PSYC 388 INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING UNIT 5&6 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY 

Unit 5: Building Counselling Relationships
Learning Objectives
1. Describe five factors involved in establishing a positive counselling relationship. Pg. 126.
- Self-awareness
- Honesty
- Congruence
- Ability to communicate
- Knowledge
2. Identify and discuss the possible barriers that may impede the development of a positive counselling
process and identify ways to overcome each barrier. Pg. 117.
- Seriousness of the presenting problem
- Structure
- Initiative
- Physical setting
- Client qualities
- Counsellor qualities
3. Outline and evaluate the criteria for judging effective goals for developing a positive counselling
relationship.
*See Question 8*
4. Define and give examples of the micro skills used to facilitate information gathering and relationship
building in a first interview. Pg. 133.
- Attending
- Encouraging
- Reflecting
- Listening
- Basic attending behaviour and client observation skills
Key Terms and Concepts
• Accent Highlighting the last word the client said. i.e. Client: “This situation is driving me
crazy!” Counsellor: “Driving you crazy?”
• Acknowledgment of Non-Verbal Behavior differs from reflection/ summary of feelings. “I
noticed your arms are folded and you’re looking at the floor”, does not interpret the meaning of
the behaviour.
• Advanced Empathy Process of helping a client explore themes, issues, and emotions new to
their awareness. 2
nd level of empathy is usually inappropriate for an initial interview because it
examines too much information too quickly.