Counseling Techniques

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Counseling Techniques
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Counseling Sessions

• Before counseling others, vital to have your own
  finances under control
• Most clients under severe stress
• Confidentiality essential
• Respond to each request promptly
• Rarely a one-time session
• 1st session about one hour in length
• Best not to counsel close friends, total honesty
  is essential

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Pre-Counsel Preparation

• Telephone Contact Checklist
• When client comes to center, distribute
• Personal data form
• Monthly income and expense form
• List of debts
• At this time, ask client the amount of time
  needed to complete the forms. Do not schedule an
  appt. until forms are picked up
• When client arrives for session, the receptionist
  should verify all information has been completed.
  If information is not complete, this will be the
  first step n the counseling session.

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Dress Code

• Absolutely no jeans and tennis shoes,
  sweatshirts, etc. allowed, Nice pants and shirt
  acceptable, Do not overdress or underdress.

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Records

• Complete, detailed records should be recorded on
  each client visit. The clients records are to be
  thoroughly reviewed prior to remaining visits.

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Counseling Technique

• It is critical to develop a rapport with your
  client. You are there to help, not to judge past
  behavior. In order to acquire the facts necessary
  for good counsel, you must present yourself in a
  professional manner. The following are basic
  rules
• As a counselor, you are to fact find, determine
  root problems, and offer alternatives. DONT TRY
  TO FORCE YOUR IDEAS!
• Be confident dont be embarrassed to ask
  questions relevant to the financial situation.
• Do not act shocked when facts are revealed, such
  as gasping or rolling your eyes.
• Express how important total honesty is essential
  for effective counseling.
• Listen, Listen, Listen.