Counselling Skills in Health and Social Care: Ethical and Legal Report

This report comprehensively examines the development of counselling skills within the context of health and social care, encompassing theoretical perspectives, ethical considerations, and legal factors. The report begins by exploring the contributions of major theorists to various counselling ...Read More

Developing Counselling
Skills for Health and
Social Care

Contents
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Contribution of major theorist to the different perspectives used in counselling..................1
1.2 Use of different theoretical perspectives in counselling interactions in health and social
care...............................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Influence of current ethical guidelines for counsellors and supervisors................................3
2.2 Legal factors to be considered while counselling..................................................................4
2.3 Role of supervision in counselling........................................................................................5
3.1 Scope of counselling support available for individuals using health and social care services
.....................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Factors that influence the use of counselling interactions in health and social care.............6
3.3 Benefits of counselling interactions for individuals within Health and Social Care services
.....................................................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Counselling is a continuous process that take place between two or more than two
persons. During this process counsellor talks about the difficulties that are faced by the other
person and help them in taking decision or clearing the concepts regarding same (Liechty, 2011).
A set time is kept aside and only the topic concerned is explored by the counsellor so that he/she
can understand the actual requirements of the client and help them in reaching to the results.
Following report is based on the ethical considerations that are involved in this practice along
with a discussion on how this particular treatment is governed. Range of theoretical perspectives
will be discussed in detail that are applied on counselling along with a detailed discussion on the
role that is played by it in the health and social care.
TASK 1
1.1 Contribution of major theorist to the different perspectives used in counselling
The demand for health and social care services has raised to a great extent and is further
increasing. This has led a great influence on the development of counselling concept too as it is
effective enough in solving much of care issues of an individual. Some ideas and philosophies
has its major involvement in framing the viewpoints that are used in this system and some of
them are discussed below along with the theorist of same:
Cognitive theory – It is brief and problem solving theory. As per this system the current
nature reactions behaviour of an individual is analysed and accordingly the solutions are given
by the counsellor. Aaron beck 1960’s proposed this particular study and is popularly used in case
of the treatments of the patients that are undergoing depression. Through this the logical reasons
are identified behind the anxiety, fear and like symptoms shown by the care seekers and
accordingly their treatment is initiated (Noe and et.al., 2017).
Humanistic approach - Carl Rogers gave this very popular theory in health and social
care sector that is used by the counsellors to develop self-actualisation in those who has lost the
real self. It is given emphasis by him that in order to live a free and stress less life it is crucial
that person must feel acceptable, open and must attain the maximum level of human - beingness
as suggest this only as the treatment for those who lack such belief within them.
Behaviour theory (Testing on dogs) – Watson (1878-1958) proposed this theory. He
suggested that like animal’s humans also respond to the different situations differently even
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when the same conditions are created. The following illustration shows how a dog responds to
the conditional and unconditional stimulus differently. During the counselling sessions such
classical condition is used and the range of responses of an individual are recorded which further
helps in identifying the phobias and fears that are suffered by them (World Health Organization,
2013).
Figure 1Behavioral Conditioning
(Source: Behavioural Conditioning, 2013)
1.2 Use of different theoretical perspectives in counselling interactions in health and social care
Distinct theories that are discussed above has their own significance in the counselling
sessions that re carried out in the medical field. in order to understand how they contribute in the
health and wellbeing separate discussion of each principle is done below:
Humanistic approach – This is an effective approach that develop positivity in an
individual specially those who has lost hope in themselves and are going through the depression.
During the counselling session using this approach self-worth is made identified in the service
user and this is considered as the initial step for the treatments. Once a bit of self-esteem is
recognised an individual starts developing a favourable approach towards the life and further
develop self-confidence which is of utmost importance. The feelings of clients are respected and
it is made sure that they develop a sense to their life and do not consider themselves of less
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importance to themselves or to the society. As this treatment do not involve any medicines, it
further adds value to the solutions. Desire to live and be involved with others is developed in
those who has depression of being alone or of no use (Lewis and et.al., 2011).
