The Counseling Interview - Principles & Practices

Chapter 12The Counseling

Interview

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Chapter Summary Preparing for the Counseling Interview Structuring the Interview Conducting the Interview Summary


Preparing for the Counseling Interview Analyzing Self

Know yourself before trying to help others know themselves.

Good problem solvers may be poor counselors. Do not stray beyond your level of expertise.


Preparing for the Counseling Interview Analyzing the Interviewee

Be informed but keep an open mind. Be aware of past, present, and future events. Be prepared for rejections of offers to counsel. Listen rather than talk.


Preparing for the Counseling Interview Selecting an Interviewing Approach

Directive Approach Nondirective Approach Combination of Approaches


Preparing for the Counseling Interview Selecting the Setting

Do not underestimate the importance of location and seating.

A round table is a traditional arrangement for problem solving.


Structuring the Interview The Opening

Initial Comments and Reactions Want to help and show it. Be tactful but not indifferent.

Rapport and Orientation Accept seemingly irrelevant opening comments. If you are uncomfortable, the interviewee will be

uncomfortable.


Structuring the Interview The Opening

Encouraging Self-Disclosure Self-disclosure varies from person to person.

Work Within a Known Time Frame


Structuring the Interview The Body of the Interview

Feelings play central roles in counseling interviews.

Counseling interviews rarely progress in an orderly manner.

Enable the interviewee to relate the problem.


Structuring the Interview


Structuring the Interview Closing the Interview

Involve the interviewee as an active participant in the closing.

Decide which leave-taking means is most appropriate.

Be sincere and honest in the ways you close interviews.


Structuring the Interview Evaluating the Interview

Review all you did and did not do and accomplish. How prepared were you for this interaction? Which skills need more work? Preparation,

structuring, interviewing, or counseling?


STRUCTURING THE INTERVIEW The Telephone Interview

Advantages Inexpensive Convenient Preserves Anonymity Gives Sense of Control

Disadvantages Possible Inconvenient Time Distractions


Conducting the Interview Listening

Focus on the interviewee and the interviewee’s problem.

Do not interrupt or take over the conversation.


Conducting the Interview Observing

Look for nonverbal signals but interpret them cautiously.

If you are taking notes, explain why. Note that deceptive answers may be lengthier,

more hesitant, and characterized by long pauses.


Conducting the Interview Questioning

Do not ask too many questions. Keep your questions open-ended. Phrase all questions with care.


Conducting the Interview Responding and Informing

Client-Centered Approach: Focuses the interview on the interviewee.

Highly Nondirective Reactions and Responses: Give control to the interviewee.

Nondirective Reactions and Responses: Inform and encourage.

Directive Reactions and Responses: Advise and evaluate but do not dictate.

Highly Directive Reactions and Responses: Dictate strong advice and actions.


Conducting the Interview Responding and Informing: Tips

Responses are more nonverbal than verbal. Silence has its limits. Use questions that force the interviewee to formulate

answers and solutions. Use questions to determine what a person is not saying. A thoughtless comment or two can damage a relationship. Exhaust all less directive means before dictating action.


Conducting the Interview

Summary You take part in a counseling interview

whenever you try to help a person gain insights into a problem.

Preparation helps to determine how to listen, question, inform, explain, respond, and relate to each interviewee.

Many suggestions but few rules apply to counseling interviews.


The Counseling Interview - Principles & Practices

Recruiting & HR

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