Developing Counselling Skills for Health and Social Care: A Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of developing counselling skills within the context of health and social care. It begins by comparing the contributions of major theorists to different counselling perspectives, including behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic approaches. The report then evaluates the application of these theoretical perspectives in counselling interactions. It further examines the influence of current ethical guidelines and legal factors on counsellors and supervisor practitioners, emphasizing the importance of trust, justice, autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence. The analysis also covers relevant legal factors such as the Data Protection Act, Equality Act, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act. Finally, the report evaluates the role of supervision in counselling, highlighting its importance in ensuring ethical practice and enhancing the quality of service provided to clients. The report provides a detailed analysis of the scope and benefits of counselling interactions within health and social care services.

DEVELOPING
COUNSELLING
SKILLS FOR
HEALTH AND
SOCIAL CARE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Comparison of contribution of major theorists to different perspectives used in
counselling..................................................................................................................................1
1.2. Evaluation of use of different theoretical perspectives in counselling interactions.............2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
2.1. Influence of current and ethical guidelines for counsellors and supervisor practitioners'
counselling interactions...............................................................................................................3
2.2. Analysis of legal factors that should be considered in counselling interactions..................5
2.3. Evaluation of role of supervising in counselling..................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1. Scope of Counselling Support available for individuals using health and social care
services........................................................................................................................................7
3.2. Analysis of factors influencing use of counselling interactions...........................................7
3.3. Potential benefits of counselling interactions for individuals within Health and Social
Care.............................................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Counselling refers to an activity performed by doctors and therapists which undertakes
provision of advice or guidance to individuals that helps them in resolving personal and social
problems. It is an important activity to support psychologically disturbed individuals in an
appropriate manner. The following report is based on development of counselling skills in health
and social care. It involves theoretical perspectives applied to counselling work and application
of boundaries and ethical codes to counselling work. The report also covers role of counselling
interactions in health and social care and potential benefits of counselling interactions for
individuals within health and social care services.
TASK 1
1.1. Comparison of contribution of major theorists to different perspectives used in counselling
There are various theorists in health and social care which have provided various theories
giving different perspectives used in counselling (Barden, Conley and Young, 2015). All these
theories provided by them have been effectively used in counselling and it is crucial to
differentiate their work in order to determine their contribution in the field of counselling. Their
different contributions is discussed below:
Behavioural Theory:
This theory circles around a belief that a specific and certain kind of behaviour is learned.
There are various theorists who have contributed in giving different perspectives to this theory. Classic Conditioning: Ivan Pavlov was the first individual to introduce 'conditioning' as a
concept through indulging with experiments on animals. In these, a behaviour for salivate
was developed in dogs after production of a metronome sound during feeding. Through
this experiment, he was able to develop salivation in a conditioned behaviour. However,
failure in achieving desired outcomes might result in failure of this concept.
 Operant Conditioning: This was developed by B.F. Skinner which was presented in
contrast to classic conditioning. This theory encompassed the belief that factors
influencing behaviour are the ones which comes directly after it. Positive and Negative
reinforcements were methods used by Skinner to influence following or restriction of
certain behaviour.
Cognitive Theory:
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This perspective was provided by psychotherapist Aaron Beck in 1960's and works on the
principle that behaviours and feelings could be influenced by individuals' thinking. In contrast to
behavioural theory, this perspective evaluates internal brain processes (Behforouz, Drain and
Rhatigan, 2014).
Humanistic Approach:
This perspective deals with empathising and revolves around uniqueness of an individual.
There are various theorists which have contributed in presenting different viewpounts on this
approach. Their presented theories are mentioned below: Hierarchical Theory of Motivation: This theory was provided by Maslow in 1943 which
states various stages of needs and how fulfilment of each type of need leads to
motivation. Person Centred Therapy: Carl Rogers developed this theory and it centres around how
individuals differentiate themselves with others throughout their experience with life.
 Gestalt Therapy: This therapy was developed by Fritz Perls and focuses on individual
responsibility and their present moment experiences. This therapy is about gathering
insight into patients' gestalt and often applies role playing as a method of attaining
resolution to past conflicts
All these theorists contributed differently in providing various perspectives that could be
used in counselling to enhance its effectiveness.
1.2. Evaluation of use of different theoretical perspectives in counselling interactions
Within counselling, different theoretical perspectives have different uses and provide
effective framework to therapists as well as counsellors to appropriately interpret behaviours,
feelings and thoughts of their clients (Capuzzi and Stauffer, 2016). Uses of these perspectives in
counselling is discussed below:
 Behavioural Theory:
With consideration to works provided by various theorists, this theory is applied
differently for different situations. It is used to effectively bring a behaviour change within an
individual. Classical conditioning is used in various ways in therapies for instance, flooding is a
technique which is applied with individuals suffering from anxiety and phobias to expose them
to stimulus repeatedly to help them overcome their issues. Where operant conditioning is
concerned, modelling is a technique used by therapists where observation and imitation play
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significant roles in effectively changing their behaviour positively. Basically, in counselling,
behavioural theory is utilised to improve negative aspects bore by an individual.
