“You never know the length of the road until you travel it,” as the saying goes! After 10 years immersed in the field of soft skills and survival skills training, I’ve experienced many ups and downs. But what I’m most proud of is contributing to helping many people, including social workers – those who are always dedicated to the community.
Counseling Skills: The Art of Listening and Guiding
Counseling in social work is a special skill that requires a harmonious combination of expertise, skills, and compassion. A counselor is not just someone who provides information and knowledge, but also a companion who listens, understands, and supports clients in overcoming life’s difficulties and obstacles.
1. Active Listening: Listening with Your Heart
The secret to success in counseling lies in listening. But not just “hearing” – it’s about active listening, focusing on every word and every expression of the client.
Imagine yourself as a supportive friend, ready to listen to all the client’s thoughts and desires. “How can I make them feel respected and understood?” – that is the most important thing in counseling skills.
2. Questioning Skills: Opening Hearts and Minds
Questions act as “keys” to open the doors to a client’s heart and mind. Use open-ended and probing questions to create opportunities for clients to share what they are thinking and feeling.
For example:
- Instead of asking “Are you feeling sad?”, ask “How are you feeling right now?”
- Instead of asking “Are you having any difficulties?”, ask “What issues are concerning you?”
3. Reflection Skills: Demonstrating Empathy
Reflection is a crucial skill that helps clients feel understood by the counselor. Instead of giving advice or making judgments, reflect back what the client has shared, so they know you are truly paying attention to them.
For example: “Listening to you share, I sense the worry you’re experiencing…”
4. Goal Setting Skills: Charting a Course
Work with clients to define specific, achievable, and relevant goals that align with their desires and abilities. This skill helps clients focus on finding solutions and taking action to achieve their set goals.
5. Feedback Skills: Supporting Client Growth
Provide positive and encouraging feedback to clients, while also offering sincere and constructive suggestions to help them see issues objectively and make appropriate choices.
Integrating a Spiritual Dimension: Cultivating Happiness
“The tree may wish for stillness, but the wind will not always oblige,” this proverb contains profound advice about facing life’s difficulties. Counselors can use stories, traditional lessons, and spiritual guidance to help clients stay strong, optimistic, and believe in themselves.
In summary, counseling skills in social work are extremely important, contributing to helping clients solve problems in life, while also helping them cultivate happiness, develop themselves, and contribute to the community.
Would you like to learn more about soft skills and survival skills training programs?
Please contact us via phone: 0372666666 or visit us at: 55 To Tien Thanh, Hanoi. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you 24/7!