Apply Specialist Interpersonal and Counselling Interview Skills CHCCSL002

Assessment Book 2

Apply Specialist Interpersonal and Counselling Interview Skills

CHCCSL002

Assessment Instructions

All of the information that you need to complete your assessment tasks are included in your Study Guide and associated Readings. Before attempting to complete this Assessment Book you must read through all of the information supplied to you in the Study Guide and Readings for this unit. You are required to complete all assessment questions successfully in order to be deemed competent in this unit.

This Assessment Book is designed to assess your knowledge. Copying sentences and blocks of text directly from your Study Guide, Readings, or other documents does not demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Neither does copying the work of another student. Such practices are regarded as plagiarism and will not be tolerated. (Please see your Student Handbook for further information regarding Plagiarism).

A guideline for the number of words required for a response is included to give you an idea of the depth of information that is required to successfully answer the question. If you are well under the approximate number of words you may need to ask yourself whether you have been too superficial in your response. If you are well over the word limit, then you may need to ask yourself whether you have included irrelevant information or repeated yourself unnecessarily.

If you do not understand what is required for you to complete an assessment, please contact an Education Adviser.

Important Note:

When an assessment item asks you to write what you would say to a client, this means that you need to write, word for word, what you could say to the client if you were in session. These items assess your ability to generate appropriate responses and demonstrate important skills in the counselling context. As such, it is not acceptable to write out the topics you would cover. Rather, you need to imagine that you are in the session with the client and write out how you would verbally respond in the scenario. We have provided an example to indicate how you should approach this type of assessment item.

Assessment Item: Karen has come to counselling after the end of a long-term friendship. Karen has been struggling to make sense of how the friendship ended and is also wondering why she is in so much pain. She says that she is as hurt by this friendship ending as she has been by the worst break-ups she has been through, and she worries she is over-reacting or having a mental breakdown. What would you say to Karen to normalise this experience? (Your response should be approximately 70 words.)

Response: Karen, although we dont often see the pain of friendship loss represented in television shows or movie or pop songs, and we only seem to talk about relationship loss in terms of romantic relationships, the loss of a friendship can be just as significant. The loss of an important friendship brings on grief, just the way the loss of any other kind of important relationship does.

Submitting an Assessment Book

Please submit your assessment book via your online student portal at http://my.aipc.net.au

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Assessment Summary

Please find below the results of your first submission (this will be completed by your assessor after your Assessment Book has been submitted)

Result	Date Assessed	Assessor Name	Assessor Initials

Questions to resubmit (if first submission is not yet competent)

Students, please note:

A Not Yet Competent (NYC) result does not mean that you have to redo the whole unit. In the box above, the marker has identified exactly which questions you need to resubmit. Feedback is provided (in a comment box) beside your current answer. All resubmissions have to be completed at the end of this marked book.

To make a resubmission,

Step 1: Go right to the end of this Assessment Book to the Resubmission Page. Please do not change your original answers. Your marker will need to look at your original answer and your resubmitted answer.

Step 2: Write the question number and then enter your answers into the Resubmission Box. The box will expand as you enter text.

Step 3: Make sure that you have answered all of the questions that you have been asked to resubmit.

Step 4: Resubmit this assessment book for marking via the student portal.

All the best!

Please find below the results of your resubmission (this will be completed by your assessor after your Assessment Book has been resubmitted)

Resubmission Result	Date Assessed	Assessor Name	Assessor Initials

Section 1

INTRODUCTION TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Factors Impacting the Communication Process

1.1 Complete the table below by correctly identifying which component of communication is being described. Select components from the following list:

• Channels

• Context

• Feedback

• Noise

• Participants

• Receiver (decoder).

• Rules

• Sender (encoder).

Description	Communication component
a) This is a term that can be used to refer to all people involved in a communication process.
b) This is the person who receives a message and interprets it.
c) This refers to the setting in which the communication takes place. It can include not only the physical setting by also factors such as the people present and their relationship to each other.
d) These are the means and pathways by which messages are sent.
e) This is the person who forms the message and attempts to communicate it through verbal and non-verbal behaviour.
f) Guidelines (explicit or implicit) about appropriate and inappropriate behaviour during communication.
g) Distractions such as a practice phone ringing while a session is in progress.
h) A statement made by one participant such as I can see that was upsetting for you.

1.2 Select whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Physical and psychological settings make up the context of the communication in the communication process.

True False

2. Messages consist of both intentional and non-intentional components.

True False

3. Rules within relationships and communication are fixed and unable to be changed.

True False

4. Channels are the means and pathways by which messages are sent and can include the use of sound, written symbols, or nonverbal messages, scents, or the distance between two participants.

True False

1.3 Briefly describe the role of the source and the receiver within the communication process. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Strategies that Enhance Counselling Communication

1.4What strategies should a counsellor use to ensure that he or she appropriately decodes (i.e. interprets) the message that a client has sent.

1. a) Active listening

1. b) Observe non-verbal cues

1. c) Monitor own values, beliefs and emotions

1. d) Attending behaviour

1. e) All of the above

Your response:

1.5 Understanding how a person absorbs and processes information is important for understanding how they communicate. This is known as a persons learning style. Consider what you have learned about learning styles in order to respond to the questions below.

a) Complete the table below by correctly identifying the most likely primary learning (aural, kinaesthetic, read/write, or visual) style of each of the learners.

