Model of support relationship in interview
Self-image
Needs
Values
Emotions
Experiences
Expectations
Problems
Counsellor Client
Relationship
Interview
Self-image
Needs
Values
Emotions
Experiences
Expectations
Expertise
The model may be adjusted to the aims of counselling. In general, for career counselling
intake interviews, the main elements are:
- outlining a general image of the client (education, professional experience,
personal life); - identifying client’s professional aspirations;
- identifying barriers to attaining these purposes and the necessary resources;
- outlining the first career-planning elements;
- identifying the social roles played by the client.
There is a series of elements that should be taken into consideration by counsellors in
order to organize and conduct such an interview:
- studying the interview protocol before the session start;
- presenting the ethical principles to the client;
- creating a calm, quiet environment that should inspire trust;
- using intelligible verbal language (avoiding a too specialized language), open
and friendly non-verbal language; - applying the principles of active listening and efficient communication
(paraphrasing, reflecting feelings – if any, summarizing, etc.); - flexibility; although it is very important to go over the topics of discussion as
presented in the protocol, certain “signals” sent by the client (non-verbal, or
verbal) will not be ignored and clarification questions must be asked with
reference to some right away, or the interview must be closed or redirected;