GOALS AND SCOPE Disciplines and Ideas in

OF
the Applied Social
Sciences
GOALS OF
INTRODUCTION
Different individuals have different perceptions of
what can be expected of counseling. Individuals
preparing to become counselors, and those who seek
counseling, as well as parents, teachers, school
administrators and governmental agencies, all differ in
their expectations of the counseling experience.
ENHANCING COPING SKILLS
We will inevitably run into difficulties in the process of
growing up. Most of us do not completely achieve all
of our developmental tasks within a lifetime. All of the
unique expectations and requirements imposed on us
by others will eventually lead to problems. Any
inconsistencies in development can result in children
learning behaviour patterns that are both inefficient
and ineffective. Learned coping patterns, however,
may not always work. New interpersonal or
occupational role demands may create an overload
and produce excessive anxiety and difficulty for the
individual.
IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS
Many clients tend to have major problems relating to
others due to poor self-image. Likewise, inadequate
social skills cause individuals to act defensively in
relationships. Typical social difficulties can be
observed in family, marital and peer group interaction
(e.g., the troubled elementary school child). The
counselor would then strive to help the client improve
the quality of their lives by developing more effective
interpersonal relationships.
FACILITATING CLIENT POTENTIAL
Counseling seeks to maximize an individual’s freedom
by giving him or her control over their environment
while analyzing responsiveness and reaction to the
environment. Counselors will work to help people
learn how to overcome, for example, excessive
substance use and to better take care of their bodies.
FACILITATING BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
Most theorists indicate that the goal of counseling is
to bring about change in behaviour that will enable the
client to be more productive as they define their life
within society’s limitations. According to Rodgers
(1961), behaviour change is a necessary result of the
counseling process, although specific behaviours
receive little or no emphasis during the process.
PROMOTING DECISION-MAKING
The goal of counseling is to enable the individual to
make critical decisions regarding alternative courses
of action without outside influence. Counseling will
help individuals obtain information, and to clarify
emotional concerns that may interfere with or be
related to the decisions involved. These individuals will
acquire an understanding of their abilities and
interests. They will also come to identify emotions and
attitudes that could influence their choices and
decisions.
SCOPE OF
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
1. Adolescent identity, concerns, teen-parent relationships,
peer relationships
2. Anxiety
3. Anger management
4. Children’s concerns within the family unit, sibling
relationships, school experiences, peer relationships
5. Depression
6. Family of origin dynamics and issues
7. Gender: identity, sexuality, homosexuality
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
1. Relationships: personal and interpersonal dynamics
2. Sexual abuse recovery
3. Seniors: challenges, limitations, transitions
4. Singles: single, newly single, single through divorce or
being widowed
5. Spirituality
6. Stress management
7. Workplace stress and relationships
8. Young adult: identity, relationships, vocation
MARITAL AND PRE-MARITAL
COUNSELLING
1. Marital and relational dynamics
2. Extended family relationships
3. Fertility issues
FAMILY COUNSELLING
1. Adolescent and child behaviours within family dynamics
2. Adult children
3. Divorce and separation issues and adjustment
4. Family dynamics: estrangement, conflict,
communication
5. Family of origin / extended family issues
6. Life stages and transitions
7. Parenting patterns: blended, single, co-parenting
families