Learner	Learning Style
i. Jane has a good sense of pitch and rhythm and can typically sing, play a musical instrument, and identify the sounds of different rhythms.	Jane is primarily a/an:
ii. Kyle prefers using images, pictures, colours, and maps to organise information and communicate with others. He can easily visualise objects, plans, and outcomes mentally.	Kyle is primarily a/an:
iii. Tahlia uses her body and sense of touch to learn about the world around her. She enjoys sports, exercise, and other physical activities. She likes to think out issues, ideas, and problems while shes exercising and would rather go for a walk or run if something is bothering her than sit at home.	Tahlia is primarily a/an:
iv. Michael likes making lists and using bullet points, and will make lots of notes when learning something new. He enjoys reading and would prefer to read by himself or to others than be read to. He will often rewrite material in order to learn it.	Michael is primarily a/an:

b) Allan is a counsellor who tries to tailor his counselling sessions according to a clients learning style. Read each of the session descriptions in the table below and, for each, select the clients likely primary learning style (aural, kinaesthetic, read/write, or visual).

Counsellor method	Client learning Style
i. Allan uses a whiteboard to sketch out the clients family tree and fills in what various members have had difficulties with in the past.
ii. During sessions, Allan encourages his client to practice or act out the changes in behaviour the client is trying to make.
iii. Allan and his client spend the session talking through the impact of the changes he has made as a result of their sessions.

c) Briefly explain why understanding your clients learning style can help with effective communication within the counselling relationship. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Communication Barriers

1.6 Complete the table below by identifying the most likely type of communication barrier that would be present in each example. Communication barriers include:

• Age-related.

• Cultural

• Disability

• Individual perceptions.

• Language

• Physical

Example	Communication barrier
a) The counsellor spends most of the session writing down what the client says word for word.
b) A Chinese client who avoids eye contact and seems uncomfortable talking about his feelings.
c) A client has an intellectual impairment.
d) A refugee who has recently been granted asylum in Australia and doesnt speak much English.
e) A counsellor who assumes that his client is happy about his new job role as it pays more money (but involves a lot more responsibility)
f) A client who thinks her counsellor looks very young and probably doesnt have much life experience.

1.7 Imagine that you are a school counsellor who, due to budget cuts, has been told that you must now share an office with the school secretary. Identify what communication barrier this is most likely to cause for you and your clients (i.e., students, teachers, and other staff) and briefly explain why. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

1.8 Bill is an Anglo-Australian counsellor (50 years of age) who is seeing a new client, Deborah (an 18 year old Aboriginal female student), for their first session together. They meet in Bills office and sit facing each other. Throughout the counselling session Bill seeks to maintain direct eye contact with Deborah. As the session goes on, Bill notices that Deborah is becoming increasingly uncomfortable and is not expressing herself openly.

Identify two (2) potential communication barriers in the above scenario and, in the table below, provide an example of a strategy that Bill could apply to overcome each barrier.

The first row of the table has been completed for you to give you an example format for your response. Note: You must identify two (2) additional potential communication barriers and at least one (1) strategy to overcome each barrier. (Your total response should be approximately 75 words)

Barrier	Solution
Environmental	Being seated directly face-to-face could be making the client uncomfortable. As such, Bill could ask Deborah if she would be more comfortable with a different seating arrangement.
a)
b)

1.9 Select the correct two terms, in the correct order, to complete the following sentence:

During counselling, in the case of cultural and perceptive barriers, it is the (1) __________s responsibility to develop an understanding of the (2) __________s cultural traditions and do their best to respect them.

1. (1) client and (2) client.

1. (1) client and (2) counsellor.

1. (1) counsellor and (2) client.

1. (1) counsellor and (2) counsellor.

Your response:

1.10 List three (3) ways a counsellor can address barriers created by client disability. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

1.11 List three (3) ways in which a counsellor can address environmental barriers. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

1.12 Identify one (1) communication technique that a counsellor could use to ensure that they understand the clients point of view and are not making assumptions. (Your response should be approximately 10 words)

Integrating your Knowledge

The following questions require you to draw upon all of the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout this section of the Study Guide.

1.13 Aliya feels overwhelmed. She has three children under the age of five, is the primary caretaker for her mother who suffers from dementia and she is also trying to study for a counselling diploma.

1. a) List three (3) key areas of cognitive functioning that Aliyas high levels of stress may affect. (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

b) List three (3) indicators (either verbal or non-verbal) that a counsellor could observe to identify Aliyas high levels of stress. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

c) Describe how Aliyas counsellor could communicate effectively and appropriately with her given her high levels of stress. (Your response should be approximately 100 words)

1.14 Select whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Challenging is an effective communication strategy to use if a client is in a stressed or traumatised state.

True False

2. Stress and trauma may reduce an individuals ability to listen effectively.

True False

3. A counsellors values may impact on the communication process.

True False

1.15 Read the following referral document and then answer the questions below.

Client name: Ling Mei Age: 14 Nationality: Chinese Dear Adam, I am referring Ling Mei for counselling to help address stress she is experiencing in relation to her academic studies. Ling received a B+ for her overall performance this term but is upset that she did not receive an A. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following information is found in Lings student file. VARK profile: 80% Visual learner 20% Auditory learner

a) Briefly outline two (2) potential barriers that might make it harder for a counsellor to communicate effectively with this client. (Your total response should approximately 50 words)

b) Briefly outline how the counsellor could reduce these barriers and enhance communication with this client. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

CHCCCSL002 Assessment Book Section 1 Assessors Comments To be completed by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors to provide constructive feedback on your responses to questions in this section.

