Formulation of Counseling Goals

Once a counselor has a sound understanding and evaluation of the client’s

Stage 4: Intervention and Problem Solving

Intervention pertains to the deliberate process or method of solving the

Stage 5: Termination and Follow-Up

Stage 6: Research and Evaluation

Using their experiences in counseling, some counselors can design certain

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