Behavioural approach – It is another study that is based on the belief that behavior is
learned. This particular theory is widely used in the treatment for depression, substance abuse,
bipolar disorder anger issues etc. Relaxation training is an effective way of treating the client
with these health issues as under this they are familiar with the activities that can be performed
while struggling with any of the wellbeing disorder. Their interaction skills are improved by
coping up with their present state and self-esteem is also developed.
Cognitive approach – This is a simple approach where the line of treatment is kept
modest and it is suggested that by developing a thought that learning comes from the past know-
hows one can overcome any situation in life. Counsellors ensures that they motivate the clients to
face the difficulties so that they can further grow self-development goals. The care users are
encouraged to prioritise themselves above anything and influenced to set goals so that
accordingly their behaviour is changed and focus more on raising their wellbeing. This particular
approach is based on the triangle that is based on the belief that emotions of an individual
develop the same thoughts in the minds and same is further reflected in their behaviours.
Therefore, while delivering the counselling to the care taker it is kept in mind that the session
must lead to the change in the feelings as this will ultimately bring variation in the behaviour
(Rahman and et.al., 2010).
2.1 Influence of current ethical guidelines for counsellors and supervisors
Counselling is a crucial activity and plays a major role in the life of client. As person going
through these sessions are highly influenced by the sessions it has to be kept in mind that fair
treatment is given to an individual without harming to their personal space and also their dignity
is maintained. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics
aims to develop an ethical framework and ensures commitment of loyalty towards the care users
which further lead to strong relationship among the care professionals and service users. Some of
the ethical guidelines that influence the counsellors and supervisors while carrying out their work
are discussed below in detail:
Trust – This is the most important factor that has to be maintained in the profession of
counselling or even in the health and care sector as whole. As it is not a technique in which a
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tangible medium is used for the treatment it becomes very crucial that parties involved in the
counselling sessions has faith as only then the desired results by those who are involved in it can
be achieved. both counsellor and client should make sure that they are not hiding any material
fact from each other which can affect the line of treatment. Also not only this, even the
supervisors should ensure that they are honest toward their duty (Söderlund and et.al., 2011).
Justice – every person has an equal right to get same treatment and facilities in the health
care section. Therefore, both the counsellors and supervisors has to make sure that do not make
biasness among the service users on the basis of any grounds as this is against the ethics. it is the
human right and has to be respected in every situation. It helps in making the treatment more
effective and build better connections among those who are part of the counselling sessions.
Beneficence – It is a principle that is based on the concept of acting in a way that is most
desirable for the client. During the sessions counsellors must ensure that all their actions aims at
improvising the present health of the client and whatever action is possible for their interest are
taken. It is not a choice but an obligation to the supervisors that they deliver the services in the
favour of users in a way that their development can be ensured.
2.2 Legal factors to be considered while counselling
There are a number of legal factors that has their influence on the working of different
sectors. As health and care section deals with the wellbeing of distinct individuals more
emphasis is given on framing the laws so that the overall welling of the society can be raised. It
is vital that same are considered while carrying out the day to day operations and delivering the
services by the care professionals. Some of the common and most important legal frameworks
are illustrated below:
Legislation relating to data protection- Data Protection Act 1998, 2018 is one act that is
formulated in order to safeguard all the important and personal information of client that is
shared with the counsellor by the service user. This framework further develops the
responsibility of the care workers to keep the information of different individuals safe from any
third party as in case of negligence the client has full right to take an action against them. when
counselling is done all the material facts are disclosed by them considering same as important for
initiating the treatment. If in case the data is shared with some other person without the ill of
person involved will hurt the sentiments and self-esteem of client (Kaffenberger and O'Rorke-
Trigiani, 2013).
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Anti-discriminatory practice- Another very important legal guideline that has to be
fulfilled by the practitioners of care sector are of treating everyone equally. No difference on the
basis of race, religion, gender, ethnicity should be observed in the counselling sessions or after
support services. It has major influence on the supervisors as well as on the counsellors as if they
found guilty than legal actions can be taken against them and even their licence of practice can
also be cancelled in the worse conditions.