Competent / Not Yet Competent

Assessors Name:

Date:

Section 2

MICROSKILLS AND THE COUNSELLING INTERVIEW

What is a Counselling Interview?

2.1 Briefly outline the main aims of a counselling interview. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

2.2 Ivey, Ivey and Zalaquett (2014) developed a five-stage model that can be used as a framework to describe the different tasks that a counsellor seeks to achieve in each counselling interview.

The following table briefly outlines (in no particular order) some specific steps that occur during a counselling session with a client who is experiencing difficulties at work. You must complete the table below by selecting which of Ivey, Ivey and Zalaquetts stages each step is likely to be taking place in. The stages are:

• Initiating the session.

• Gathering data.

• Mutual goal setting.

• Working

• Ending

Step	Interview stage
a) The client and counsellor explore various possible options to deal with the difficult work situation by developing the clients assertive communication skills.
b) The counsellor and client collaboratively decide that the clients goal will be to develop more assertive communication skills for use at work.
c) The client tells the counsellor about his difficult work situation.
d) The client is anxious about what might happen in the session and the counsellor puts him at ease.
e) The client commits to trying some agreed assertiveness strategies at work during the week and reporting back next session.

Attending Behaviours

2.3 Identify and briefly describe the three Vs + B of attending behaviour. (Your response should be approximately 30 words for each)

2.4 When used in counselling, attending behaviours should be used to:

a) Let the client know when it is time to stop talking.

b) Make you appear to be listening while you are deciding what to say.

c) Ensure your client knows you are listening to them and understanding what they are saying, so that they can feel more confident to explore their issues with you.

d) Fill in time if you dont think you can help them.

e) Convey a sense of detachment from your clients problems.

Your response:

Observation

2.5 During counselling, clients do not always communicate with words. It is important that you learn to apply observation skills to help identify what your clients non-verbal behaviours can indicate.

a) Counsellors need to observe and gather information from clients non-verbal behaviour. For each type of non-verbal behaviour listed in the table below, provide two (2) examples of what each behaviour might indicate. (Your total response should be approximately 100 words)

Behaviour	Meaning
i) Posture
ii) Facial expressions
iii) Eye contact
iv) Silence

b) The way in which a person speaks can also provide a counsellor with a wealth of information. List the three (3) things a counsellor should observe about a clients voice while they are speaking. (Your total response should be approximately 10 words)

2.6 Imagine that you are counselling a new client, Kevin. Kevin is describing an incident that happened at work. He is sitting bolt upright and his arms are crossed. He is frowning and is quite red in the face. He seems to be looking somewhere over your shoulder.

Describe what you might infer from Kevins non-verbal communication (i.e., what do you think he might be thinking/feeling). (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

2.7 Imagine that you are counselling a new client, Kyla. Kyla is talking about a difficult childhood experience. She is slumped in her chair and there are tears in her eyes. Although she is smiling, she is swallowing repeatedly and looking down at the floor.

a) Describe what you might infer from Kylas non-verbal communication (i.e., what do you think she might be thinking/feeling). (Your response should be approximately 50 words).

b) Briefly describe the verbal and non-verbal communication strategies you should use as Kylas counsellor to demonstrate to Kyla that you are listening to her story. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Questioning Skills

2.8 Melissa is attending counselling to help her with a problematic work situation. The counsellor wants to encourage Melissa to talk about what has been happening with her supervisor in more depth.

a) What type of question (open or closed) should the counsellor use to achieve this aim?

b) Provide an example of a question the counsellor might ask Melissa to achieve this aim. (Your response should be approximately 20 words)

c) After Melissa tells more of her story, the counsellor wants to clarify whether or not Melissa has reported the issue to her human resources department. What type of question (open or closed) would help the counsellor clarify this?

d) Provide an example of a question the counsellor might ask Melissa to achieve this aim. (Your response should be approximately 20 words)

2.9 Questions can help to guide counselling conversations and further develop a clients story. However, they must be used appropriately. The table below outlines some potential problematic types of questions. You must complete the table by briefly outlining why each of these types of questions can be problematic. (Your total response should be approximately 100 words in total)

Type of question	Why is this problematic?
a) Bombardment/grilling
b) Multiple questions
c) Questions as statements
d) Why questions

2.10 Complete the table below by correctly identifying what type of question each of the examples is a form of. Each question is one of the following:

• Closed

• Compound/double-barrelled.

• Open

• Question as statement.

• Why questions.

Example	Type of question
a) What has been going on for you since we last met up?
b) Dont you think you should consult your husband before deciding that?
c) Have you attended counselling before?
d) What do you find most difficult about your husbands behaviour and your relationship with your mother in law?

2.11 Explain why counsellors should avoid asking clients compound/double-barrelled questions and what they should use instead. (Your response should be approximately 75 words).

Responding Skills AND Noting and Reflecting

2.12 Complete the table below by identifying which counselling microskill (encourager, paraphrase, reflection of feeling, or summary) is being used in each of the counselling examples. (Note: Each microskill may be used more than once.)

