ECLECTIC COUNSELING

INTRODUCTION

Counseling is a generic service of students personal work having a wide range of activities
and includes faculty advising, counseling in psychological clinics, mental hygiene and other
specialized types of counseling. It is a body of techniques which helps young individuals to
grow up normally through guided learning. Counseling has proved to be very useful for the
development of an individual student. Colleges and Universities, industries and business
establishments are becoming increasingly interested in counseling and its potential for
improving interpersonal relationships. Counseling is a dynamic and purposeful
relationship between the people in which procedures vary with the nature of the students
needs, but in which there is always mutual participation by the counselor and the student
with the focus up on self-classification and self-determination by the student.
A counselor with an eclectic approach is one that sees value in several different approaches
and seeks to apply the best of each to enhance your progress. While some counselors use
this term simply because they have not settled into a focused area of treatment, a good
eclectic counselor is competent and trained in several types of counseling. They will blend
or shift between therapy modalities very purposefully, thoughtfully, and strategically for
your benefit.


Our group includes many counselors using an eclectic approach. Together, you and the
counselor can select an approach or mix of approaches that help you find solutions in a
timely and practical manner. On the other hand, if you are searching for, or need a very
specific type of therapy, our Intake Coordinator will help you find the counselor who
specializes in that area of practice.


Eclectic counseling is defined as the synthesis and combination of directive and non-
directive counseling. It represents a middle status between the two extremes represented
by the non-directive technique on one hand and the directive technique on the other. In
eclectic counseling, the counselor is neither too active as in the directive counseling nor too
passive as in the non-directive counseling. He just follows the middle path between these
two.
The chief advocate of this type of counseling is Thorne. In eclectic counseling, the needs of a
person and his personality are studied by the counselor. After this the counselor selects
those techniques, which will be useful for the person. The main techniques used are
reassurance giving information, case history, testing etc.
In eclectic counseling the counselor first takes into consideration the personality and need
of the counselee. He selects the directive or non-directive technique that seems to serve the
purpose best. The counselor may start with the directive technique. When the situation
demands, he may switch over to the non-directive counseling and vice-versa. An attempt is
made to adjust the technique to the requirements of the situation and the individual.

Steps in Eclectic counseling
The leading exponent of the Eclectic counseling Thorne, suggested the following in the
process;

1)Diagnosis of the cause.
2) Analysis of the problem.
3) Preparation of a tentative plan for modifying factors.
4) Securing effective conditions for counseling.
5) Interviewing and stimulating the client to develop his own resources and to assume its
responsibility for trying new modes of adjustment.
6) Proper handling of any related problems which may contribute to adjustment.
Assumptions of Eclectic Counseling
1) In general, passive methods should be used whenever possible.
2) Active methods may be used with specific indications.
3) In the early stages when the client is telling his story, passive techniques are usually the
methods of choice. This permits emotional release.
4) Until simple methods have failed, complicated methods should not be attempted.
5) All counseling should be client centered.
6) Every client should be given an opportunity to resolve his problems indirectly. Inability
of the client to progress through therapy as using passive methods alone is an indication
for utilizing more directive methods.
7) Directive methods are usually indicated in situational mal adjustment where a solution
cannot be achieved with out co-operation from other persons.




Characteristic of Eclectic Counseling
1) In this, objective and coordinating methods are used.
2) In the beginning of counseling, client-active methods are used and the counselor
remains passive.
3) In this, more importance is assigned to the job efficiency and treatment.
4) In this, the principle of low expenditure is emphasized.
5) In such counseling, for the use of all the methods and techniques, the professional
efficiency and skill of the counselor are must.
6) Keeping in mind the need of the client, it is decided whether directive method or non-
directive methods should be used.
7) Making an opportunity available to the client is insisted so that he may find himself the
solution of the problem.
Advantages:




Disadvantages of Eclectic Counseling
1) Some people are of the view that eclectic counseling is vague, opportunistic and
superficial.
2) Both directive and non-directive counseling cannot be mixed together.
3) In this, the question arises how much freedom should be given to the client? For this
there is non-definite rule.
4) The problem with an eclectic orientation is that counselors often do more harm than
good if they have little or no understanding about what is helping the client.
Processes of counseling

Initial Disclosure
In first stage Counselor tries to understand the nature of the
problem of the client. For that he first establishes repo with client.
He develops relationship of trust and confidence so that the client
can disclose his feelings and his problems. Here he gathers
information to promotes understanding of clients problem. For that
he can use different tools and techniques.

In depth Exploration
In second stage i.e. in depth exploration the counselor and client
try to explore the problem further. In this stage hey try to
understand the problem and its solution. They identify the nature
of the problem and what kind of change is required to solve the
problem, what can be the future of the problem and to solve this
problem what are the resources and then the explore possible
approaches

Commitment to action
After that counselor helps the clint to chose the best option and
they plan out the course of action. The counselor helps the client to
fulfill the plan and get feedback at the end.


ECLECTIC TECHNIQUES APPLICABLE FOR GROUP COUNSELING

Technique: Who Are You?
Counseling Intention: To explore dimensions of the self

Description: Who are you? Have the group members take nine pieces of paper and
respond to the question Who am I? nine times. Record each answer on one of the sheets.
Members may reply with anything that comes to mind as self-identification: age, sex,
profession, a symbol, image, or a value. After members have finished, direct them to rank
the papers in importance (9 being the highest and 1 the lowest). Direct members to place
each piece of paper face down in front of them and turn up number nine and think about
what it represents. Have them consider what life would be like without number nine, and
proceed through each number to number one.Process the filtering out of parts that are not
essential to oneself. Do members think beyond their activities, titles, or career? Are there
aspects of codependency with others regarding their identity and meaning to others?

