Q1 Identify what the core counselling skills are and then describe how they are used. Include nine
examples. (1.1, 1.2)
Core counselling skill 1: Unconditional Positive Regard or 'UPR':
Carl Rogers was credited with the term Unconditional Positive Regard and refers to accepting a Client
for who they are and separating the action and beliefs of the Client, from the Client as a person (even
when the Therapist may not agree).
Unconditional Positive Regard is used to gain the confidence and trust of the Client in order to
explore a person's issues, whilst encouraging them to share their thoughts, feelings and actions
without fear of offending or judgment. For example, a Counsellor may ask a person to explain why
they have acted in a certain manner, as opposed to condemning their actions and therefore allowing
the Client to freely open up so a relationship can develop and grow.
There can be disadvantages with Unconditional Positive regard, for example, maintaining UPR may
be difficult if a person is constantly making bad choices; Counsellors can remain upbeat and positive,
whilst pointing out damaging behaviours, but this could be hard to constantly have to do.
Furthermore, a person may be looking to be told certain behaviours are wrong (e.g. in Couple's
Counselling) and being unable to hear this directly from a Counsellor may make them shut down
somewhat.
Core counselling skill 2: Genuineness (or Congruence):
Genuineness is being totally authentic and sincere with a real desire to help find solutions and
suspending any judgment; it is therefore strongly linked to Unconditional Positive Regard and
considered by Carl Rogers as the primary and most important element of the Core Skills and cannot
be compromised during Therapy.
Genuineness is used to ensure there is no façade and allow the Client to trust the Therapist with
their deepest thoughts whilst being forthcoming with their issues; the Client can be fully themselves
which in turn will allow the therapeutic relationship to develop and the process to flow.
For example, a Counsellor could be asked by the Client, who is experiencing low mood, if they think
they're "crazy" and the Counsellor can genuinely respond with "no" and explain that low moods are
normal and can be worked on to greatly improve.
Core counselling skill 3: Empathetic Understanding:
Empathetic Understanding is the ability to try to sensitively and accurately understand what a Client
is feeling, but not sympathetically; it is to see the world as someone else sees it at a given moment
and it is used to comprehend why people's actions make sense to them and accurately understand
what a Client is feeling.
An example of Empathetic Understanding would be if a Client has come to discuss grief and feeling
lonely and that no one else understands what they're going through. The Counsellor could show
empathy by talking about how grief can be an isolating experience and others potentially not
understanding the depth of the Client's emotions, whilst encouraging the Client that the Counsellor
is there with them to talk to and go on the journey together. The Counsellor will often use
Paraphrasing, Questioning, Summarising or simply repeat the Client's own words to ensure they are
truly being empathetic; for example, using phrases such as "So what I'm hearing is you feel as though
no one understands what you're going through, is that right?".
examples. (1.1, 1.2)
Core counselling skill 1: Unconditional Positive Regard or 'UPR':
Carl Rogers was credited with the term Unconditional Positive Regard and refers to accepting a Client
for who they are and separating the action and beliefs of the Client, from the Client as a person (even
when the Therapist may not agree).
Unconditional Positive Regard is used to gain the confidence and trust of the Client in order to
explore a person's issues, whilst encouraging them to share their thoughts, feelings and actions
without fear of offending or judgment. For example, a Counsellor may ask a person to explain why
they have acted in a certain manner, as opposed to condemning their actions and therefore allowing
the Client to freely open up so a relationship can develop and grow.
There can be disadvantages with Unconditional Positive regard, for example, maintaining UPR may
be difficult if a person is constantly making bad choices; Counsellors can remain upbeat and positive,
whilst pointing out damaging behaviours, but this could be hard to constantly have to do.
Furthermore, a person may be looking to be told certain behaviours are wrong (e.g. in Couple's
Counselling) and being unable to hear this directly from a Counsellor may make them shut down
somewhat.
Core counselling skill 2: Genuineness (or Congruence):
Genuineness is being totally authentic and sincere with a real desire to help find solutions and
suspending any judgment; it is therefore strongly linked to Unconditional Positive Regard and
considered by Carl Rogers as the primary and most important element of the Core Skills and cannot
be compromised during Therapy.
Genuineness is used to ensure there is no façade and allow the Client to trust the Therapist with
their deepest thoughts whilst being forthcoming with their issues; the Client can be fully themselves
which in turn will allow the therapeutic relationship to develop and the process to flow.
For example, a Counsellor could be asked by the Client, who is experiencing low mood, if they think
they're "crazy" and the Counsellor can genuinely respond with "no" and explain that low moods are
normal and can be worked on to greatly improve.
Core counselling skill 3: Empathetic Understanding:
Empathetic Understanding is the ability to try to sensitively and accurately understand what a Client
is feeling, but not sympathetically; it is to see the world as someone else sees it at a given moment
and it is used to comprehend why people's actions make sense to them and accurately understand
what a Client is feeling.
An example of Empathetic Understanding would be if a Client has come to discuss grief and feeling
lonely and that no one else understands what they're going through. The Counsellor could show
empathy by talking about how grief can be an isolating experience and others potentially not
understanding the depth of the Client's emotions, whilst encouraging the Client that the Counsellor
is there with them to talk to and go on the journey together. The Counsellor will often use
Paraphrasing, Questioning, Summarising or simply repeat the Client's own words to ensure they are
truly being empathetic; for example, using phrases such as "So what I'm hearing is you feel as though
no one understands what you're going through, is that right?".
