FAKULTI PENDIDIKAN

KOD KURSUS (HPGD2103 )

TAJUK KURSUS (GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING)

NO. MATRIKULASI : CGS04287926

SEMESTER / TAHUN (YEAR) : SEPTEMBER SEMESTER I / TAHUN (2024)

PROGRAM : DIPLOMA PENDIDIKAN LEPASAN IJAZAH

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

PART I Page
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Impact of Unconditional Positive Regard 2
1.3 Common Challenges and Ethical in Termination Stage 6
1.4 Case Study 10
1.5 Conclusion 15
2.2 References 16

PART II
Online Class Participation 18

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 PART I
1.1 Introduction

Guidance and counseling are critical components of mental health support that aim to
promote personal growth, emotional well-being, and resilience in clients. Counselors use a
number of tactics in the therapeutic setting to assist clients in navigating life's challenges and
realizing their full potential. Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) and the Therapy
Termination Stage are two important principles in good counseling practice. Carl Rogers
developed Unconditional Positive Regard as a basic principle in client-centered therapy. It
focuses on the counselor's ability to provide nonjudgmental support and acceptance
regardless of the client's actions, feelings, or life choices. This method fosters trust, promotes
open communication, and allows clients to feel comfortable discussing tough or sensitive
topics. This essay will investigate the effect of Unconditional Positive Regard on the
therapeutic alliance and client outcomes, followed by an examination of the usual obstacles
and ethical problems in the Termination Stage. The purpose of this examination is to
emphasize the importance of these principles in developing an effective and ethical
counseling experience.

1.2 Analyze the impact of unconditional positive regard and how it helps in creating a
non-judgmental and supportive environment for clients.

It was Carl Rogers who developed the idea of unconditional positive regard (UPR) to be used
as his principle in psychology, which is one of the fundamental theory of person-centered
therapy. It describes the counselor's acceptance and encouragement of a client, irrespective of
their actions or words. It means that this theory accept whoever the client is and whatever his
problem he had, the counselor must being neutral without any judgement that can interrupt
the process of treatment. UPR entails treating the person with kindness, deference, and a
compassionate, judgment-free understanding. Rogers (1957) asserts that UPR enables clients
to freely explore their feelings and ideas without worrying about judgment or condemnation.
The counselor must not show any discrimination towards his problem. It encourages self-
actualization and psychological development since it provides a secure space for people to
express who they truly are. This theory is appropriate for the clients who feel objection to tell
people about his problem whether because people do not validate his feeling or he just want
to protect his privacy but not knowing how to solve the problem. UPR gives clients the
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ability to feel accepted in therapy environments despite their wrongdoings, shortcomings, or
choices. When someone has unconditional positive self-regard (UPSR), they don't judge one
self-experience as superior to another or more legitimate than another. Counsellor must
validate client’s feeling no matter how worse they are. Unconditional of self-regard is directly
related to the degree to which an individual does not distinguish between any self-
experiences as more or less worthy (Murphy et al., 2017). In contrast, conditional positive
regard requires that certain requirements or expectations be met before acceptance and
approval can occur. According to Rogers, UPR is crucial for promoting change because it
promotes candor, reflection, and individual growth. This can promote client’s confidence to
share his problem and give commitment to find the solution. Moreover, one of the most
effective strategies for fostering a helpful and nonjudgmental atmosphere for clients is
unconditional positive regard. Effective therapy, counseling, and even other relational
contexts like coaching, management, and education depend on this (Murphy et al., 2017).

