Answer:

Stage 1-Initial Disclosure.

In this stage, the main focus is relationship building. When I say relationship building, in this setting, I mean establishing rapport with the client that is based on trust, respect, and care. When there is a good relationship between you and your client, the likelihood of the sessions being more productive are greater. In this stage, you want to practice all the basic counselor skills that we discussed in the “Basic Counselor Skills” video; such as: Empathy, Genuineness, Unconditional Positive Regard, Etc.

Here are some practical tips for helping to build a relationship with you client:

– Introduce Yourself. Be personable and inviting.

– Be hospitable. Invite the client to sit down. Ask them if they would like water, coffee, etc. Make sure they are comfortable.

– Address the client by name. This is a big step in helping your client feel known.

– Be inviting of social conversation to help reduce any anxiety they may be feeling. Remember, recognizing that they need and want help working through things can be a really big step.

– Allow your client to talk about his or her reason for coming in to talk.

– Indicate that you are interested in them and what they are going through.

Remember, your client may talk about all their experiences, from earliest childhood to the present, and the way that you respond can either help them to trust you or lend to them feeling a betrayal of trust.

One of the greatest obstacles in the relationship building stage is the tendency to move at too quick of a pace. Be patient with your client, be sensitive, and give them room to move at a natural pace. As trust begins to build between counselor and client, they are more inclined to respond in a positive way as you encourage them to move towards change.