Example	Microskill
a) Client: Im here to see you because Im really lost. Counsellor: (nodding head) Uh-huh
b) Client: There are just so many problems going on with my family; its all too much. Counsellor: It feels overwhelming
c) Client: Ive told my wife that Ive decided to move to Sydney for this new job and she was upset. She doesnt want to move. Counsellor: I see. Youve decided to change jobs and move to Sydney, but your wife doesnt want to.
d) Client: Like I said last week, there is this new job in Sydney and I want to move but my wife isnt happy about it. So I havent talked to her about it since last week. Its also because theres no guarantee that Ill get the job, plus we are having a lot of family issues right now. My son is in his last year of high school and he doesnt want to move, so he is rebelling at the moment. My youngest daughter is sick and a new environment would not be ideal for her. I need to sort these out before discussing it with my wife again. Counsellor: Last week we talked about the possibility of you moving to Sydney with a new job. Today youve mentioned various family issues to sort out before youre able to make that move and you have agreed to hold off discussing it further with your wife until you know for sure if you have the job or not. Is that right?

2.13 Imagine that you are counselling a 35-year-old client, Sean, who has come to talk about his divorce. During the session he says: I am really lost right now. Eleanor still wont let me see the kids and I miss them so much. I can take her to court for a custody hearing but the lawyer would charge me an arm and a leg and Im not sure Id be able to trust him even if I could find the money. I just dont know what to do.

a) In the space below, write what you would say to Sean to provide an appropriate paraphrase of what he has said. You must ensure that your response includes all four dimensions of a lengthy paraphrase (i.e., a sentence stem, use of key words, reflection of the essence of what the client has said, and a checkout). (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

b) Consider everything you have learned about counselling microskills and briefly outline at least one (1) appropriate non-verbal technique and one (1) appropriate verbal technique that you would use during the remainder of your session to help keep Sean engaged in the counselling process. (Your response should be no more than 50 words.)

2.14 What is the difference between a paraphrase and a summary? Why might a counsellor use each? (Your response should be approximately 100 words)

2.15 When used appropriately, reflection of feeling is a very useful counselling communication skill that can help enable the client to explore the emotional dimensions of their concerns. List three (3) potential sources of information that a counsellor could use to help identify the clients emotions. (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

2.16 Imagine that you are counselling Jamie. Jamie has been referred to counselling because he has been getting into fights at school. During the course of the initial interview, you ask him about his home life. Some of Jamies statements are presented in the table below. You must complete the table by writing what you could say in response to each of Jamies statements using the indicated microskill and briefly outline the potential impact that your response would have on the counselling conversation. (Your total response should be approximately 200 words)

Jamies statement	Your response
a) Things are really bad at home at the moment.	i) Write an appropriate minimal encourager/ minimal response:
	ii) What impact would using a minimal encourager/minimal response have on the counselling conversation:
b) Mum and dad are always fighting about money. They shout and carry on and it ends up with dad storming out and going drinking and then mum gets all upset and goes to her room and I can hear her crying.	i) Write an appropriate paraphrase:
	ii) What impact would using a paraphrase have on the counselling conversation:
c) I hate listening to it. I get all wound up and antsy usually I turn the music way up so I dont have to hear them.	i) Write an appropriate reflection of feeling:
	ii) What impact would using a reflection of feeling have on the counselling conversation:
d) Dad just keeps on saying things will come right but I dont think they will its been going on like this for ages. The only way things will get better is if Dad actually gets his act together and gets some work. Ive even looked up some jobs and put them right in front of him but he always finds something thats wrong with them. Maybe I should just leave school and get a job and at least then therell be some money around and theyll stop fighting.	i) Write an appropriate summary.
	ii) What impact would using a summary have on the counselling conversation:

Providing Client Feedback

2.17 The purpose of providing client feedback is to:

1. Let the client know what you find annoying about them.
2. Ensure that you, as the counsellor, are in charge of the session.
3. Help clients identify behaviour, thoughts or emotions that may be contributing to their issue.

Your response:

2.18 List three (3) strategies that can be used when giving clients feedback to reduce the likelihood of them responding defensively. (Your total response should be approximately 50 words)

A Note on Silence

2.19 As a counsellor, the effective use of silence can be a valuable communication tool. List three (3) benefits that the use of silence can have for counselling. (Your total response should be approximately 50 words)

2.20 Briefly outline what you should do if there is an extended period of silence during your counselling session with a client. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Microskills in Action

2.21 A counsellor, Imelda, and her client, Max, are talking about his experiences as a child in boarding school. Imelda notices that Max is becoming increasingly withdrawn and giving monosyllabic answers. He seems tense and is avoiding making eye contact with her and she senses that this had been a really difficult, traumatic time for him. Imelda immediately changes the subject and asks Max what films he has seen lately.

a) What non-verbal cues might indicate that Max is experiencing a strong emotional reaction? (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

b) Briefly describe Imeldas key responsibility, given that strong emotions have arisen in session, and the skills that she should use in responding to Max. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

c) Is it always necessary and helpful for clients to talk about the emotions that arise in counselling sessions? Why or why not? (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

d) What could Imelda say to indicate to Max that she is attending to his communication and seeking to understand what is happening? (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

e) What would you recommend that Imelda do if Max indicates that he does not want to talk about his experience at boarding school and how he feels about it? (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Integrating your Knowledge

The following questions require you to draw upon all of the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout Sections 1 and 2 of the Study Guide.