Furthermore, clients are more inclined to trust and open up about delicate or challenging
topics when they believe that their counselor truly accepts them without passing judgment.
For example, the counselor must reassure the client that his feeling are valid and normalize
that many people especially students, face similar struggle. UPR has the ability to create an
emotional environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their vulnerabilities,
according to research by Farber and Doolin (2011). This non-judgemental response will help
client’s feel safe and understood. Greater therapeutic success results from clients being able
to explore themselves more deeply and being encouraged to be honest. Theoretically, a
higher sense of psychological well-being will accompany higher levels of unconditional self-
regard. For example, a client who feels guilty about prior behavior may not tell the counselor
important details out of concern that they will be criticized. Nonetheless, the client might feel
at ease discussing those memories if the counselor often exhibits UPR, which is crucial for
recovery and development. Over time, the client will start sharing more about his insecurities
and pressures that he had felt after acknowledge that his counselor will not react with
criticism. Additionally, by demonstrating the kind of unconditional acceptance that clients
may not have encountered in prior relationships, UPR assists clients in developing self-
acceptance. Once the client feel accepted, they will end up sharing more, which making it
possible for the counselor to work with him on practical coping strategis and self confidence.
Many people have poor self-esteem or self-worth as a result of rejection, criticism, or bad
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experiences. Clients who get UPR in treatment might learn how to treat themselves with the
same compassion and kindness.

Rogers (1959) proposed two types of psychological defense in his theory of personality.
Denial and misrepresentation were these. Because it does not align with the preexisting self-
concept, distortion is utilized as a defense to turn experiences that are not acceptable into
consciousness. Direct experience is converted into an awareness-based experience that aligns
with the preexisting self-concept through symbolization. The motivation for denial is the
same, yet awareness does not represent the experience. The event is completely excluded
from consciousness. According to Rogers (1961), people are more likely to be in line with
who they really are when they receive unconditional approval. Counselor acceptance and lack
of judgement will create safe environment where client feel comfortable enough to discuss
his most personal concern. This alignment can promote more self-compassion and lessen
emotions of guilt or inadequacy. People who struggle with addiction or mental health issues
and may have absorbed the stigma in society are prime examples. Through UPR, children
able to realize that their value is independent of social labels and other people's opinions. On
top of that, UPR establishes an environment that gives clients the confidence to develop and
change. People are more open to try out novel attitudes, ideas, or actions without worrying
about failing when they feel accepted for who they are. This promotes individual
accountability and self-improvement. For example, a student who performs poorly
academically, for instance, could feel demoralized and called "lazy" or "incompetent” by his
surroundings especially from the teacher. Eventhough they might not perform well because
of another factor other than being lazy to study more. They might be have short term memory
that they could not remember the information they had learn for long term. A learner can feel
encouraged enough to experiment with different learning techniques and advance without
fear of being judged in a setting when a teacher support them even they perform poorly in
academic. They will feel that the teacher still validate them for being able to present in
classes. Similar to this, when given unconditional support in treatment, clients who are
depressed or anxious may feel empowered to face their obstacles or anxieties as they gain
confidence once they get constant support to get better.

In therapeutic case, due to cultural expectations or bad experiences from the past, clients
frequently come into treatment with defenses in place. As UPR breaks down these barriers, it
can aid in lowering therapeutic resistance which make it easier to cooperate with client’s
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emotionally. According to research on motivational interviewing by Miller and Rollnick
(2013), UPR can boost client involvement by encouraging cooperation and lowering
defensiveness. This nonjudgmental approach moves the emphasis from condemnation or
judgment to empathy and support, which is essential for promoting transformation. Instead of
pushing the client’s to open up, the counselor acknowledge his hesitation by validating that it
is normal to feel cautious especially when it comes to his past experience.

Based on review of literature, numerous studies in the field of psychotherapy have backed up
UPR. Bozarth (2013) emphasizes how the success of therapeutic partnerships is based on
UPR, empathy, and congruence. Clients who experienced high levels of UPR in treatment
reported superior therapeutic outcomes, including improved self-esteem, better emotional
control, and more general well-being, according to a review of person-centered therapy
outcomes conducted by Kirschenbaum and Jourdan (2005). This acceptance will eventually
break down client’s defenses. In hands on experience, UPR is observed in a variety of
therapeutic modes, not only person-centered treatment. Besides, UPR is widely used by
counselors and cognitive-behavioral therapists in addiction treatment to establish rapport and
cultivate trust, especially with clients who feel guilty about their actions (Wampold, 2015). In
substance misuse counseling, for example, UPR practitioners can better assist clients in
overcoming failures or relapses without causing guilt or shame, which can impede their
development to recover. The client will gradually becomes more engaged in his session,
allowing the counselor to cooperate to address his challenges.

