An analysis of counselling and counselling skill as a therapeutic Essay - 1

An analysis of counselling and counselling skill as a therapeutic intervention in nursing an amputee patient - Essay Example Counselling skills involve the use of a range of specific skills by the counsellor to help the client. The core of counselling skills includes the skills of listening, reflecting and empathy (Corney, 1995.) There is no universally accepted single definition for counselling skills. Counselling skills differs from listening skills and counselling on the basis of the intentions of the user (Palmer & MacMahon, 1997). The intention is to enhance the performance of their functional role, as nurse, tutor, social worker etc., and in turn, the recipient will, perceive them in that functional role (Palmer & MacMahon, 1997) In other words, it can be said that a person using counselling skills is enhancing communication with someone without assuming a role as their counsellor (Palmer & MacMahon, 1997). The recipient perceives this as an action within a professional/caring role (Palmer S, MacMahon G, 1997) Not every one who uses counselling skills can be called a counsellor. A counsellor uses counselling skills as a distinct profession (Sutton & Stewart, 2002). Others might use counselling skills as part of their other skills. This might be only temporary (Sutton & Stewart, 2002.) There is a difference between counselling, advice, persuasion and undue influence. Advice involves telling a person what to do or not to do. Counselling involves telling a person what is possible, and not what to do (Sutton & Stewart, 2002.) Exerting undue influence or manipulation is done against a persons will, making the person feel uncomfortable or angry. Counselling on the other hand involves exploration of all the alternatives (Sutton & Stewart, 2002.) There is also a difference between counselling and other forms of helping. The primary difference is the way in which the counsellor actively listens. It also involves being aware of the client’s non-verbal communications, body posture, gestures etc. (Sutton & Stewart, 2002.) 1. Interpersonal skills-a competent