Professional liability, indemnity- Counsellor work for the betterment of society.
Therefore, it is preferable to provide them insurance so that they can be protected against the
financial loss if suffered during the line of treatment. Also, the advice of counsellor has great
influence on the service user and hence this way it becomes necessary to protect them at least
with the financial support so that the adverse effects of a wrong session or guidance can at least
be reduced (Curtis, 2013).
2.3 Role of supervision in counselling
Supervision in the counselling practice is one that protects the client from any unfair
exercise, for instance involvement of any third party in the proceedings of the counselling
sessions. It helps in developing trust faith and focus in the interactions and hence the quality of
solutions can be further improved. The role of supervision can be further understood clearer from
the following points:
Support to counsellor – In order to concentrate on the facts that are delivered by the client
during the session of counselling it is important that counsellor is free from the external factors
and is working under no outside pressure. Supervisor plays a great role in establishing a
disturbance free working surroundings. They keep any third party who is not associated with the
treatment away and make sure that best possible session is established.
Development model – At the initial or no voice stage supervisor plays an important role as
here counsellor may show lack of confidence. Hence here it is required that their moral is
boosted so that they can make full capacity utilisation of their knowledge and capacities.
Problem solving behaviour is encouraged so that efficiency of counselling is raised in the long
run.
Integrated model – Under this model supervisor perform the duty of being a teacher
counsellor and consultant. No individual is perfect and need assistance at different stages of
their life. Supervisor by performing these roles make sure that the skill of counsellors are
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encouraged and he do not feel that he lacks somewhere behind as it will further directly effects
their professional career. Supervisor by these three roles ensure the task oriented working in the
health care institution (Caldwell and Vera, 2010).
3.1 Scope of counselling support available for individuals using health and social care services
With the enhancement in the need of support practises the scope of counselling has raised
to great extent and cover a range of areas like issues related to society, personal problems or
other emotional imbalance. It is because this practiced is considered as healthy and has less risk
involved.
Scope of same is elaborated in the further discussion:
Accessibility – These days’ people are leading a very stressful life and do not find time for
their own wellbeing. This lead to depression or other like health related issues. It has triggered
the availability of counsellors to high number and now it is easy to approach a good counsellor
without searching much. Also, there are now counsellors in the education institutions and big
organisations as they are considered important to maintain good and stress less working
environment.
Mental health problems – The working conditions and lifestyle of individuals is such that
it leads to different mental health issues. People work under pressure and therefore end up with
illness like stress, disabilities trauma and sometimes these are because of such factors which they
cannot discuss in society openly. In such cases counsellors are of great help to them. They
deliver their services to them and help in leading to a normal life without getting indulge in a
very complex medical treatment. Also, their privacy is maintained.
Government schemes – As counselling practices are contributing in the development of
society it is funded by the political party too. It is supported by the government like for providing
the future counselling to the students so that they can decide what is best for them and hence
make contribution to the world economy in the future (Levinson, Lesser and Epstein, 2010).
3.2 Factors that influence the use of counselling interactions in health and social care
Be it health and social care or any other department none of them remain unaffected by the
external or internal factor that are available in the environment and hence their influence can
only be reduced by analysing them well in advance. Utilisation of the counselling interactions
are also affected by various element among which the most common are discussed below:
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Belief systems – This is one of the most important factor that has major impact on the
counselling session. To achieve the desired results, it is required that client beliefs in the
solutions that are given to him by the counsellor. It is so because mental satisfaction plays more
crucial part in the recovery process. If the person concern has the tendency of not believing the
other person than even if the quality of session is good, it will not help in reaching the goals.
Approachability – It is how far the services are from the care user. There are situations
when a person has to frequently visit the counsellor to completely get rid of the problems that are
faced by them. If the approach is difficult than it may demotivate the person to maintain the
continuity in the counselling sessions. This way the process is stopped or braked in between and
hence affect the quality of results.