Despite the well-established advantages of UPR, there are drawbacks. When clients
participate in dangerous or self-destructive activities, counselor may find it difficult to
preserve UPR. For example, it could be challenging for a counselor to offer unconditional
acceptance to a client who has destructive addictions or aggressive inclinations, The
counselor might find it difficult to accept his client’s behaviour that lead to his problem.
UPR, on the other hand, entails accepting the person as a person even when dealing with
problematic behaviors as it does not imply endorsing bad behavior. Counselor must also
strike a balance between UPR and other therapeutic approaches that call for direct criticism
or confrontation. It might be delicate in these situations to challenge detrimental patterns
while being nonjudgmental. For example, when discussing the client’s bad behaviour, the
counselor must focus on understanding the reason behind his action rather than condemning
them. The counselor must acknowledge his frustration and validate that it is okay to feel
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anger, even though they might be better way to express it. Thus, UPR can be used by
counselors to reinforce that a client's value is independent of their behavior by providing
feedback in a kind, non-critical way. In order to provide clients with a friendly and
nonjudgmental environment, unconditional positive regard is essential. UPR improves the
therapeutic process by building trust, increasing self-acceptance, facilitating progress, and
lowering therapy resistance. Although there are certain difficulties, particularly when
handling challenging behaviors, its overall effect is transformation, giving clients the security
and encouragement they require to pursue significant personal growth. The client will start to
trust his counselor when he see that his counselor accept him unconditionally then he will
believe that he can make positive changes towards his bad behaviour. The body of research
backs up the idea that UPR is essential to successful treatment outcomes, highlighting its
significance in contemporary psychological and counseling practice.

1.3 Describe some common challenges and ethical considerations associated with the
termination stage.

A crucial stage in the therapeutic process is termination stage signifies the end of the client-
counselor relationship. This phase entails ending therapy, whether for a variety of reasons,
such as the client reaching their goals or because the client's circumstances have changed.
This might happen when the client gain more confident in managing his own stress and
successfully develop effective skills. Or the client’s circumstances changed might be because
of the client has move out of his state for a new job, so the client must be transferred to to
another therapist. Although the termination stage can indicate development, it also poses
special difficulties and moral dilemmas for both of client and the counselor. With the help of
pertinent instances and literature, this essay examines some typical difficulties and moral
dilemmas related to the termination stage.

Clients who are terminated frequently experience a range of emotional reactions, including
sadness, worries, rage, and emotional unstable. These reactions are a result of the strong
attachment that clients frequently have with their counselors which the loss of this bond can
be upsetting or cause feelings of abandonment. Some clients may object to ending therapy,
even if it has been effective, since they feel unprepared to deal with their issues without
continued assistance. For instance, a client who has made great strides toward recovery from
depression may be concerned about losing the support network that therapy offers. They can
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voice concerns about their capacity to sustain their success on their own, which could result
in a fear of relapsing.

In addition, making sure that the client and counselor are both ready for the termination phase
is a major obstacle. Early termination might leave the client feeling unsatisfied or abandoned,
regardless of whether it is the result of external circumstances like financial limitations or an
unforeseen move. Given that the client might not have completely absorbed the coping
mechanisms or techniques required to preserve their well being, this circumstance could be
risky. A client who is midway through trauma-focused therapy and suddenly loses access to
services because of insurance concerns might be the one of example. Because they are left
without closure or a plan for ongoing self-care, the client may experience further anguish if
the process is not properly concluded. Besides, it might be challenging for some clients to
leave therapy because they grow dependent on the therapeutic alliance. When the client sees
the counselor as their main emotional support system, this reliance may develop. In order to
lower the potential of reliance, the aim here is to assist clients in creating their own support
networks and coping strategies outside of therapy. If this situation occur, the counselor must
help the client by encouraging him to identify people who can provide support and can be
reached out when he went through emotional distress or any kind of pressure which can help
the client to grow support system outside the therapy session.

Termination can be particularly difficult when a client receiving therapy for anxiety, for
example, becomes unduly dependent on their counselor for comfort. Because they are afraid
of tackling their problems on their own, the client may ask to continue therapy even after they
have made significant progress. On behalf of counselor's emotional reactions, although the
client's experience during termination receives a lot of attention, counselors may also
encounter emotional difficulties. They could feel bereaved or worried about the client's future
health, particularly if the client is at risk or if the therapeutic alliance was profound and long-
lasting. In order to maintain their professional limits, counselors must effectively manage
their emotions. After working with a client for a number of years, for instance, a counselor
may develop a personal attachment to them and worry for their future.

