Week 1 Review Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is Cultural Intentionality in counselling?
The deliberate attempt by a counsellor to understand how a client’s cultural background influences their view of the problem. It involves being aware of cultural impacts, asking questions, and adjusting support accordingly.
What are the components of the Basic Listening Sequence (BLS)?
(5)
Attending and Empathy Skills
Observation Skills
Questions (open/closed)
Encouraging, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Reflecting Feelings
What is Informed consent in counselling?
Informing clients about the goals, techniques, risks, benefits, and limitations of counselling services. It protects both the client and the counsellor and should be revisited throughout the process.
What adjustments are needed when counselling children? (4)
Use fewer encouragers, paraphrases, and summaries
Avoid open-ended questions
Use short, simple, and concrete language
Break abstract ideas into situational language
What is Multicultural Competence in counselling?
The awareness, knowledge, and skills to provide effective counselling in a multicultural world.
It includes understanding cultural differences (e.g., eye contact norms) and adjusting techniques as needed.
What are the 3 V’s + B in observation skills?
Visual: Observable behavior (e.g., restlessness)
Vocal Qualities: Volume, slurring, stuttering, etc.
Verbal Tracking: Paraphrasing, encouragers, acknowledging, following their story
Body Language: Posture, openness, turning away
What are the 4 dimensions of an accurate Paraphrase?
Sentence stems
- Lead in part of sentence (ex: “can I just clarify with you…”)
Repeating key words
- words they emphasize & repeat has meaning to them (whether they realize it or not)
Capturing the essence
- makes sure they know we heard/understand them
Providing a check-out for accuracy
- “it sounds like… is that accurate?”
What are the limitations of paraphrasing in counselling?
Shouldn’t be overused
- Use sparingly and purposefully
Can be annoying or feel repetitive if done too much
What is Movement Synchrony in counselling?
When the counsellor and client’s body language aligns (mirrors), indicating strong rapport. It builds calm and trust over time.
What factors contribute to a Positive Treatment Outcome (Miller, 1999)?
Strong client-counsellor relationship (30%)
Client factors (40): personality, mental health, substance use, housing, finances, belief in counselling
Skills/technique are less important than the relationship (15%)
Hope is also 15%
- Client factors and a strong client-counsellor relationship are the biggest contributors of a positive treatment outcome
How does the Basic Listening Sequence (BLS) help in counselling? (3)
Helps gather full client stories (facts, thoughts, feelings, behaviors)
Builds rapport and helps clients feel heard
Allows identification of strengths and resources
Why is flexibility key when using BLS?
Skills don’t need to follow a fixed order
Should be adapted to fit the client’s needs and session context
What is empathy in counselling?
Experiencing the world as if you were the client, while maintaining awareness that the client is separate from you.
What are the 3 levels of empathy?
Subtractive: Counsellor misunderstands or minimizes
Basic: Reflects what the client said accurately
Additive: Adds insight, new perspective, or depth
What is the role of Self-Disclosure in counselling?
Helps with rapport if used appropriately
Should be used minimally, especially for new counsellors
Avoid sharing details; it’s about supporting, not shifting focus to yourself
Identify the type of empathy:
“I’m sure things will get better, try to take things easy.”
Subtractive – dismisses the client’s concerns, minimizes their experience.
Identify the type of empathy:
“I’m hearing your experiences haven’t been positive. You feel mistreated because of your ethnicity. I’m open to discussing this more to support your job search.”
Additive – reflects the client’s feelings and invites deeper conversation and problem-solving.
