The Helping Process PDF

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Running head: THE HELPING PROCESS 1

The Helping Process

Amanda Perkins

01/23/2017

BSHS/395

Don Iliff

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The Helping Process

The helping process is a collaborative process through which the counselor empowers the individual to implement meaningful change that will improve their wellbeing. Throughout the process, the counselor is expected to engage in active listening, problem identification, problem-solving techniques and follow up. There are certain stages that make up the helping process; they include assessment, planning, and implementation. The phases are important as they assist in the flow of the helping process, from the time the patient is identified to the closure of the case. The goal if the process is to empower the client so that they are in a position to manage their lives.

During the assessment process, the professional engages in a diagnostic study of the client as well as their environment. This phase entails making the initial contact with the client, problem identification as well as gathering and assessment of information (McClam & Woodside, 2011). These activities enable the professional to evaluate the client’s appropriateness and eligibility for the assistance provided. Until the counselor establishes eligibility, the individual is considered an applicant. The initial contact stage is the starting point for the collection and assessment of information. Through documentation, the professional can record the initial contact. This stage is, therefore, important as it enables the helper to obtain helpful information concerning the client.

The second phase in the helping process is the planning phase. It consists of stages such as developing a complete picture of the client, plan development and service arrangement. This phase is important as helps the professional to identify how best to approach the client problem and what services should be provided (McClam & Woodside, 2011). The planning phase involves the collaboration of the client and the professional. They

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develop an approach as to how the services will be provided and desired outcomes are identified.

The third stage is the implementation phase. The implementation stage entails providing and coordinating services, problem resolution and monitoring (McClam & Woodside, 2011). This stage is important as it encompasses the start of the service delivery, the efficacy of the service and the achievement of the initially identified outcomes. In all three phases, case review, documentation and report writing is undertaken. Client participation is encouraged in all three phases. For instance, in the assessment stage, the client is the primary source of information. He/she provided the much needed information concerning their historical background, expected outcomes and perceptions concerning the issue or problem presented.

The strength-based approach is utilized in each phase. In this approach, the professional utilizes the strengths of the client to achieve the intended outcomes. Therefore, the strength based approach in the planning, implementation and assessment process is achieved through engaging the client at every stage. The professional should identify the client’s strengths at the assessment phase. This can be done through asking the client some questions that will help the professional to identify these strengths (McClam & Woodside, 2011). These strengths can be considered in the planning phase to how the service will be provided so as to utilize these strengths.

In all three stages, there are certain components that are undertaken. These concepts include case review, report writing, and documentation. Case review is the periodic examination of the client’s case (McClam & Woodside, 2011). This is important as it helps to ensure the efficacy of the service delivery based on the client’s case. Documentation, on the other hand, is carried out to ensure accountability throughout the process by keeping a record

THE HELPING PROCESS of the relevant data. Record keeping also facilitates accountability and makes it possible for the professional to review the process.

Ethical considerations include a commitment to ethical standards throughout the process. There should be a commitment to the client’s right through self-determination along with adherence to the “do no harm” rule (McClam & Woodside, 2011). Confidentiality should be maintained in the case review, documentation and report writing concepts of the process. Also, the professional should consider the client’s needs as well as the family, state, laws and the ethical code of conduct.

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Reference

McClam, T., & Woodside, M. R. (2011). Helping process: Assessment to termination. Cengage Learning....