COMD 4510 Counseling & Interviewing: Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on counseling, interviewing, and psychosocial considerations in speech-language pathology.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

The integration of clinical expertise/opinion, external scientific evidence, and client/patient/caregiver perspectives to provide high-quality services aligned with the individuals’ interests, values, needs, and choices.

Client-Centered Practice

An approach within EBP that centers on the client’s preferences, values, environment, culture, and goals in planning and delivering services.

Therapeutic Alliance

The collaborative, warm, and trusting relationship between clinician and client that supports effective therapy and is linked to better outcomes.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another from their perspective.

Sympathy

Feeling pity or sorrow for someone, often without full engagement with their perspective.

Vulnerability

Showing up and being seen; taking emotional risk in the helping relationship.

Mindfulness

Being present in the moment, paying attention nonjudgmentally to the here and now, which enhances listening and connection.

Attending (Counseling Skill)

Being fully present and attentive to the client, using body language and focus to demonstrate that they are heard.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Pioneer of mindfulness-based approaches; emphasizes paying attention in the present moment to wake up from automatic thinking.

Internal Control

Client responsibility and autonomy in therapy; emphasis on the client’s perspective and self-direction.

External Control

Therapist-directed control of treatment, which can conflict with the client’s values and hinder ownership.

Ability vs. Desire

distinction: a client may be able to do something (ability) but not want to do it (desire); motivation depends on the client’s viewpoint and values.

Direct Instruction

Providing information or skills directly to the learner without addressing underlying motivation or personal meaning.

Therapy vs Direct Instruction

Therapy seeks to elicit client motivation and personal relevance, not just deliver information.

Motivation

Psychological drive behind behavior change, influenced by fears, desires, and personal values.

Fear of Change

Apprehension about changing how one speaks or behaves, including fears of loss of control or judgment.

Harris Case Study

A representative example showing how motivation, fears, and emotional factors impact speech therapy outcomes.

Information-Getting Interview

An interview aimed at obtaining objective information (onset, symptoms, history) to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.

Information-Giving Interview

An interview aimed at conveying information (results, prognosis, plan) to clients and families.

Counseling Interview

An interview intended to influence feelings, attitudes, or behaviors and support adjustment.

Spectator Observation

Observation conducted with the clinician behind a glass partition; provides objective data.

Participant Observation

In-room observation with direct interaction; richer data but potential reactivity.

Dyad

A two-person interaction pattern in interviews (e.g., parent and clinician; client and clinician).

Prognosis

Predicted course and outcome of a disorder or condition.

Diagnosis

Identification of the disorder or condition based on assessment.

Crowe’s 7 Purposes of Counseling (Gather & Convey Info)

1) Gather and convey information to clients; 2) Prevent disorders from developing or worsening; 3) Help clients adjust emotionally; 4) Support families; 5) Improve overall functioning and independence; 6) Provide an environment conducive to change; 7) Help clients develop self-reinforcement and coping strategies.

Counseling by Informing

Providing facts and information; can be emotionally disengaging and less effective when clients are upset.

Counseling by Persuading

Counselor as expert who assigns decisions, which can undermine client ownership and motivation.

Selfless Listening

Listening without inserting personal agenda or judgments, allowing the client to arrive at their own conclusions.

Emotional Safety

A supportive, nonjudgmental environment that allows clients to express feelings and process information.

Counseling by Listening and Valuing

Approach where the counselor supports the client’s feelings, validates experiences, and helps them find congruence between emotion and decision-making.

Agency

Client autonomy and ability to influence their own change and therapy outcomes.

Emotional Support Before Comprehension

Luterman’s idea that addressing emotional distress before delivering information improves retention and understanding.