16/02/2023
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah
In line of building ourselves read the following piece 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Counseling is just a personal dialogue between someone with a challenge, willing to share her challenge with someone willing to hear, capable of proffering solutions.
It is expected the client do more of talking than you.
We are to listen more than we talk
*Listening skills alone makes your client relief!*
In the process of listening we shouldn't interupts the client nor show a non listening attitude like pressing phones or discussing with another. Undivided attention is highly needed! Is better you don't counsel than to exhibit such attitude.
Statements that are encourage are;
A) ok , Alright, tell me more, interesting, Hmm, sorry about that.
This shows you are following her conversation because some clients can be boring or inability to express themselves. ( This motivation from you?
B) what about this and that, who was that, how are you coping with such, honestly you are even strong, you must be intelligent then ( bro Abdulrahman used such words) and she's beautiful ( a sis too used that) bringing out their qualities.
Statements not encouraged Are;
1. Inna lillahi wa Inna lillahi rajiun, Kai! Showing remorseful makes a small challenge looks very big, ( internalised your exclamations) don't cry or panic!
2. Avoid using *why* while asking questions, it's judgemental.
3. Avoid *blame game*, your client is only opening up to you for help and not for condemning, do not interogate like a police officer!
For example, why did you beat her? Why didn't you do so and so?
4. Avoid statement that makes one to loose hope !
*Questions to know the mental health state of your clients*
This help you to know the effects of the challenge and damage on them.
_Expected questions_
If it happens your clients is undergoing these symptoms and you are asking it makes them feel relax with you and respect your expertise. There will be high tendacy of believing your counsels.
1. How are you feeling presently?
2. Do you isolate yourself from people? ( Wanting to be Alone?
3. Do you feel severe headache? ( One sided headache, or blackhead)
4. Do you get angry easily, over little things that doesn't matter?
5. Do you sleep well or restless?
6. Have you ever thought of commiting su***de? ( Think of dying and rest)
7. Do have thoughts of *why me God?*
8. How is your performance in school or office?
Sometimes your client just need someone to talk too and they will be fine!
*Ask many relevant questions before rushing to proffer solutions*
Alhamdulillah!
Assure them of confidentiality during the process!
By: Sadiq Ahmad
CEO
Bright Path Initiative - BPI
