Question

1. Are tests important as a prerequisite to counseling? Would you decide whether to test, or would you allow your client to make this decision?
2. Would you develop a contract with your client specifying what the client could expect from you and what the client wanted from counseling? Why or why not?
3. Would you be inclined to use directive, action-oriented techniques, such as homework assignments? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Tests are important as a prerequisite to counseling. This is because tests are standardized means to help the clients make informed decisions about their lives. They provide quantitative and qualitative means to make objective rather than subjective judgements about the client. Tests are well-structured means which can even help to generalize the effects of a sample on a population. Moreover, their reliability and validity are measured prior to their use in counseling or therapy. So, tests should be used before counseling. I will allow my client to make the decision regarding testing him or her. This will make counseling ethical, engulfing the criteria of informed consent, that is, taking the permission of the client before conducting a test on him or her by informing him or her about the test with knowledge of the possible advantages and disadvantages of the same.

I will not develop a contract with my client. This is because it is not humanly possible to guarantee a cure to the client, solely as a result of counseling. Human life is extremely complex and several variables affect human body and mind, as a result of the complex interplay between external environment and internal characteristics or traits of a human being. It is not only counseling which will help in achieving positive results or outcomes or solutions for solving the person's problems. A client's willingness to change, medication, family support, etc, may also be equally important in achieving results. As a matter of fact, the therapeutic exchange between the client and the counselor may not be equal due to unforeseen situations and circumstances in the life of the client. So, I will not frame a contract with the client. I will only conduct counseling in a professional, ethical, formal, technical, and standardized way to provide quality counseling to the client. But will not include any legal clause or contract in the counseling provided.

Yes, I will be inclined to use directive, action-oriented techniques, such as homework assignment because such techniques can be helpful in obtaining a change in behavior of the individual by practice and learning. Action-oriented technique will help the client engage in action, thereby materializing what has been discussed with the therapist. It is important to note that verbal communication or discussion itself will not be sufficient to bring about changes, until the person himself implements the actions needed by doing what is required. Homework assignments will be helpful in keeping the client well-prepared for the upcoming sessions of the therapy or counseling, thereby progressing the therapy step-by-step. He or she will be able to qualitatively demonstrate the changes which can be inquired by the counselor or observed by him in the client.