Meanwhile, the ethical issues in the Termination Stage where it comes to choosing when and
how to terminate a client, the ethical principle of beneficence which mandates that counselors
work in their clients' best interests is crucial. The American Psychological Association (APA,
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2017) states that it is the ethical duty of counselors to make sure that termination is handled
carefully and in a way that is clinically proven. When therapy is ended too soon or without
sufficient planning, it can have a detrimental effect on the client's mental health and is
deemed unethical. For instance, if a counselor decides to end therapy for personal reasons
such as burnout and professional change, they still need to make sure the client has other
options. If necessary, the therapist should facilitate a seamless transfer to another practitioner
and offer referrals.

Counselors are not allowed to leave their clients unattended, according to ethical norms.
When a counselor ends therapy without making sure the client has enough support or access
to other resources, it is known as abandonment which is considered as unethical
consideration. Because client are the people who are in need of help identify to a patient who
need treatment to recover. Client’s abandonment might cause bigger problem which could
lead to suicidal problem because they possibly feel no one could longer be there for them
when the counselor no longer serve them. Counselors should not end therapy without
providing suitable alternatives or making sure the client is no longer in need of services,
according to the American Psychological Association's 2017 code of ethics. Clients who are
experiencing a crisis or who are struggling with serious mental health concerns may be
especially harmed by abrupt termination. An example of abandonment could be a counselor
suddenly ending therapy with a client who has extreme emotional distress might experiencing
suicidal possibility if they are not provided with a referral to another mental health
professional. In this case, the lack of support could put the client at significant risk, making
this action ethically unacceptable and apathy.

Not to mention, making sure the client is aware of the procedure from the beginning of
therapy is a crucial ethical factor to take into account when ending treatment. A fundamental
rule of counseling and psychotherapy is informed consent, which mandates that counselors
address the potential and terms of termination at the start of treatment. In order to ensure that
the decision is mutually agreed upon and collaborative, ethical practice entails keeping clients
informed about the timing and method of termination throughout the therapy process. This is
to ensure the clients is well prepared for any possibility during the therapy. For instance,
when therapy draws to a close, the counselor should check in with the client on a regular
basis to discuss progress and determine whether the client is ready to end the session. The
counselor must ask about any lingering concern in order to give the client chances to address
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anything that he might still want to work on. In addition to allowing clients to process their
feelings and make future plans, this helps to avoid abrupt or unplanned terminations. In
matter of that, the counselor must also encourage the clients to make plans for continued self
care and suggest any online mental health care communities which easier for him to follow
up and reinforce his confidence.

Termination is also morally problematic when there are "unfinished business" or unsolved
difficulties. It is possible for both clients and counselors to believe that some issues or
subjects have not been adequately covered. Assessing whether ending therapy will leave the
client vulnerable or without the resources they need to deal with these unresolved difficulties
is the counselor's ethical duty. A client may experience ongoing distress or mental health
problems if therapy is ended without appropriately addressing their emotional condition, for
instance, if they are still grieving the loss of a loved one which might take longer duration to
recover than any other problems. The client might still profound sadness and experience
difficulty even more when around anniversary of family gathering which he find himself
struggle again and feel increasingly isolated and begins experiencing depression symptoms.
This can possibly happen when the client losing his beloved ones like parents or spouse
whose role can not be replaced easily.

Furthermore, it is critical to keep distinct dual professional boundaries after ending treatment.
Ethical considerations that safeguard the client's welfare bind the counselor-client
relationship, and these boundaries need to be upheld even after therapy is over. It can be
unethical to make friendships or have two ties with former clients because this blurs the
boundaries between work and personal life and can result in conflicts of interest. For
example, if a male client show interest in his counselor to have intimate relationship, the
counselor must politely decline to make him see her as a neutral professional and explain that
maintaining clear boundaries is important to them. The relationship might cause other
problems that can burden the clients and complicate the therapeutic connection and erode the
client's belief in professional boundaries Thus, the counselor and client should avoid any
intimate relationship as possible especially during the treatment to reduce the risk of any
conflict or discomfort that possibly arise during dual relationship.