Technique: Feelings
Counseling Intention - To gain a greater understanding of self.

Description - Ask group members to consider privately:
1. What brings you most joy?
2. What brings greatest pain?
3. What do you find yourself feeling most of the time?
4. Have them share the answers with the group.

Technique: Risk Taking and Trust Building
Counseling Intention - Trust building.
Description - For any group to be successful there must exist a sufficient sense of comfort
among the individuals for them to speak freely, to express opinions and values that they
cherish without fear. One of the ways to overcome the fear of speaking out is to provide
activities whose primary purpose is to build cohesiveness within the group. Following the
risk-taking/trust-building activity, it is essential to process the experience, to draw from
the participants their feelings and thoughts about the activity.

Trust Fall: Partners stand, one with his back turned, his arms extended sideways, he falls
backward and is caught by his partner. Reverse roles and repeat.

Trust Walk: One partner closes her eyes and is led around blind-through and over things.
Reverse roles and repeat.

Trust Run: Outside, one partner closes his eyes and is led by the other in a vigorous run.
Reverse roles and repeat.

Mirroring: Partners stand facing each other. One becomes the mirror image of the other's
bodily movements. With hands in front, palms toward partner, they move expressively.
Then reverse roles and repeat.

Circle Pass: Group participants stand in a tight circle. A volunteer or participant who wants
to develop additional trust in the group, is rolled around inside the circle.

Eye-Contact Chain: Participants form two lines, facing each other about a yard apart. They
hold hands, and the persons at the two ends hold hands. This forms a chain similar to a
bicycle chain. Without talking, everyone looks in the opposite person's eyes. The group
takes one step to the right, then each looks the next person in the eyes. The group takes
steps to the right until everyone has returned to the original position.

Personal Interview: Dyad members interview each other. A rule of thumb should be that
any question one person asks, he or she should be willing to answer. Each person has the
right to decline to answer any question with which he or she feels uncomfortable.


Technique: Controlling and Influencing Communication
Counseling Intention: To facilitate communication and confront issues of control,
dominance, or resistance.

Description: Using a ball or other inanimate object, instruct group members that only the
person in possession of the ball is permitted to speak. A member who wishes to say
something must gesture nonverbally to the individual in possession of the ball to receive it.
This exercise may be used either as an icebreaker or with focus topics such as reaction to
the group experience, dealing with ambiguity, dealing with life stressors. Focus topics are
limited. Members who control, influence, dominate, or withdraw from communication in
the group also could be processed.

Technique: After Death
Counseling Intention: To become in touch with existential perspectives.

Description
1. Ask group member to contemplate and share with another person (in pairs) what they
believe happens after physical death.
2. Ask them also to consider and share how their views influence the way they live their
lives.


Technique: Obituary
Counseling Intention - To reflect on self, values, accomplishments, and regrets (Simon,
Howe, & Kirschenbaum, 1972).

Description - Ask members of the group to separate themselves from one another and find
a comfortable place to write. Instruct them to write their own obituaries, indicating the
cause, date, time, and place of death. List any surviving family members, life
accomplishments of the deceased, and other relevant data. Allow time for contemplation,
writing, and rewriting.Choose one of the following methods of sharing:
1. Post the obituary on a wall or bulletin board for other members to read.
2. Have each member read his obituary to the group.
3. Share the experience of the role of a survivor.
4. Enact the funeral and ask the auxiliary ego, in the role of minister, priest, rabbi, or friend,
to read the obituary.
5. Share and process the experience thoroughly.

Technique: Unfinished Business
Counseling Intention: To have an opportunity to say things that were not said.

Description - Have group members consider someone with whom they have unfinished
business-someone they wish would have said or done something with:
1. Someone close to you
2. Someone with whom you work
3. Someone with whom a communication problem exists for them or you
4. Someone who died
5. Have them pretend the person is in an empty chair and talk to the person about the
unfinished business.
6. Process the experience.

Technique: Lifeline
Counseling Intention: To bring the then-and there into the here-and-now; to identify
behavior patterns and significant role models (Howe & Howe, 1975).

Description - Draw a horizontal line on paper. On the far left, place an X" and indicate
date of birth; on the far right, place an X" for today's date. Divide the line into three parts:
childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Write in significant people and meaningful events
along the lifeline. What significant events brought fond memories? Process what significant
events brought painful memories. What messages were heard? What values were imparted
and assimilated by the significant people and meaningful events?

Technique: Strength Test
Counseling Intention: To focus on individual strengths.

Description: An index card for each group member is passed around the group. The leader
asks each member to write a positive strength on his or her card. Incomplete sentences can
also be used as stimulus statements about likes, dislikes, family, friends, goals, or wishes.
Focus topics can help the counselor understand clients, identify problem areas, and
establish rapport. Some examples are as follows:
My greatest fear is ______________________ .
The thing that creates the most difficulty for me is ______________________.
The thing I like to do most is _____________________.
The person in my family who helps me most is ________________________.
The nicest thing I ever did for anyone was __________________________.
The nicest thing anyone ever did for me was _______________________.
I used to be ___________ , but now I'm _______________________.
The thing I would like people to admire me for is ____________________.
Something I've never told anyone about before is ___________________.
The one thing I most want to accomplish is _____________________.

Technique: I Have a Secret
Counseling Intention: To explore self-disclosure; to confront irrational assumptions.
Description: This exercise can be a method to explore fears, guilt feelings, and catastrophic
expectations. Clients are asked to think of some personal secret. They do not actually share
the secret with others but imagine themselves revealing the secret. Clients are to explore
what fears they have about other people knowing their secret and how they imagine others
might respond.

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