2.22 Complete the table below by briefly outlining at which stage or stages of the counselling interview each of the counselling techniques is most often used. (Your total response should be approximately 100 words)

Technique	Stage/s when used most often
a) Attending behaviour
b) Client observation
c) Questioning
d) Responding (encouragers, paraphrasing, summarizing)
e) Noting and reflecting
f) Giving client feedback

2.23 Imagine that you are counselling Eloise, who is experiencing relationship issues. Eloise tells you that her husband has told her that she never listens to him. You notice in your sessions that Eloise repeatedly interrupts you and ignores what you have said. You feel that this might have some bearing on her communication difficulties with her husband. What technique would you use in this situation and what would you hope to achieve by using it? (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

2.24 Imagine that a counsellor has been talking with a client, Melanie, about the difficulties she is having with her body image and how her husband, Adrian, has been exacerbating this issue by commenting on her weight gain.

The counsellor says, So when Adrian comments on your weight, you feel ashamed but angry as well because youve told him before that it upsets you. What technique is the counsellor using and what effect might it have on Melanie? (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

2.25 Cam, a beginning counsellor, has just received a review of his work practises from his supervisor. Having observed a few of Cams counselling sessions with clients, his supervisor has made the following observations:

• Cams office is very messy and he conducts sessions sitting behind his desk with his door open.

• Cam seems quite distracted he fidgets and taps his pen on his desk.

• He tends to get stuck in straight away, asking clients lots of questions about goals before the client has had time to talk about an issue in any great depth.

• Cams supervisor notices that Cam has a very specific way of running sessions which involves a lot of role-playing with all of his clients, regardless of their learning style.

• Cam also takes lots of notes during sessions. He presents pages of them in supervision.

• Most of Cams clients report finding it difficult to talk to him.

In the space below, briefly outline what Cam is doing that might be interrupting his counselling communication with clients and what steps can he take to improve things. Hint: It may help to identify any communication barriers that could arise due to Cams practices. (Your response should be approximately 150 words)

CHCCSL002 Assessment Book Section 2 Assessors Comments To be completed by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors to provide constructive feedback on your responses to questions in this section.

Competent / Not Yet Competent

Assessors Name:

Date:

Section 3

SPECIALIST COUNSELLING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

3.1 Core microskills are generally used to establish rapport, gain a comprehensive understanding of a clients issues and help identify what the client would like to achieve from the counselling process. Specialist skills such as challenging, focusing, and reframing are typically used too

1. Enhance client development and growth.
2. Facilitate change in behaviour, thought patterns or emotions.
3. Help clients become aware of blind spots that may be contributing to their issue.
4. Offer clients a different perspective of their issue
5. All of the above.

Your response:

3.2 It is usually appropriate to use specialist communication skills

1. In initiating the session stage as a way of building client-counsellor rapport.
2. In the gathering data stage as a way of facilitating understanding of the clients issue.
3. In the mutual goal setting stage as a way of supporting the client in the decision making process
4. In the working stage as a way of supporting the client in identifying what they need to change and how they can achieve this.

Your response:

Challenging

3.3 Select whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Challenging should be used when the counsellor identifies discrepancies, conflicts, and mixed messages in the clients experience.

True False

2. The most effective type of challenging are those that involve direct, harsh confrontations.

True False

3. When used effectively, challenging can help bring about change in the clients behaviour.

True False

4. Challenging can help assist clients to broaden their self-awareness.

True False

5. Challenging focuses on the person as the problem.

True False

3.4 Read the following counselling conversation examples and indicate whether or not the counsellors statement is an appropriate use of challenging.

1. Client: [sobbing]. And now they say shes terminal. Im devastated I dont think I can do it without her.

Counsellor: Of course you can.

Is this an appropriate use of challenging?

Yes No

2. The client is telling the counsellor how its a good thing that she lost their job but has tears welling in her eyes while she is telling the story of having to clear out her desk.

The counsellor says: You say that you couldnt care less about losing your job but you seemed a little teary just then when you were talking about clearing out your desk.

Is this an appropriate use of challenging?

Yes No

3. The client dejectedly tells the counsellor that things are hopeless because everyone hates them.

The counsellor says: You say that no-one likes you but you mentioned in our last session that you recently had a surprise birthday party organised by your friends and family. It seems to me that there are people who care about you very much.

Is this an appropriate use of challenging?

Yes No

3.5 Read the following client statements and provide a counsellor response that effectively uses the skill of challenging. Remember that challenges must be sensitive, appropriate, and professional. Hint: Reading D may help with this question. (Each response should be approximately 30 words)

a) (After indicating that she has just bought an expensive dress) Im really worried about how Im going to pay this months rent.

b) (Client breaks eye contact, sighs, and slumps in their chair) Yes, it would be good to get to the library to get that vocational information you suggest I know it would be helpful for me.

c) Nothing is more important to me than my family. I like to spend a lot of time with them. (A few minutes later) My work is my number one priority it has to come first.

3.6 List three (3) things that counsellors should keep in mind when using challenging to help ensure that the client does not response defensively. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Focusing

3.7 Select whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Focusing can enable the counsellor to direct the clients focus onto themselves (the client).

