PYC3705 (Answers to past exam
papers 2011 - 2014)
, 2011 October / November Exam paper
Question 1:
Discuss 3 guidelines a counsellor can use to end an intense counselling
relationship in a positive way.
Provide an example for each (15)
1. Be aware of the client’s needs and wants
The client might want to talk to the counsellor about approaching
termination and might require a few sessions.
2. Be aware of your own needs and wants
Counsellors who do not take care of themselves find termination of clients
just as difficult. Acknowledgement of personal feelings before a session ends
is vital.
3. Be aware of previous experiences with separation and your inner reaction to
these experiences.
A counsellor should be emotionally aware to avoid counter transference and
be genuine in the relationship.
1
,Question 2:
Briefly discuss the two ethical approaches in counselling. (15)
1. The normative approach
In the normative approach, the person directs his/her behaviour according
to a certain set of norms and values. The person with a normative
approach will treat all people with respect, irrespective of whether she/he
benefits from it. It is part of his/her value system. These norms and values
are usually linked to a code of conduct of philosophy or religion and is
characteristic of the person. This shows the person's strength of
character.
Normative or rule based ethics is that they stifle ethical thinking. They
invite us not to think, not to consider the effects of a particular practice on
a particular person or family, but simply to follow a rule.
Physical contact between a counsellor and a client is highly controversial.
Handshakes and occasional pats on the shoulders are about the limit of
acceptable physical contact. Touch is a high risk activity. Any form of
hugging or quick squeezing of the shoulder could be the start of unwanted
physical contact and may even be intrusive and/or offensive to some
clients.
A client counsellor relationship excludes all other relationships, both private,
non-professional relationships and other formal relationships with clients
must also be avoided.
Counsellors should avid professional relationships with family members,
employees, close associates, students and peers.
2. The relational ethics approach
This approach makes one consider the effects of particular action in specific
context
Relational ethics combines relationship and ethics in a multidimensional
concept
Codes and standards inform rather than determine our ethical decisions
Each client, counsellor and situation is unique
2
, Question 3:
Indicate which one of the two approached to ethics you would choose to apply
to Mrs. Green dilemma to share or not to share with Mike.
Give a reason for your choice. (10)
Disclosing to Mike that her husband is the general manager of a company that is
looking for a draftsperson would be considered to be inappropriate by many
counsellors.
Even telling Mike about the position without revealing that her husband is the
general manager is risky, because the client might feel aggrieved if he later finds
out what the relationship between the Greens is. Nor would it be appropriate for
Mrs Green to approach her husband about this matter. She would be breaching
Mikes’ right to confidentiality if she should tell her husband about him and his
problems without first getting his consent.
I would have used the normative ethics approach as disclosing information to
either her husband or to Mike will jeopardise the professional relationship and
stand in the way of Mikes counselling process.
Question 4:
Discuss the importance of contracting within a counselling context (10)
Contracting, within this context, refers to the open discussion and agreement on
certain matters and is related to counselling, including the ‘presenting problem’.
There are a few contracting issues, some of which are practical and others
therapeutic in nature. A clients’ expectations must be verified during
contracting. You cannot predict how the session may go and this will save you
the awkwardness of explaining some details of what the counselling service
offers. Only provide the client with the minimal information so you do not create
false hope or contaminate the counselling process.
3
papers 2011 - 2014)
, 2011 October / November Exam paper
Question 1:
Discuss 3 guidelines a counsellor can use to end an intense counselling
relationship in a positive way.
Provide an example for each (15)
1. Be aware of the client’s needs and wants
The client might want to talk to the counsellor about approaching
termination and might require a few sessions.
2. Be aware of your own needs and wants
Counsellors who do not take care of themselves find termination of clients
just as difficult. Acknowledgement of personal feelings before a session ends
is vital.
3. Be aware of previous experiences with separation and your inner reaction to
these experiences.
A counsellor should be emotionally aware to avoid counter transference and
be genuine in the relationship.
1
,Question 2:
Briefly discuss the two ethical approaches in counselling. (15)
1. The normative approach
In the normative approach, the person directs his/her behaviour according
to a certain set of norms and values. The person with a normative
approach will treat all people with respect, irrespective of whether she/he
benefits from it. It is part of his/her value system. These norms and values
are usually linked to a code of conduct of philosophy or religion and is
characteristic of the person. This shows the person's strength of
character.
Normative or rule based ethics is that they stifle ethical thinking. They
invite us not to think, not to consider the effects of a particular practice on
a particular person or family, but simply to follow a rule.
Physical contact between a counsellor and a client is highly controversial.
Handshakes and occasional pats on the shoulders are about the limit of
acceptable physical contact. Touch is a high risk activity. Any form of
hugging or quick squeezing of the shoulder could be the start of unwanted
physical contact and may even be intrusive and/or offensive to some
clients.
A client counsellor relationship excludes all other relationships, both private,
non-professional relationships and other formal relationships with clients
must also be avoided.
Counsellors should avid professional relationships with family members,
employees, close associates, students and peers.
2. The relational ethics approach
This approach makes one consider the effects of particular action in specific
context
Relational ethics combines relationship and ethics in a multidimensional
concept
Codes and standards inform rather than determine our ethical decisions
Each client, counsellor and situation is unique
2
, Question 3:
Indicate which one of the two approached to ethics you would choose to apply
to Mrs. Green dilemma to share or not to share with Mike.
Give a reason for your choice. (10)
Disclosing to Mike that her husband is the general manager of a company that is
looking for a draftsperson would be considered to be inappropriate by many
counsellors.
Even telling Mike about the position without revealing that her husband is the
general manager is risky, because the client might feel aggrieved if he later finds
out what the relationship between the Greens is. Nor would it be appropriate for
Mrs Green to approach her husband about this matter. She would be breaching
Mikes’ right to confidentiality if she should tell her husband about him and his
problems without first getting his consent.
I would have used the normative ethics approach as disclosing information to
either her husband or to Mike will jeopardise the professional relationship and
stand in the way of Mikes counselling process.
Question 4:
Discuss the importance of contracting within a counselling context (10)
Contracting, within this context, refers to the open discussion and agreement on
certain matters and is related to counselling, including the ‘presenting problem’.
There are a few contracting issues, some of which are practical and others
therapeutic in nature. A clients’ expectations must be verified during
contracting. You cannot predict how the session may go and this will save you
the awkwardness of explaining some details of what the counselling service
offers. Only provide the client with the minimal information so you do not create
false hope or contaminate the counselling process.
3
