Enhancing the ClientCounsellor Relationship Welcome Introductions Modus Operandi

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Welcome Introduction(s) & Modus Operandi

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship A little background to this presentation

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Levelling the Field Closing Perceptual Gaps Between Ourselves and Challenging Clients

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø The Phenomenon of the Perception Gap A perception gap occurs when the intention we set forth and communicate is misunderstood by our audience — bosses, peers, subordinates, clients, partners, and even friends. . That “trouble” is the Perception Gap. Jul 28, 2014

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship More simply put, a perceptual gap occurs when our perception of a person, situation or event does not match the other person’s perception Ø Perception forms the basis for what we believe to be REAL Ø Unless we decide to question our perception, what we believe to be real stays as it is…. The way things are Ø And of course we ALL have our perceptions

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship The underlying theory behind this presentation: Ø Understand practice what enhances relationship Results: Ø Builds a productive working relationship Ø Reduces perceptual gaps or mishaps Ø Creates a more productive client-counsellor relationship

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø In this presentation we will explore: Ø What we mean by enhancing the client-counsellor relationship? Ø What we mean by relationship? Ø What these are…. . and what they are not Ø What can we DO to enhance the client-counsellor relationship – (strategies) Ø What indicates we are on the right or wrong track

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø A few things to bear in mind: Ø Remembering skills level(s) & professional limitations Ø Maintaining personal boundaries Ø Being aware of value judgements and biases Ø Recognizing reactions when our buttons are being pushed

To Enhance or to Not Enhance Ø What do we mean by “Enhancing”? Ø Definition: To increase or improve in value, quality, desirability or attractiveness. (Webster’s Dictionary) Ø Therefore: Enhancing the client-counsellor relationship should increase the value and quality of the relationship.

To Enhance or to Not Enhance Ø What is the nature of an enhanced client-counsellor relationship? Ø What is the opposite of an enhanced client-counsellor relationship?

To Relate or to Not Relate Ø What to we mean by “Relationship? ” Ø Definition: A state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings (Webster’s Dictionary) Ø Therefore: A relationship exists between ourselves and our client

To Relate or to Not Relate Ø What is the nature of a successful relationship? Ø What is the nature of an unsuccessful relationship?

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø What role(s) do we play in enhancing this relationship? Ø What role(s) do the client play in enhancing this relationship?

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø What do we mean by “being on the right track”? Ø What do we mean by “being on the wrong track”?

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø Together, the client and counsellor form a team Ø Despite the fact that we are conglomerate of many different influences and systems. Ø Familial, individual, social, educational, environmental, cultural, societal; all very dynamic, all contributing to and shaping our past and present life experience as we know it.

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø Therefore, it is helpful to relate to our client as a whole person, understanding that finding employment is only a part of who they are

Strategies to Enhance the Client. Counsellor Relationship Pitfalls to Avoid Ø A sense of judgement of the person or their situation Ø A sense of superiority, (knowing what’s best) Ø Allowing values, biases and prejudices to creep in Ø Taking over, ”doing for” vs. “doing with” Ø Telling the client what we think they “should do” Ø Allowing anger, frustration or reaction to get in the way

Strategies to Enhance the Client. Counsellor Relationship Things to Encourage Ø Get to know the person you are working with Ø Create an empowering environment Ø Ask thought provoking and probing questions Ø Adopt a supportive “you can do this” approach Ø Hold clients accountable to action plans Ø Acknowledge accomplishment

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Let’s do a role play or maybe two!!

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship Ø Remember that we are all human beings doing the best we can with what we have at this point in our lives Ø We have the privilege of working quite closely with individual people, even if only for a short time Ø An enhanced working relationship can make a real difference in the life of “a person” referred to us as a client

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship We all have thoughts and feelings. We all have fears and insecurities We all have hopes and dreams. We all want to be happy We all want employment that is reasonably satisfying

Enhancing the Client-Counsellor Relationship