Basic Counselling Skills - Qp4

The counsellor's search involves evaluating not only the quality of the client's motivation but also identifying the specific need that is causing them to seek help. This suggests that the counsellor is interested in understanding not just the client's general level of motivation but also the underlying reasons behind their desire to address their problem. Therefore, the statement is true.

Commitment to change is likely to fluctuate because people's motivation and dedication can vary over time. Initially, individuals may be highly committed to making a change, but as time goes on, their enthusiasm may wane, and they may encounter obstacles or setbacks that reduce their commitment. Additionally, external factors such as changing circumstances or competing priorities can also impact a person's commitment to change. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that commitment to change will fluctuate rather than remain constant.

The roadblocks to communication include warning or threatening, disagreeing, judging, criticizing, blaming, agreeing, approving, praising, withdrawing, distracting, humoring, and changing the subject. These behaviors hinder effective communication by creating a negative or defensive atmosphere, preventing open and honest dialogue. Warning or threatening can intimidate the other person, while disagreeing, judging, criticizing, and blaming can make them feel attacked or devalued. Agreeing, approving, and praising excessively can also hinder communication by avoiding conflict or ignoring important issues. Withdrawing, distracting, humoring, and changing the subject divert attention from the conversation, preventing meaningful exchange of ideas.

The statement suggests that types of self-motivational statements include problem recognition, expressing concern, and the inability to change. However, this is not true. Self-motivational statements typically involve positive affirmations, setting goals, and taking action to overcome challenges. Problem recognition and expressing concern may be steps in the process of self-motivation, but they are not the types of self-motivational statements themselves. Additionally, the inability to change is not a self-motivational statement, as self-motivation is about finding ways to overcome obstacles and make positive changes. Therefore, the answer is false.

Motivation belongs to the individual, but can be influenced by discussions between the counsellor and his/her client. Motivation refers to the internal drive or desire to achieve a goal or take action. While it is ultimately up to the individual to be motivated, a counsellor can play a role in helping to enhance or influence their motivation through discussions, guidance, and support. By understanding the client's needs, values, and goals, a counsellor can provide encouragement, strategies, and insights that can positively impact the client's motivation.

Arguments are counterproductive because they often escalate conflicts and prevent productive communication and problem-solving. Labelling is unnecessary because it can create stereotypes and judgments that hinder understanding and empathy. Skilful reflective listening is fundamental because it allows for active and empathetic listening, promoting understanding and effective communication. Defending breeds defensiveness because when individuals become defensive, they are less likely to listen and understand others' perspectives, leading to further conflict and hindered communication.

When concerns are expressed regarding "other areas," it suggests that there are inconsistencies or discrepancies in those areas. Eliciting the discrepancies means actively seeking out and identifying these inconsistencies. By doing so, it allows for a better understanding of the concerns and helps in finding solutions or making improvements.