In conclusion, the therapy termination stage is a sensitive period with many difficulties and
moral dilemmas. For both the client and the counselor, emotional responses, dependence, and
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a lack of preparation can make the procedures more difficult. Counselors have an ethical
obligation to ensure that terminations are handled with consideration, informed consent, and
regard for the client's welfare. Important ethical responsibilities include preventing desertion,
upholding professional boundaries, and making sure clients have the resources they need to
deal after therapy. The counselor will not be available for personal support but can provide
referral if the client might need it later on. When handled well, the termination phase may be
a constructive and empowering transition for clients, signaling the end of treatment and
giving them the tools they need to take care of their mental health on their own and able to be
emotionally independent through hardship. The clients will learn that the treatment just to
help them temporarily to ensure they get their back up when there are no help or people
available to listen and provide appropriate solution to them.

2.1 Prepare an essay addressing the following case study. Support your arguments/ideas
with relevant examples and a review of related literature from reputable sources.

Dealing with clients who are uncooperative can be extremely difficult to be faced. The
therapy process is hampered by client like Mark who exhibit resistance or disengagement
during counseling session. However, a number of underlying problems, like fear, mistrust, or
a lack of preparation to deal with emotional challenges, might be the reason behind this
reluctance. In order to engage client like Mark and foster a cooperative therapeutic
relationship, counselors must be aware of these dynamics and use practical techniques. With
the use of pertinent instances and literature, this essay will go over particular strategies that
counselors might employ to engage clients who are not cooperating.

Resistance from clients is a normal aspect of therapy. Corey (2016) asserts that resistance
frequently appears when clients mistrust the therapeutic process, feel scared by change, or are
conflicted about facing up to unpleasant feelings. Thus, the first thing Jane must have done is
recognize Mark’s opposition. Mark exhibits signs of nervousness and potential difficulty
with vulnerability, as evidenced by his hesitation to open up, frequent phone checks, and
missed appointments. As clients want to avoid dealing with more serious psychological
problems, resistance may also be a protective mechanism (Norcross, 2002). Mark might resist
therapy because he do not want to confront difficult feelings or deeper issues regarding his
problem.

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Mark also shows that he is not interest in seeking help and even give no hint to talk about his
problem from professional counselor like Jane. Mark also unwilling to fully participate in
activities designed to help him. Thus, Jane must understand that Mark may not be ready to
dive into deep counseling work. By recognizing these signs, Jane able to address resistance
constructively, perhaps by adjusting her approach to better align with Mark’s comfort level
and readiness for change instead of pushing him to participate or discussing sensitive issues
right away. Second, building a powerful therapeutic alliance is one of the best ways to
overcome resistance. Studies regularly show that one of the most important factors
influencing the success of therapy is the nature of the relationship between the counselor and
the client (Wampold, 2015). It's crucial that Jane made an gentler effort to establish a
relationship with Mark at first by finding out about his hobbies and posing open-ended
questions. She might need to use more subtle relational strategies, though, in order to involve
Mark even more. For instance, Jane may have asked, "What kinds of things do you enjoy
doing in your leisure time outside work?" as an alternative to direct or closed queries like "Do
you like any kind of sports?" for example "Tell me about some of your favorite hobbies."
Mark would feel that his hobbies and experiences are appreciated and have the chance to talk
more about interesting part of himself as a result. If Mark said he likes to play the piano, Jane
could say, "That's intriguing! "What kind of music do you like playing the most?" or "What
inspired you to play the piano?" By demonstrating a sincere interest in his life and promoting
a more captivating dialogue, these kinds of open-ended questions help to maintain warm and
non-judgemental attitude and trust right away which will make Mark feels like he is
appreciated and realize that he has valuable things to do in life. This will make Mark talk
more about himself that allow Jane to interpret his behaviour and know him more which
could help him in better way.