Socioeconomic – Elements of these factors are the income, occupation wealth or prestige
of various individuals. There is diversity of population and it is not necessary that same mode of
communication can work for all. Understanding the actual problem, developing bond with the
client and like factors has their major role on the standards of counselling and its results
(Richards and Viganó, 2013).
3.3 Benefits of counselling interactions for individuals within Health and Social Care services
When both the parties involved in the counselling sessions follow the ethical considerations
and other legal obligations they are benefited from the results. The profits of such interactions to
distinct individuals are discussed below:
Betterment of the health – With the help of counselling facilities the welling of different
individuals can be improved as those going through different disorders talk about same and get
the solutions. Their overall mental pressure is shared and further reduced which helps the
diseased person in leading a normal life in the long run.
Decrease in medication – Although taking medicine is a traditional practice and is widely
accepted, counselling has reduced the intake of medicines from the society. It is very much
beneficial as although tablets give the instant relief to service user but may have adverse effects
in the long run. There are side effects of the drugs that are taken for getting relief from the health
issues like depression and therefore counselling can be a better option in this case.
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TASK 2
I was provided with an opportunity to work as a consoler. It was a great experience as I
interacted with the other person and got to know what the different issues that are faced by them.
I was so amazed by how few incidents change the whole lives of individuals and their normal
survival becomes a difficult task for them. I did the counselling which gave me inner satisfaction
as I could help someone in leading a normal routine. Also, another experience I got was of
working in groups where every person has different perspective and respond distinctly to same
situations. I learned to work under pressure of time and gained knowledge of how to respond
while performing a group activity. This will further help in me in my future to take more
responsibilities.
CONCLUSION
From the above study, this has been concluded that counselling has made its significant
position in the health and care sector. It is a less complicated process of getting the treatment of
different health issues that are free from medications to a great extent. It is found that in order to
carry out such practices individuals involved need to follow the different laws and regulations as
only then the desired results can be achieved. thereafter it is also identified that how the scope of
counselling practices is continuously increasing which may improve the overall wellbeing level
of the society in the long run.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Liechty, J. M., 2011. Health literacy: Critical opportunities for social work leadership in health
care and research. Health & social work. 36(2). pp.99-107.
Noe, R. A. and et.al., 2017. Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
World Health Organization, 2013. HIV and adolescents: guidance for HIV testing and
counselling and care for adolescents living with HIV: recommendations for a public
health approach and considerations for policy-makers and managers.
Lewis, J. A. and et.al., 2011. Social justice counseling and advocacy: Developing new leadership
roles and competencies. Journal for Social Action in Counseling & Psychology. 3(1).
pp.5-16.
Rahman, S. M. and et.al., 2010. Factors affecting recruitment and retention of community health
workers in a newborn care intervention in Bangladesh. Human resources for health. 8(1).
p.12.
Söderlund, L.L. and et.al., 2011. A systematic review of motivational interviewing training for
general health care practitioners. Patient education and counseling, 84(1). pp.16-26.
Kaffenberger, C.J. and O'Rorke-Trigiani, J., 2013. Addressing student mental health needs by
providing direct and indirect services and building alliances in the community.
Professional School Counseling. 16(5). p.2156759X1201600505.
Curtis, L.A., 2013. Unit costs of health and social care 2013. Personal Social Services Research
Unit, University of Kent.
Caldwell, J.C. and Vera, E.M., 2010. Critical incidents in counseling psychology professionals'
and trainees' social justice orientation development. Training and Education in
Professional Psychology. 4(3). p.163.
Levinson, W., Lesser, C.S. and Epstein, R.M., 2010. Developing physician communication skills
for patient-centered care. Health affairs. 29(7). pp.1310-1318.
Richards, D. and Viganó, N., 2013. Online counseling: A narrative and critical review of the
literature. Journal of clinical psychology. 69(9). pp.994-1011.
ONLINE
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Behavioral Conditioning, 2013. [ONLINE] Available through <
https://www.skewsme.com/behavior.html>.
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