 Cognitive Theory:
This perspective within counselling is used to appropriately change thought processes in
order to bring change in the behaviour. It is oriented towards solving problems faced by
individuals. In this theory, therapists emphasise more on present situation of clients. Counselling
in this perspective is effectively used in counselling to address several mental illnesses like
personality, anxiety, substance abuse disorder, etc. There are various approaches in cognitive
perspective, for instance, rational emotive therapy is the one which centralises on the fact that
irrational behaviour could be developed by individuals. This technique takes past as well as
present conditions into consideration which helps therapists in application of activating events
allowing clients to identify consequences and beliefs.
 Humanistic Approach:
In this perspective, individuals experience the opportunity to effectively improve their
behaviour. For instance, person centred therapy emphasises concept of clients being master of
their own destinies (Cooper and Dryden, 2015). As per this approach, it is essential fro therapists
to effectively enhance showcase their interest and genuine care for their patients. Its concept is
based on treating the patient as a client on equal terms as it is imperative for the therapist to
analyse the situation of the patient the same way as they are perceiving it. Full integration of
clients is restored using this approach as they are made aware of their responsibilities and
recognise growth and self-direction.
TASK 2
2.1. Influence of current and ethical guidelines for counsellors and supervisor practitioners'
counselling interactions
Within health and social care sector, there are various guidelines set up for counsellors
and supervisor practitioners which provides a framework and appropriate guidelines for them to
counsel their patients (Edwards and et. al., 2015).
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) have several guidelines
and code of ethics which influence counselling interactions effectively (Ethical Framework,
2018). These factors are mentioned below:
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 Trust: Each client trust their therapists and counsellors to appropriately guide them
solving their situation and provide them with mental peace. Thus, this factor influences
counselling interactions as practitioners are required to honour the trust placed by their
patients. The procedures and practices adopted by them must effectively protect this trust
which could be related to confidentiality, giving proper treatment, providing transparency
in sharing information, etc. Justice: Another guideline which appropriately influence counselling interactions is
justice. Therapists and counsellors are required to be completely impartial and fair while
providing treatment to their clients. Moreover, their clients, irrespective of any social or
cultural aspect such as gender, caste, mental stability, etc., must receive their full support
and acquire their adequate services in a medically authorised and professional manner. Autonomy: This ethical guidelines requires counsellors and medical practitioners to
respect self-determination and independence of their patients. Furthermore, they must
give utmost importance to their right of freedom of choice as well as action. It must be a
responsibility of counsellor and practitioner to provide encouragement must be provided
by counsellor or therapists to their patients to make their own decisions. Non-maleficence: This guideline protects the right of clients to acquire a safe
environment and appropriate treatment from their counsellor. This is perhaps one of the
most important guidelines which is required to be followed by counsellors and supervisor
practitioners (Felton, Coates and Christopher, 2015). It reflects the concept of prohibition
in infliction of any sort of internal harm as well as not engaging in activities which results
in such a manner. This must be rigidly and compulsorily be followed by them to ensure
ethical treatment of their clients. It influences the practices of theorists and practitioners
as they are required to keep safety as a priority while providing effective methods for
counselling.
 Beneficence: This circles around commitment to promote well-being of the patients. It
influences interactions as counsellors and therapists are required to be proactive and their
every action must ensure benefit to their clients. This must be a well adopted practice and
they must intervene whenever possible to ensure appropriate safeguarding of their
patients.
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2.2. Analysis of legal factors that should be considered in counselling interactions
For providing effective treatment to clients, there are several legal factors that must be
considered while provision of service to the clients (Grant, 2014). It is an important practice
which ensures legal support to counsellors and provides them ethical framework for provision of
their services. These factors are analysed below: Data Protection Act 1998, 2018: This act is appropriately designed to include aspects for
instance, to gather, store, process and share information. This act specifically governs
protection of crucial as well as sensitive information of clients. These must not be
wrongfully shared by counsellors without prior consideration and permission of patients.