Jane can adopt a client-centered approach that emphasizes empathy and non-confrontational
communication like motivational interviewing (MI). MI encourages clients to explore their
ambivalence toward change, which may help Mark feel more understood and less defensive.
By reflecting on Mark’s limited engagement without judgment, Jane can foster a sense of
safety, allowing Mark to express his feelings more freely. Research by Miller and Rollnick
(2013) highlights the effectiveness of MI in engaging resistant clients, especially those who
feel overwhelmed by their emotions. For example, Jane sets the tone for an honest and
encouraging discussion at the start of the session. "Hello, Mark," she says. “I appreciate you
coming in today. I am aware that everything at work has been causing you a lot of stress”.
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Let's briefly discuss what has been bothering you and what you would like to change, if
anything”. "Yes, work has been very demanding," says Mark. I'm usually exhausted when I
get home, even though I know I should definitely be taking better care of myself by
exercising and eating healthier. I simply don't think I could possibly fit it all in”. While Jane
employs reflective listening to validate Mark's experience after observing his ambivalence.
"It sounds like you're feeling overburdened by the demands of work, and it's difficult to
imagine adding anything else to your routine with the little energy you have left at the end of
the day."

Then she takes a moment to let Mark time to think. Relieved to be understood, Mark says,
"Exactly. Although it's just one more thing on top of everything else, I feel like I should be
doing more”. In order to assist Mark rediscover the reasons he might desire to make these
changes, Jane chooses to investigate his values and motives. "What are some of the things
you value most about your life right now, and where do you see room for change if it would
make things better?" This is how she should asks by using an open-ended inquiry as
alternative. After giving it some thought, Mark begin to open up and share, "Well, being able
to concentrate and perform well at work is quite important to me. However, I must admit that
I also want to feel good about myself. I miss having energy and feeling like I'm making
progress for myself”. To keep Mark motivated, Jane must respond warmly. “Making some
healthy modifications is a terrific idea if you want to feel more energy and take care of
yourself. It seems that you value your ability to concentrate at work”. Jane must not
pressuring Mark to change directly, instead she gently encouraging him by affirming his
thought.

Jane continues using a balance strategy to help Mark further explore his ambivalence because
he appears to be a little more involved. "What are some advantages, in your opinion, of
keeping things as they are, and what are some drawbacks?". "I suppose staying the same
means I don't have to put in extra effort or push myself when I'm tired," says Mark. “I'm
prepared. The drawback is that I continue to experience stress, and I constantly wish I were
less exhausted and healthier”. Jane should make Mark consider the positives and negative
effect of his current behaviour and what happen if he want to make changes.

Jane carefully turns the conversation to his willingness to change after acknowledging his
honesty about his current life. She used change talk to boost motivation: "You seem to be
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stating that, while maintaining your existing schedule is easy, you're not experiencing the
level of well being you desire. On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you place your level of
willingness to try something new?. Mark responds, "Perhaps a five." Although I'm not sure if
I'm ready to totally commit, I'm open to it”. Jane accepts his expectation without putting any
pressure on him which also help him to see the potential benefits of change. “Being in the
center is a fantastic place to be. Why are you at a five instead than, say, a three or four?”
After considering this, Mark might responds, "Well, because I know in my heart that I'd like
to change. I do want for improved health. To avoid feeling overpowered, I suppose I should
just start small step to feel healthier”. Jane adds, "That sounds like a smart approach, Mark,"
with a smile and encouragement. It can be better if you start small. What tiny action do you
believe you could do this week to help you a bit of that energy you’re hoping for?”

Mark's eyes brighten slightly as he considers it. "How about going for a brief walk in the
evening, even if it's only for ten minutes? "I believe I could do that”. Jane must
encouragingly to reaffirm his intention. "That's a fantastic start, and it sounds very
achievable. How about we check in next time to see how the walk goes and discuss how it
makes you feel?". This approach from Jane will help Mark to see that walk not as a chore but
as a small act of self care.

