Discuss the factors that influence the counseling process.

 Counseling is not a linear process, but rather a dynamic process affected by so many factors.

Physical Setting/Contextual Factors: To make the process of counseling effective, it is important to have a physical setting or the context which provides a place of confidentiality and feeling of safety to client to begin with. Although there is no universal standard that a counseling room should have, yet there are certain optimal conditions which can be created to have a conducive environment for both client and the counsellor.

The counseling room should have comfortable sitting arrangements with good ventilation and right temperature. The room should have enough lighting and with soft and soothing colour.  It should not be too cluttered as it may deviate the attention of the client. It should be a place where privacy and confidentiality can be maintained. If it is near the main office or in view of public, client will hesitate to approach. It should not be in a noisy place and no disturbances or distractions should be there. The sitting arrangement should be in such a way that the distance betwera client and counsellor feels comfortable to both.

Presence of table or any other furniture between the client and counsellor may create a physical and psychological or symbolic barrier which can affect the rapport building between the client and counsellor. Different variations in physical setting can be adapted based on the client/counsellor’s comfort level, available resources and most importantly, the socio-cultural context. The counsellor should make sure that the session should not be disturbed or interrupted during counselling. The counsellor should put the phone on silent mode and can display do not disturb ‘sign outside the room for undisturbed session.

Process Factors: The process of counselling can be facilitated by putting in a structure to it so that the client is clear of what to expect in the counselling process. The structure gives a framework which both the client and counsellor can refer to have a clear understanding of the counselling process. It reflects a mutual understanding between the client and counsellor regarding their respective roles and responsibilities, and also about the characteristics, conditions and procedures of counselling including the fees and ethical guidelines.

Thus structure provides a sense of objectivity to the counselling relationship and the counselling process.  It helps clarify counsellor-client relationship, provides a direction to counselling process, protects the rights, roles and obligations of both counsellor and client; and ensures the success of counselling. Structure is provided throughout different stages of counselling However, it is more important to provide the structure of counseling in the beginning itself, so that client is well aware about what to expect from the counselling sessions and does not have any unrealistic expectation.

Structure helps the client to know the time limit of the session, action limits i.e., what to express and how to express , role limits , and procedural limits. Thus structure helps to bring in some sense of order for the client who is otherwise faced with confusion, chaotic situation and conflicting issues in her/his life. The counselling process is also influenced by proper use of counselling skills by the counsellor.

The bond between client and counsellor with open listening and unconditional acceptance helps reflection, emotional catharsis and emotional vent out which fastens the healing process. Learning new models and ways of thinking helps the client to get empowered to deal with his/her life.

Client Factors: The therapeutic relationship between the client and counsellor depends on how they perceive each other. The client who actively participates in the counselling process have more successful outcomes from counselling than those who are passive. So the initiative taken by the client is a crucial factor in determining the outcome of counselling.  It refers to the motivation to change. Those clients who have positive expectation and faith in the counselling process and counsellor, they are more likely to continue in counselling and achieve success in counselling. An important aspect here is the source of referral – whether the client is self referred or referred by a third party.

When self-referred or the client ! come on her/his own, it is assumed that the client will take initiative and be motivated change. However, this may not always be the case in referral by others – parents, teachers or school administrators or office boss. There may be reluctant clients or resistant clients. Reluctant clients may be there in referral cases, however, resistant clients can be in both self referred and other-referred cases.

A reluctant client lacks motivation, is reluctant and does not take initiative. They do not want to be in counselling. They may report dissatisfaction and prematurely terminate the counselling. Resistant clients are those who may want counselling but are unwilling, unready, or opposed to change and want to avoid the emotional pain, change in perspective, or enhanced awareness that counselling demands. If the client is not involved in the counselling process or not doing assignments or work to change their thoughts and actions, they are being resistant to the counselling process. In such cases, the skill of the counsellor becomes very critical.

Therapist/Counsellor Factors: 

The counsellor has an important role to play in the outcomes of the counselling sessions. Their personal and professional qualities are very important building up the relationship with the client. There are number of qualities which a counsellor should possess in order to be more effective such as they need to be encouraging, supportive, patient listener, warm, accepting, empathetic, and non-judgemental and having positive regards for the client.

All these qualities of the counsellor are more likely to create the right conditions for success. They should also be interested in helping people. Apart from these, s/he should be well trained and expert in the methods that they practice, with a high professional ethics. five important characteristics a counsellor should possess. These are: Self-awareness, honesty, congruence or genuineness, ability to communicate and knowledge.

Clients also look for expertise in the counsellor. Counsellors need to communicate in simple, jargon-free language, wear appropriate attire, and show genuine concern and interest in the client without being bossy, lecturing or criticizing the client. Most important, counsellors need to develop a trusting relationship with the client which can serve as the foundation for the client to open up and share things with the counsellor.

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