PSYC 388 INTRODUCTION TO
COUNSELLING UNIT 5&6 FINAL EXAM
STUDY GUIDE ATHABASCA
UNIVERSITY
, Unit 5: Building Counselling Relationships
Learning Objectives
1. Describe five factors involved in establishing a positive counselling relationship. Pg. 126.
- Self-awareness
- Honesty
- Congruence
- Ability to communicate
- Knowledge
2. Identify and discuss the possible barriers that may impede the development of a positive counselling
process and identify ways to overcome each barrier. Pg. 117.
- Seriousness of the presenting problem
- Structure
- Initiative
- Physical setting
- Client qualities
- Counsellor qualities
3. Outline and evaluate the criteria for judging effective goals for developing a positive counselling
relationship.
*See Question 8*
4. Define and give examples of the micro skills used to facilitate information gathering and relationship
building in a first interview. Pg. 133.
- Attending
- Encouraging
- Reflecting
- Listening
- Basic attending behaviour and client observation skills
Key Terms and Concepts
• Accent Highlighting the last word the client said. i.e. Client: “This situation is driving me
crazy!” Counsellor: “Driving you crazy?”
• Acknowledgment of Non-Verbal Behavior differs from reflection/ summary of feelings. “I
noticed your arms are folded and you’re looking at the floor”, does not interpret the meaning of
the behaviour.
• Advanced Empathy Process of helping a client explore themes, issues, and emotions new to
their awareness. 2nd level of empathy is usually inappropriate for an initial interview because it
examines too much information too quickly.
COUNSELLING UNIT 5&6 FINAL EXAM
STUDY GUIDE ATHABASCA
UNIVERSITY
, Unit 5: Building Counselling Relationships
Learning Objectives
1. Describe five factors involved in establishing a positive counselling relationship. Pg. 126.
- Self-awareness
- Honesty
- Congruence
- Ability to communicate
- Knowledge
2. Identify and discuss the possible barriers that may impede the development of a positive counselling
process and identify ways to overcome each barrier. Pg. 117.
- Seriousness of the presenting problem
- Structure
- Initiative
- Physical setting
- Client qualities
- Counsellor qualities
3. Outline and evaluate the criteria for judging effective goals for developing a positive counselling
relationship.
*See Question 8*
4. Define and give examples of the micro skills used to facilitate information gathering and relationship
building in a first interview. Pg. 133.
- Attending
- Encouraging
- Reflecting
- Listening
- Basic attending behaviour and client observation skills
Key Terms and Concepts
• Accent Highlighting the last word the client said. i.e. Client: “This situation is driving me
crazy!” Counsellor: “Driving you crazy?”
• Acknowledgment of Non-Verbal Behavior differs from reflection/ summary of feelings. “I
noticed your arms are folded and you’re looking at the floor”, does not interpret the meaning of
the behaviour.
• Advanced Empathy Process of helping a client explore themes, issues, and emotions new to
their awareness. 2nd level of empathy is usually inappropriate for an initial interview because it
examines too much information too quickly.