True False

2. Focusing enables the counsellor to convince the client that the counsellors opinion is the best one.

True False

3. Focusing enables the client to talk about unrelated matters whenever they like.

True False

4. Focusing is used to direct attention to specific dimensions and areas of the clients life and experience.

True False

3.8 Briefly explain what each of the following types of focusing are. (Each response should be approximately 20 words)

1. Focusing clients on themselves.

2. Focused exploration.

3. Focused responding.

3.9 Focusing skills are used to direct attention to specific dimensions and areas of the clients life and experiences. The box below provides examples of statements/questions that a counsellor can use to focus a client on particular dimensions.

Client statement: Kerrie and I went out on our first date but Im scared she wont want to see me again. I think I said some stupid things, so maybe she thinks Im dumb. I want to call her to find out if she likes me, but I had to reset my phone so I lost her number. Im Facebook friends with one of her mates, but after how the date went, Im not sure her friend will give me Kerries number again. I told my brothers about it and that was a mistake they just gave me a hard time about it. a) Focus on feelings: Youre feeling scared that Kerrie might not want to go out with you again. b) Focus on the problem: How do you think you could contact her to see whether she wants to see you again? c) Focus on significant others: Why dont you think her friend will give you her number again? d) Focus on the context: How are relationships approached in your family? e) Focus on the counsellor: Ive found the waiting period after a first date scary, too.

Consider the following client statement and write a response that uses focused responding for each area identified below. Write these responses as though you are a counsellor speaking to Theresa. (Each response should be approximately 20 words)

Theresa: I just broke up with my boyfriend Diego and I feel pretty awful. He wanted to get married and have kids, but I didnt. I think I still want to be friends, but he wont have anything to do with me. My friends think I have made the wrong decision.

a) Focus on feelings:

b) Focus on the problem:

c) Focus on significant others:

d) Focus on the context:

e) Focus on the counsellor:

Reframing

3.10 Consider each of the following client statements and write a reframing statement that a counsellor could give that provides another reasonable explanation for the event or circumstance that the client is discussing. Remember that reframing must be done sensitively and appropriately.

Hint: Reframing is a challenging skill to master; you might like to review Reading F for examples of reframing before you answer the following questions. (Each response should be approximately 50 words)

1. Marcel is studying at TAFE. He tells his counsellor, I think my teacher thinks I dont pay attention in class. Shes always asking for my opinion in discussions, like shes trying to catch me out and prove I wasnt listening or something.

2. Billy started attending counselling after being made redundant at work. During one session, he says starts talking about his wife, Sarah. He says, Im worried that Sarah is having an affair. She always says that shes working long hours, and when I took her out for dinner the other night so we could have some time together, she didnt seem to want to be there. She just yawned all evening.

3. Jackie has a habit of quickly skimming through work emails, which means that she has missed important information more than once. She is upset after a work meeting, and tells her counsellor, Im such an idiot. They were talking about this strategy that I have no idea about. It must be common knowledge everyone else in the room had something to say about it. But I didnt even understand half of what they were saying. I dont think Im cut out for this job.

3.11 Read the following counselling scenarios and select whether or not you would use reframing in these situations.

1. To convince a client that their perspective is wrong.

Yes No

2. To offer a more realistic view in response to a clients belief that she is useless at everything.

Yes No

3. In an initial session when a client is talking about what has brought her to counselling.

Yes No

4. To help a client who is experiencing relationship issues consider alternative motivations or explanations for their partners actions.

Yes No

Counselling Skills in Action

3.12 Select whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Challenging can be a particularly effective technique when working with clients who are If a client is stuck in a particular pattern of behaviour/thoughts.

True False

2. If a client appears to be nervous and is focusing on small problems during the initial counselling session then the counsellor should challenge the client to talk about more important problems.

True False

3. Reframing can be a useful technique when working with mandated clients.

True False

4. Counsellors should consider each individual clients needs and background before using specialist counselling skills like focusing, reframing, and challenging.

True False

Integrating Your Knowledge

The following questions require you to draw upon all of the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout the first three sections of the Study Guide.

3.13 Counsellor Eric has developed an effective counselling relationship with his client, Carter, and has a good understanding of the issues Carter is struggling with. They are now in the working stage of the counselling process and Eric wants to help Carter develop insight into his family issues and implement the changes hes identified as a priority.

Complete the table below by identifying which specialist counselling skill (challenging, focusing, reframing) would be most appropriate for Eric to use in each case.

Erics intention	Specialist skill
a) Eric wants to help Carter explore his family dynamics in more depth to help him deal more effectively with issues hes having with his father.
b) Eric wants to help Carter explore the current situation from multiple perspectives and consider his fathers point of view.
c) Eric wants to help Carter become aware of the discrepancy between what he says he wants (a closer relationship with his father) and his behaviour (staying out all night and avoiding him).

3.14 Read the following client/counsellor transcript and identify which specialist counselling skill (i.e., challenging, focusing, or reframing) would be most appropriate to use at that particular point and describe the potential impact this may have on the client.

a) Client: So I was walking down the street and there was Bernadette. I was so excited to see her I havent seen her for ages. She was across the street and I couldnt cross just then but I waved at her and she just completely blanked me! Well, I was going to ask her to Rachels wedding but now shes off the wedding list.