Personal privacy of patients must be supported effectively by counsellors and their data
must be stored effectively in order to appropriately prevent any sort of breach. Equality Act, 2010: Another imperative legislation which is essential to be followed by
professionals must be to equally treat their clients. In other words, this legislation is based
to effectively provide services to the clients irrespective of their gender, social status,
race, etc. They must appropriately protect their clients and patients against any sort of
discrimination to ensure a favourable treatment provided to them. Moreover, they must
have access to all the necessary sources necessary to ensure benefit in their situations and
acquiring effective treatment. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act, 2006: Within counselling interactions, this law
effectively enhances the scope of provision of safe treatment to all. Furthermore, this act
safeguards vulnerable people such as children, adults, individuals with disability, people
suffering from learning difficulties, etc. (Jordans and et. al., 2016). They must also insure
that no harm is imposed on these individuals whilst their treatment is undertaken by the
therapist. They must not indulge in practices like murder, rape, treason, manslaughter,
kidnapping, etc. and must, at any cost, protect their clients of experiencing any sort of ill
treatment.
 Professional Liability/Indemnity Insurance: This factor protects the counsellor's legal
rights and covers their legal expenses as well as costs and damages might be awarded, in
case the practitioner fails to provide ineffective service. It is a crucial protection and must
be considered by every counsellor to ensure a smooth and effective provision of their
counselling services to the public.
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2.3. Evaluation of role of supervising in counselling
Supervision refers to managing and overseeing provision of a service to ensure that it is
being provided as per ethical standards as well as with appropriate framework (McMahon and et.
al., 2014). Within counselling, this activity protects clients as well as improve ability of
counsellors in provision of value services to their patients. It reduces risk of serious flaw or
oversight and aid the counsellors in a more giving more appropriate services to their clients. It is
quite protective in nature and completely safeguards the clients from any intentional or
unintentional misconduct.
There are various models that could be used in counselling supervision which could be
used by supervision to oversee provision of effective services within counselling. These models
are discussed below: Developmental Models: These models effectively define all the progressive stages of
development of supervisee from a novice to expert. There are discrete characteristics
present in these stages. Within each step, there is a progressive enhancement in skills and
competencies of supervisee and their dependence over their supervisors is appropriately
analysed in each stage. Supervisors are required to apply various approaches to ensure
that adequate progress is experienced by their supervisee. One effective approach could
be to provide accurate feedbacks to supervisee regarding their performance and through
effective “scaffolding”, which is a term used for defining interactions, they must ensure
progression of their supervisee into the next phase.
 Orientation-Specific Models: There are various counsellors who tend to adopt a certain
therapy brand considers supervision on the basis on the effectiveness of adherence to the
theory (Modi and et. al., 2015). For instance, during cognitive supervision, the technique
used by the supervisors is concerned towards observing cognitive behaviour applied and
analysed by the supervisee.
Thus, supervision is a necessary activity to be followed by practitioners in order to ensure
provision of quality services as well as adherence to ethical practice. Moreover, it is crucial to
follow ethical practices within counselling as this would enhance the scope of treatment provided
by counsellors. In addition to this, protection of rights of patients would develop a sense of
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dependency and trust which is essential for betterment of their situation and providing them with
effective mental peace.
TASK 3
3.1. Scope of Counselling Support available for individuals using health and social care services
There is a wide scope of counselling support available to individuals using health and
social care services. There is wide variety of services available to individuals using health and
social care services. For instance, general advice, information support are available to individuals
acquiring health and social care services (Moss, 2017).
In addition to this, a range of life events is being dealt with while providing counselling
such as illness, disabilities, trauma, bereavement etc. Counselling for all these events are
available along with help in adjusting to life transitions.
There is an organisation which goes by the name of MindWell which is a member of
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and it effectively supports people with
counselling needs. Furthermore, the company provides a range of services to its customers using
digital tools and platforms that enhances the scope of service available to individuals. External to
the organisation as well, British Association and Psychotherapy is one of the most prominent
organisation operating at national level which also provides a range of services to patients. This
organisation could also be opted for referral organisation available to individuals.
3.2. Analysis of factors influencing use of counselling interactions
There are several factors which effectively influence counselling interactions for
individuals. Individuals seeking these services come across various factors which influence this
decision of individuals. These factors are appropriately analysed as under: Economic Conditions: The most important factor influencing the use of counselling
interactions is the economic condition of the client. Individuals with lower economic
status might not be able to acquire effective counselling services (Noe and et. al., 2017).
However, if individuals are economically sufficient, then it is quite easy for them to get
access to appropriate health and social care services. Socio-economic Conditions: Another important factor which influences such interactions
is the socio-economic status of individuals. These conditions are combinations of income,
education as well as occupation. Thus, it effects their decisions in various ways. For
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instance, people belonging to a good occupation might be encouraged through their
organisational culture to acquire such services for relieving work pressure. However,
people working for organisations where there is no regard towards mental health of
employees might be restricted to approach such services and even develop a stigma of
being mentally ill. In case of education, well-educated people are aware of such services.
