Explain the counselling skills of evaluation and termination, and discuss ethical considerations in counselling. Highlight their significance with relevant examples.
Counselling is a structured process that requires careful attention not only to the techniques used during sessions but also to the ways progress is measured and how the counselling relationship is eventually concluded. Additionally, ethical considerations underpin every stage of counselling, safeguarding client welfare and maintaining professional integrity. This answer explores the counselling skills of evaluation and termination and discusses important ethical principles relevant across counselling practice.
Evaluation in Counselling
Evaluation involves systematically assessing the client's progress toward therapeutic goals to determine the effectiveness of the counselling process (Corey, 2021). It is an ongoing activity embedded within sessions and more formally reviewed at key points.
Importance of Evaluation:
Helps both counsellor and client understand what is working and what may need adjustment.
Encourages client reflection and engagement.
Supports evidence-based practice by tracking outcomes.
Identifies new or evolving client needs.
Methods of Evaluation:
Client Self-Reports: Verbal feedback about feelings of improvement or setbacks.
Standardized Measures: Psychometric tools to assess symptoms or functioning.
Counsellor Observations: Noting changes in client behavior, attitude, or affect.
Goal Review: Comparing progress against defined goals.
Example:
In sessions with Akash, a client with depression, the counsellor regularly asked Akash to rate his mood and coping skills. After eight weeks, both noted significant improvement in symptoms aligned with goals, prompting consideration of termination (Egan & Reese, 2019).
Termination in Counselling
Termination is the planned and purposeful ending of the counselling relationship. It marks the conclusion of therapeutic work, ideally when goals have been met or when continuation is no longer beneficial (Nelson-Jones, 2014).
Why Termination is Important:
Provides closure for both client and counsellor.
Celebrates client achievements and progress.
Prepares clients to maintain gains independently.
Addresses any lingering feelings about ending the relationship.
Effective Termination Process:
Early Discussion: Counsellors should raise termination early to prepare clients.
Review Goals and Progress: Reflect on changes and achievements.
Discuss Feelings: Explore client emotions about ending therapy.
Plan for Maintenance: Develop strategies and referrals for ongoing support if needed.
Provide Closure: Offer final feedback and positive reinforcement.
Example:
Priya’s counselling for anxiety ended after twelve sessions. During termination, she and her counsellor reviewed coping skills learned and created a relapse prevention plan. Priya expressed gratitude but also some sadness, which was addressed empathetically (Ivey, Ivey, & Zalaquett, 2018).
Ethical Considerations in Counselling
Ethics form the backbone of responsible counselling practice. They ensure client safety, respect, and professionalism throughout the therapeutic relationship (Corey, 2021).
Key Ethical Principles:
Confidentiality: Client information must be protected, with exceptions legally mandated (e.g., risk of harm).
Informed Consent: Clients must understand the counselling process, their rights, and limits of confidentiality.
Competence: Counsellors must practice within their training and seek supervision.
Boundaries: Maintaining professional relationships and avoiding dual relationships that impair objectivity.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting client values and adapting interventions accordingly.
Non-Maleficence and Beneficence: Do no harm and strive to promote client welfare.
Ethical Dilemmas:
Counsellors often navigate dilemmas like managing confidentiality with minors, reporting abuse, or balancing client autonomy with safety.
Example:
A counsellor working with a client expressing suicidal ideation faced the ethical challenge of breaching confidentiality to protect the client’s life. The counsellor explained this limit clearly beforehand and handled the situation with care and transparency (Neukrug, 2017).
Integration of Evaluation, Termination, and Ethics
Effective counselling weaves evaluation and termination into sessions while continuously upholding ethical standards. For example, ethical evaluation includes ensuring client understanding and voluntary participation. Similarly, termination involves ethically managing client dependence and facilitating autonomy.
Conclusion
Evaluation and termination are essential counselling skills that ensure therapy is purposeful, monitored, and responsibly concluded. Alongside, adherence to ethical principles safeguards client dignity, promotes trust, and maintains professional standards. For counselling students and practitioners, mastering these skills and values is fundamental to delivering effective, respectful, and legally sound counselling services.
References
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Egan, G., & Reese, R. J. (2019). The Skilled Helper (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Nelson-Jones, R. (2014). Practical Counselling and Helping Skills (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2018). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Neukrug, E. (2017). The World of the Counselor (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
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