ATP 6-22.1 Counseling

What are the three approaches to counseling?

1. Directive 

2. Non-directive 

3. Combined 

What is the objective of counseling?

For one person to help another.

What are the characteristics of effective counseling? 

1. Purpose: Clearly define the purpose of the counseling. 

2. Flexibility: Fit the counseling style to the character of each subordinate and to the relationship desired. 

3. Respect: View subordinates as unique, complex individuals, each with a distinct set of values, beliefs, and attitudes. 

4. Communication: Establish open, two-way communication with subordinates using spoken language, nonverbal actions, gestures, and body language. Effective counselors listen more than they speak. 

5. Support: Encourage subordinates through actions while guiding them through their problems. 

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of Directive counseling. 

Advantages: 

• Quickest method. 

• Good for people who need clear, concise direction. 

• Allows counselors to actively use their experience. 

Disadvantages: 

• Doesn’t ‘encourage subordinates to be part of the solution. 

• Tends to treat symptoms, not problems. 

• Tends to discourage subordinates from talking freely. 

• Solution is the counselor's’ not the subordinates.

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of Non-Directive counseling. 

Advantages: 

• Encourages maturity. 

• Encourages open communication. 

• Develops personal responsibility. 

Disadvantages: 

• More time-consuming. 

• Requires greatest counselor skill. 

What are some examples of Event counseling? 

1. Instances of superior or substandard performance.  

2. Reception and Integration Counseling. 

3. Crisis Counseling 

4. Referral Counseling 

5. Promotion Counseling 

6. Separation Counseling 

What are the three major categories of developmental counseling? 

1. Event counseling 

2. Performance counseling 

3. Professional growth counseling 

What are some methods Leaders can master communication skills?

Effective leaders should master these basic communication skills to best perform their roles: 

• Self-awareness. 

• Active listening. 

• Intentional responding. 

• Appropriate questioning. 

• Recognizing and evoking change talk. 

• Redirecting resistance. 

• Feedback receptiveness.

What are the four phases to counseling?

Effective Army leaders use a four-stage counseling process: 

• Identify the need for counseling. 

• Prepare for counseling. 

• Conduct the counseling session. 

• Follow-up