Reflective Essay: The Etymology Of Active Listening

Though the etymology of counsel means to advise via plan or opinion, the affiliation to counseling differs slightly. Although many attend counseling on the basis of needing advice or an opinion on a situation, the principles of active listening dictate counselors not to mix their personal ideas when listening to clients. Rather, the principles of encouraging, paraphrasing, and summarizing are to lead clients towards the essence of their stories in order to find resolution in their strengths and skills. This orients the sessions around the concept of unconditional positive regard. Should the counselor begin to offer advice, a hierarchy is established and the client may feel a lack of acceptance or understanding – the opposite of what the counseling environment should be. Ultimately, clients are the expert of their lives and have the capacity to make the decisions they see right for them. Neurobiologically, continual focus on a negative situation makes it more difficult to find the positive aspects. The goal of counselors is to help clients see their
When explained that it was an egalitarian process he seemed confused and asked to address it at our next session. I accomplished the first two stages of goal setting: establishing an empathic relationship with my client and finding my clients concerns and strengths. However, I failed to guide the client towards realizing his strengths. Thus, that will be a priority in the next session so that we might establish goals and work towards them. In order to do so, I hope to summarize what we spoke of at the last session, ask what went well in the time between sessions, and convey to the client his capacity for continually finding positives. Goals help the client outside of counseling session and serve as a reminder of the things discussed and of the potentiality of