However, if individuals are not educated, they remain unaware to acknowledge
counselling services and thus, fail to approach them. Approachability: This factor influences individuals as they might be in an area where
there is no availability of such services. Furthermore, there might also be cases where
individuals deal with ineffective professionals which further restricts them to approach
counselling. Moreover, in various cultures, counselling is perceived as a negative activity
and this results in developing a mindset where individuals do not approach counsellors
(Murray-García, and et. al., 2014).
 Readiness: This reflects the extent up to which an individual is ready to acquire these
services. As an example, there are some individuals who perceive themselves as
competent enough to not acquire these services. They tend to deal with their problems on
their own. However, there are some individuals who are ready to acquire these services
after receiving mental pressure or after happening of a life event.
3.3. Potential benefits of counselling interactions for individuals within Health and Social Care
Counselling is an important and crucial practice which provides individuals with
effective care and support. There are potential benefits associated with counselling for
individuals within Health and Social Care. These benefits are explained below: Benefits to Individuals: Counselling provides individuals with numerous benefits such as
better mental and physical health, improved self-care, increase in self-confidence,
reduction in medications, etc. In addition, they acquire support form their counsellors and
therapists which in time helps them to approach for support (Skovholt and Trotter-
Mathison, 2014). Benefits to Groups: Within organisation and other social groups, counselling helps in
enhancing group harmony and cooperation. Moreover, it effectively benefit
psychological health of patients which further increases scope of organisational success.
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 Benefits to Communities: Counselling benefit community as more individuals are
benefited with its services and achieve mental peace which reduce various clinical
interventions such as hospital admissions, medications, etc. This effectively help a
community to grow at a steady pace and appropriately restore well being in the society.
 Benefits to Health and Social Care Employees: Counselling helps these individuals in
enhancing their performance within the organisation. They tend to collaborate with each
other in a better way and cater to the needs of patients within the organisation. In addition
to this, their job require them to be active all day and with counselling, they could
achieve this result effectively (Ma and et. al., 2014).
CONCLUSION
Thus, it is concluded that counselling in health and social care is very important for
individuals. It is beneficial to compare contributions of various theorists and use them effectively
in provision of health and social care services. It is also recommended and important for
professionals providing counselling services effectively follow the ethical guidelines provided
for their practice as well as adhere to the legislation laid down for their practice. Supervision is
also important in counselling as it helps individuals in working in a progressive manner.
Moreover, it is also recommended to determine scope of counselling support available to
individuals and analyse factors influencing their counselling interactions. Lastly, potential
benefits of counselling must be considered effectively by individuals to acquire counselling and
enhance their mental health.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Barden, S., Conley, A. and Young, M., 2015. Integrating health and wellness in mental health
counseling: Clinical, educational, and policy implications. Journal of mental health
counseling. 37(2). pp.152-163.
Behforouz, H. L., Drain, P. K. and Rhatigan, J. J., 2014. Rethinking the social history. New
England Journal of Medicine. 371(14). pp.1277-1279.
Capuzzi, D. and Stauffer, M.D., 2016. Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and
interventions. John Wiley & Sons.
Cooper, M. and Dryden, W. eds., 2015. The handbook of pluralistic counselling and
psychotherapy. Sage.
Edwards, M., and et. al., 2015. ‘Distributed health literacy’: longitudinal qualitative analysis of
the roles of health literacy mediators and social networks of people living with a long‐
term health condition. Health Expectations. 18(5). pp.1180-1193.
Felton, T. M., Coates, L. and Christopher, J. C., 2015. Impact of mindfulness training on
counseling students' perceptions of stress. Mindfulness. 6(2). pp.159-169.
Grant, L., 2014. Hearts and minds: Aspects of empathy and wellbeing in social work students.
Social Work Education. 33(3). pp.338-352.
Jordans, M. J. D., and et. al., 2016. Development and pilot testing of a mental healthcare plan in
Nepal. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 208(s56). pp.s21-s28.
Ma, C., and et. al., 2014. Evaluation of the effect of motivational interviewing counselling on
hypertension care. Patient education and counseling. 95(2). pp.231-237.
McMahon, H. G., and et. al., 2014. An ecological model of professional school counseling.
Journal of Counseling & Development. 92(4). pp.459-471.
Modi, D., and et. al., 2015. Development and formative evaluation of an innovative mHealth
intervention for improving coverage of community-based maternal, newborn and child
health services in rural areas of India. Global health action. 8(1). p.26769.
Moss, B., 2017. Communication skills in health and social care. Sage.
Murray-García, J. L., and et. al., 2014. Dialogue as skill: Training a health professions workforce
that can talk about race and racism. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. 84(5). p.590.
Noe, R. A., and et. al., 2017. Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Skovholt, T. M. and Trotter-Mathison, M., 2014. The resilient practitioner: Burnout prevention
and self-care strategies for counselors, therapists, teachers, and health professionals.
Routledge.
Online
Ethical Framework. 2018. [Online] Available Through: <https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-
resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/>
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