Why Diversity? - Counselling Connection

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AIPC’s Counsellor Skills Series, Report 3Table of ContentsAbout This Series 2Who We Are 2Join Our Community 2AIPC’s Publications 3Why Diversity 5Client Profiles 5Observing Client Mindsets 5Managing Challenging Clients 6Working with Children 10Respecting Your Client 16Therapeutic Circumstances 20Working with Groups 20Working with Children at Risk 22Case Studies 28Addictions and Group Work 28Multicultural Counselling 31Recommended Readings 34References 36Contacts 38Page 4
AIPC’s Counsellor Skills Series, Report 3Why Diversity?The client-counsellor relationship is fundamentally a relationship between two or morehuman beings. Obviously there are two different roles in the relationship but both counsellorand client(s) have a history of experiences that have shaped who they are, how they viewthe world and what their values are. Rapport is a foundation of the counselling relationshipand without respect for and knowledge of diversity, rapport is difficult to build and maintain.In order to help clients deal with confronting issues, it is important for counsellors tounderstand the intricacies of a client’s behaviour which are influenced by their age,emotional state, demographic profile, culture, and other factors.In this third report in our series, we provide information and strategies to support a betterknow-how of different types of clients, and the circumstances (both external and within thetherapeutic relationship) which affect their life outlook and motivation towards change.Client ProfilesOBSERVING CLIENT MINDSETSWhen it comes to interpersonal communication in therapy, being flexible and responsive isone of the most beneficial skills a counsellor can have. Different mindsets and emotionalstates require a particular approach; and the counsellor’s ability to adjust to a client’s needsis likely to dictate the success of that relationship.In order to better exemplify the diversity of mindsets which clients may approach counselingwith, there are five generic profiles of clients – and respective strategies -to help improve therelationship and enhance client-counsellor rapport.Emotionally Unstable Clients – The client is emotionally unstable and finding difficulty inexpressing him/herself. Emotionally unstable clients normally require a client-centredapproach which enforces the need to establish rapport and trust, and to ensure the client isaware that he or she is in a safe and friendly environment. The client will normally havedifficulty in expressing him/herself because he/she is unable or not ready to deal withemotions.Counselling strategies to establish rapport would include: using self-disclosure to relate tothe client’s situation and create an emotional link; creating goals and accountability in orderto encourage action from the client; providing transparency and positivity throughcommunication.Involuntary or Skeptical Clients – The client has been forced to attend to counselling (e.g.legally mandated). This type of client may be difficult to deal with in the early stages of therelationship.Normally, he or she will be skeptical about the process, and may not acknowledge any needto change. It is important for the therapist to gain respect from the client, and use thatrespect to establish trust.Page 5
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Why Diversity? - Counselling Connection

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