1. What specialist skill would it be most appropriate for the counsellor use at this point?

2. What beneficial impact might it have on the client? (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

b) Client: My family is quite religious and theyve always looked down on single mothers. I havent told them that Im pregnant yet. I guess thats why I havent really mentioned them.

1. What specialist skill would it be most appropriate for the counsellor use at this point?

2. What beneficial impact might it have on the client? (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

c) Client: Im definitely going to call her. This has gone on long enough and I cant move forward until we sort things out. (and then reports in the next session that he did not make the call).

1. What specialist skill would it be most appropriate for the counsellor use at this point?

2. What beneficial impact might it have on the client? (Your response should be approximately 30 words)

3.15 Read the following extracts from a counselling conversation and identify which counselling skill (challenging, focusing, reflection of feeling, reframing, responding skills) the counsellor is using.

	Dialogue	Skill
Client	I feel so confused at the moment. I feel like Im being pulled in two different directions. Im studying full time which I love but my Dad wants me to give it up and work full time for the family business.
Counsellor	Youre feeling unsure and conflicted about these two options.
Client	I really dont want to work for the family business. I dont mind helping him out but I have no interest in being there forever. I know that at some stage I have to break it to him but he says its important that Im involved. I feel like I cant leave but I really dont want to give up my studies either.
Counsellor	So if Im understanding correctly, although you dont mind helping out, youd prefer to carry on studying rather than commit to working in the family business but you feel its important to your dad?
Client	Im happy to drop my course if it means that hes happy. (tearful and looks down).
Counsellor	You say that dropping your course would be okay if that means your dads happy, but it looks to me like the thought of dropping out is actually quite upsetting for you.
Client	Its just typical of dad. Hes always pressuring me to get full time work. Its like he doesnt think Ill ever be able to succeed using my university degree.
Counsellor	From what youve told me about your dad, he really struggled when he first came to Australia. I wonder if perhaps that might be why hes encouraging you to work in the family business so youll be financially secure.
Client	Yeah it was pretty tough for him when he first came over.
Counsellor	You know, I wonder if it might be helpful to talk a bit more about your family and what the family business might mean for all of you. I wonder if we can get a better idea of how to approach things with your dad then.

3.16 In which situation(s) would it NOT be appropriate to use specialist counselling skills (i.e., focusing, reframing, and challenging)?

1. You identify a pattern of avoidance and decide that you need to bring it to your clients attention.
2. Your client is distressed and crying about a recent car accident she was involved in.
3. Sessions are going well but your client is constantly putting herself down. Youd like to help her see herself more realistically.
4. Your client has mentioned feeling isolated but has not talked about his large Italian family at all.
5. Your client is extremely anxious about counselling and it is the first counselling session.

1. A & B

1. B & D

1. B & E

Your response:

CHCCSL002 Assessment Book Section 3 Assessors Comments To be completed by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors to provide constructive feedback on your responses to questions in this section.

Competent / Not Yet Competent

Assessors Name:

Date:

Section 4

COUNSELLING PRACTICE

Ethical Practice

4.1 Read the following extracts from the Australian Counselling Associations Code of Ethics and Practice before responding to the following questions.

Counsellors work with clients in ways that affirm both the common humanity and the uniqueness of each individual. They must be sensitive to the cultural context and worldview of the client, for instance whether the individual, family or the community is taken as central. Counsellors are responsible for working in ways that respect and promote the client's ability to make decisions in the light of his/her own beliefs, values and context. Counsellors have a responsibility to consider and address their own prejudices, stereotyping attitudes and behaviour. They are to give particular consideration to ways in which these may be affecting the counselling relationship and influencing their responses. (Adapted from ACA, pp. 7-8)

Consider what you have learned in your Study Guide and the extract above and select whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Counsellors must respect their clients individuality, values, and beliefs.

True False

2. Counsellors must work in a way that affirms clients' human rights.

True False

3. Counsellors must take care not to discriminate against clients.

True False

4. Counsellors must counsel in a way that encourages clients to align their values with the counsellor's.

True False

5. Counsellors have a responsibility to reflect on and evaluate their interactions/ communication with clients.

True False

6.Counsellor values and beliefs have the potential to detrimentally influence the counsellor-client relationship and communication process if they are not appropriately managed.

True False

7. Counsellors should seek to take into account the worldview of the client and encourage the client to make their own decisions based on their own value system.

True False

Self-Reflection

4.2 Briefly outline three (3) ways in which self-reflection can help counsellors improve their practice. (Your total response should be approximately 150 words)

4.3 Briefly outline the five steps of the reflective practice cycle and how counsellors can use it to reflect on and evaluate their own communication with clients. (Your response should be approximately 100 words)

4.4 Imagine that a counsellor, Jake, has used the reflective practice cycle and identified that he has difficulty understanding the cultural background of his diverse clients and this sometimes results in him allowing his own values to influence the counselling relationship. What could Jake do to address his gaps in knowledge/skills related to working with diverse clients? (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Self-Reflection and Ethical Practice

4.5 Identify the set of guidelines that you should consult to ensure your practice is in line with ethical principles? (Your response should be approximately 10 words)

4.6 Imagine that a counsellor, Mark, undertakes a process of structured self-reflection. Observations about his practice are detailed in the table below. Complete the table by correctly identifying which legal/ethical principle each of his observations relate to (confidentiality, discrimination, duty of care, practitioner/client boundaries, or privacy).