Mark agrees, feeling more optimistic and motivated at the end of the session. Jane's use of
Motivational Interviewing techniques and open-ended questioning, reflective listening, and
encouraging change talk which has assisted Mark in moving toward increased self-awareness
and willingness to take the first step toward better self-care. Thus, Mark might feel less
defensive and more understood if Jane supports his exploration of reluctance over change.
Jane can create a safe space for Mark to express his emotions by evaluating his limited
engagement without passing judgment. Miller and Rollnick's (2013) research demonstrates
how successful MI is at interacting with clients who are reluctant, particularly those who feel
overtaken by their feelings. Jane help Mark to feel safe about his concerns and desires at his
own pace.

In handling client disengagement, Jane must being present and mindful during sessions.
When Mark frequently checks his phone during sessions, which suggests disengagement and
could be a sign of discomfort or avoidance. Including mindfulness exercises in the sessions is
one of the way to deal with this sign. By encouraging clients to remain in the moment and
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concentrate on their current experience, mindfulness can help them become more conscious
of their inner state and less anxious. For example, Jane could help Mark ground himself by
starting sessions with quick mindfulness exercises like breathing techniques. Studies have
demonstrated that by lowering anxiety and enhancing emotional regulation, mindfulness-
based therapies can improve client engagement (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). This kind of exercise can
help Mark to become more relax at the present moment and help to slow down his emotion
rather than escaping into distraction with his mobile phone.

Jace can use pacing and calm conflict resolution technique. Jane might pace the sessions
while examining Mark's interests to prevent introducing him to too many challenging
subjects too quickly. Jane must strike a careful balance between honoring Mark's emotional
boundaries and addressing his resistance with a polite confrontation. "I see that it seems
difficult for you to open up about what's been bothering you," Jane might remark. “What, in
your opinion, could make it simpler?” In addition to recognizing Mark's opposition, this
extends an invitation for him to help come up with answers. According to research, more
productive sessions can result from addressing resistance directly but sympathetically
(Beutler et al., 2002).

Given Mark's irregular attendance, Jane might look into more adaptable ways in structure of
sessions to accommodate his needs. Maybe traditional in-person sessions are too much for
Mark or are inconvenient. He might be able to engage more frequently and easily if brief,
solution-focused treatment or teletherapy were included. It has been demonstrated that shorter
or digital sessions improve accessibility and client retention (Andersson et al., 2014).
Furthermore, another useful strategy for dealing with reluctance is psychoeducation. Mark
might learn from Jane how counseling works and how crucial active participation and
consistent attendance are to successful therapy. It could be helpful for clients like Mark to
realize that therapy is a team effort in which his involvement is essential for improvement. He
might understand the value of treatment if he is informed about the link between emotional
well-being, productivity at work, and interpersonal connections. Clients who are fully
comprehend the advantages of therapy can benefit from psychoeducation, which can increase
their motivation to participate (Donovan & Weiss, 2014).

Other than that, the underlying reasons behind Mark's resistance must also be taken into
account. Mark's lack of involvement could be related to more serious problems such
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unresolved trauma, failure-related anxiety, or hopelessness. Jane could apply the concepts of
trauma-informed care (TIC), which emphasize identifying and resolving the effects of
trauma. TIC can help Mark feel less threatened in therapy by focusing on safety,
trustworthiness, and teamwork while being aware of potential triggers (Harris & Fallot,
2001). Jane could investigate whether Mark's hesitation from bad therapy experiences in the
past, a fear of being judged, or doubts about the benefits of [Link] instance, a
trauma-informed approach would help Mark reclaim his sense of safety and agency by giving
him authority over the treatment process.

2.2 Conclusion

In conclusion, it takes a combination of patience, empathy, and customized approaches to

engage difficult individuals like Mark. Counselors can help resistive clients feel more at ease
and inspired to participate by establishing a strong therapy relationship, employing
motivational interviewing, addressing disengagement through mindfulness, pace, and
flexibility, and investigating underlying concerns. In order for individuals like Mark to feel
comfortable enough to explore their emotions and ultimately accept the therapeutic process, a
nonjudgmental environment must be established. Even with the most introvert clients,
therapists can achieve great results by sensitively and creatively confronting resistance.

Total Words : 5771

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2.3 REFERENCES

American Psychological Association (APA). (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and

Code of Conduct. Retrieved from [Link]

Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Carlbring, P., Riper, H., & Hedman, E. (2014). Guided internet-
based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders:
A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 13(3), 288-295.
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ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION

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