counselling and virtual care

What is counselling?

A process where a trained person facilitates personal growth in a client based on a consensual professional relationship informed by psychological theory.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling focuses on minor life problems and short-term support, while psychotherapy addresses long-standing psychological issues.

What is the role of psychologists compared to counsellors?

Psychologists can perform assessments, write reports, and do clinical diagnoses, while counsellors focus on therapeutic relationships and emotional support.

What are some desired qualities in a counsellor?

Human connection, compassion, self-respect, authenticity, the ability to maintain healthy boundaries and not being an advice-giver.

What are common challenges faced by new therapists?

Managing personal feelings and anxiety, being authentic, knowing when to self-disclose, and dealing with clients lacking commitment.

What methods can be used to demonstrate active listening?

Maintaining eye contact, using open posture, avoiding distracting movements, and offering minimal encouragers.

Define reflection of content in counselling.

Restating important parts of what the client said in the counsellor's own words, focusing on facts and avoiding repetition.

What is the purpose of paraphrasing in counselling?

To summarize the essence of the client's message using the counsellor's own words, demonstrating understanding and encouraging deeper exploration.

How does reflection of feelings differ from reflection of content?

Reflection of feelings acknowledges the emotions behind what the client is saying, while reflection of content focuses on the factual content of the conversation.

What is the importance of closure in counselling sessions?

It ensures clients feel respected, comfortable, and not rushed, enhancing rapport and maintaining healthy boundaries.

What is the SOAP method of note-taking?

S-subjective observations, O-objective facts, A-assessment of the situation, P-plan for future sessions.

What does the APS code of ethics emphasize?

Respect for the rights and dignity of people, ensuring competency, and acting with integrity.

What is the difference between morality, values, and ethics?

Morality refers to principles distinguishing right from wrong, values are personal beliefs guiding behavior, and ethics involves the study and application of moral values.

What is reflective practice in counselling?

The ability to reflect on one's actions to engage in continuous learning and professional development.

What are some types of questions used in counselling?

Open questions that require elaborate answers vs. closed questions that can be answered with yes or no.

What are the three ethical principles outlined by the APS?

Respect, propriety, and integrity in professional conduct.

What is the role of supervision in counselling?

To seek support from senior professionals, ensuring accountability, ethical practice, and efficiency in client care.

What are the benefits of open questions in therapy?

They foster deeper understanding, encourage elaboration, and empower clients in their therapeutic process.

What is teletherapy?

Online therapy that can occur in real-time or be delayed, providing a virtual means of therapeutic support.

What is counselling?

A process where a trained person facilitates personal growth in a client based on a consensual professional relationship informed by psychological theory.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling focuses on minor life problems and short-term support, while psychotherapy addresses long-standing psychological issues.

What is the role of psychologists compared to counsellors?

Psychologists can perform assessments, write reports, and do clinical diagnoses, while counsellors focus on therapeutic relationships and emotional support.

What are some desired qualities in a counsellor?

Human connection, compassion, self-respect, authenticity, the ability to maintain healthy boundaries and not being an advice-giver.

What are common challenges faced by new therapists?

Managing personal feelings and anxiety, being authentic, knowing when to self-disclose, and dealing with clients lacking commitment.

What methods can be used to demonstrate active listening?

Maintaining eye contact, using open posture, avoiding distracting movements, and offering minimal encouragers.

Define reflection of content in counselling.

Restating important parts of what the client said in the counsellor's own words, focusing on facts and avoiding repetition.

What is the purpose of paraphrasing in counselling?

To summarize the essence of the client's message using the counsellor's own words, demonstrating understanding and encouraging deeper exploration.

How does reflection of feelings differ from reflection of content?

Reflection of feelings acknowledges the emotions behind what the client is saying, while reflection of content focuses on the factual content of the conversation.

What is the importance of closure in counselling sessions?

It ensures clients feel respected, comfortable, and not rushed, enhancing rapport and maintaining healthy boundaries.

What is the SOAP method of note-taking?

S-subjective observations, O-objective facts, A-assessment of the situation, P-plan for future sessions.

What does the APS code of ethics emphasize?

Respect for the rights and dignity of people, ensuring competency, and acting with integrity.

What is the difference between morality, values, and ethics?

Morality refers to principles distinguishing right from wrong, values are personal beliefs guiding behavior, and ethics involves the study and application of moral values.

What is reflective practice in counselling?

The ability to reflect on one's actions to engage in continuous learning and professional development.

What are some types of questions used in counselling?

Open questions that require elaborate answers vs. closed questions that can be answered with yes or no.

What are the three ethical principles outlined by the APS?

Respect, propriety, and integrity in professional conduct.

What is the role of supervision in counselling?

To seek support from senior professionals, ensuring accountability, ethical practice, and efficiency in client care.

What are the benefits of open questions in therapy?

They foster deeper understanding, encourage elaboration, and empower clients in their therapeutic process.

What is teletherapy?

Online therapy that can occur in real-time or be delayed, providing a virtual means of therapeutic support.

What are "minimal encouragers" in active listening?

Short, encouraging phrases or non-verbal cues (like "uh-huh," "yes," nodding) used by counsellors to show they are listening and to prompt the client to continue speaking.

What does "integrity" entail according to the APS Code of Ethics?

Acting with honesty, forthrightness, and consistency in professional conduct, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

What is "propriety" within the APS Code of Ethics?

Practicing within the limits of one's competence, ensuring client welfare and safety, and adhering to professional standards of care.

Why are healthy professional boundaries important for counsellors?

They protect both the client and counsellor by defining the limits of the professional relationship, preventing exploitation, and maintaining objectivity and trust.

What is appropriate self-disclosure for a counsellor?

A deliberate and intentional sharing of personal information by the counsellor, used sparingly and ethically to build rapport, normalize experiences, or increase client understanding, always prioritizing client benefit.