Marks self-reflection observations	Legal/ethical principle
a) I assumed that my client would not understand the assertiveness exercise I usually teach clients so I didnt bother doing it with him.
b) Although I didnt identify him, I discussed client Xs story with my friend at the pub.
c) I checked the ACA Code of Ethics and Practice to make sure I acted appropriately when client Y threatened to harm himself.
d) Maybe it wasnt the best idea to go have a coffee with Client Z after our session.
e) I made sure my office was still sound-proof after the recent renovations.

4.7 Counsellors must be aware of their own values so that they can ensure that these values do not interfere in their work with clients. To help you start developing a deeper awareness of your own values, complete the following Values Questionnaire. (Adapted from Corey, G., Corey, M., Corey C & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (7th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.)

Note: Your personal responses to the questionnaire will not be assessed, however evidence that you have completed the activity is required.

or each of the following, indicate the response about your values that best fits you there are no right or wrong answers. Use the following code:

A= I could work with this person;

B= I would have difficulty working with this person;

C= I could not work with this person.

Students personal responses are not assessed for this question; however, their response must demonstrate that they have reflected on their values and given a responses for each point below.
1. A person with fundamentalist religious beliefs
2. A man who wants to leave his wife and children to have sex with other women
3. A woman who is seriously considering an abortion
4. A teenager who is having unsafe sex and sees no problem with this behavior
5. A high school student who is sent to you by his parents as he is abusing drugs
6. A person who is convinced that ones feelings should be kept to oneself
7. A man who believes in physically punishing his children
8. A high school student in conflict with her adopted parent from a different culture
9. A high school student who thinks she may be lesbian
10. A gay or lesbian couple wanting to adopt a child
11. A man who cheats the system and gets more than his legal share of public assistance
12. An interracial couple wanting to adopt a child
13. A client from another culture who has values very different from your own
14. A mother who blames the school for her sons behaviour problems and constantly makes excuses for the child

4.8 Choose one of the clients from the previous question that you think might be challenging to work with given your values and beliefs. If you have answered A to all of the examples above, think of a client that might be problematic for you to work with personally. Identify which client you have chosen and describe how your own values might impact on the counselling relationship between you and this client. (Your response should be approximately 150 words)

4.9 A counsellor, Alex, reads the following extract in the ACAs Code of Ethics and Practice.

Counsellors are responsible for working in ways that respect and promote the clients ability to make a decision in the light or his/her own beliefs values and context. (ACA, 2013, p. 7).

Describe two (2) principles of the person-centred approach that would help Alex to counsel according to the above code of practice. (Your response should be approximately 50 words)

Client Session Notes

4.10 Briefly outline two (2) benefits of taking client session notes. (Your total response should be approximately 50 words)

4.11 List the key elements that a counsellor's session notes should typically include. (Your response should be approximately 75 words)

4.12 How can a counsellor ensure that note taking does not negatively affect the counselling communication process? (Your total response should be approximately 50 words)

4.13 Complete the table below by briefly explaining how each of the following legal/ethical principles relate to note taking. (Your total response should be approximately 100 words)

Ethical principle	Considerations in relation to note taking
a) Duty of care
b) Responsibility of counsellors and counselling organisations
c) Confidentiality and privacy

Integrating Your Knowledge

The following questions require you to draw upon all of the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout this Study Guide.

4.14 Read the following extract from a journal that a counsellor uses as a method for self-reflection.

KB was late again. I felt really annoyed and frustrated with her so I told her youre always late for sessions youre obviously not committed to changing your situation. She got very defensive. Not a great start! I havent been taking any notes as KB talks so fast (shes very stressed out which makes me all stressed out as well!) so we had to spend a bit of time reviewing the previous session. We used the visual charts which seem to be working well for her. KB said she hadnt attended her job interviews last week. I told her that I thought claiming from Centrelink for such an extended period wasnt right and that she needed to really focus on getting work. She went a bit quiet after that. Her boyfriend Matt seems to be important to her so I thought it might help to focus a bit more on her relationship with him. She seemed to be a bit more engaged then sitting upright and making a bit more eye contact. Matt thinks that working is for fools apparently and she spoke about how dismissive he is sometimes. She got a bit upset at that point. I showed her that I was listening and helped her identify some of her emotions using the feelings wheel. I felt we were on the same page then. KB said that actually there had been a job which sounded quite interesting but Matt talked her out of applying for it. She then said that talking things through in the session had made her realise that Matt had his own issues about work and that she would apply for the job as soon as she got home. KB also mentioned that she is having problems with her landlord as her flat is full of stuff and she just cant bring herself to throw anything away. It sounds to me like she might have a problem with hoarding which I dont know much about. I summarised the session for KB including the goals for the week, I made a note to look up some information about the hoarding and ended the session there.

a) Identify three (3) examples of things that the above counsellor did effectively within their work with KB. (Your response should be approximately 100 words)

b) Identify three (3) opportunities for counsellor improvement within this scenario. (Your total response should be approximately 150 words)

CHCCSL002 Assessment Book Section 4 Assessors Comments To be completed by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors to provide constructive feedback on your responses to questions in in this section.
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