Counseling Definition

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The term ‘Counseling’ does not have one definition because each definition is influenced by the theoretical orientation of the individual defining it (Omosule, 2013). In addition, one of the common definitions of counseling is that it is an interactive learning-oriented process with the aim of helping a person to learn more about the self which will soon result to an understanding that will enable the person to become an effective member of society. According to Sheppard (2015), the British Association for Counseling (BAC), now called the BACP, might have been the first professional association to define professional counseling as ‘Counseling is the skilled and principled use of relationship to facilitate self- knowledge, emotional acceptance …show more content…

Counseling relationships will vary according to need but may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insights and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others.’ The Japanese Association of Counseling (JACS) science defined counseling psychology as “a scientific function conducted through a human relationship in which the client is fully respected by the counselor” (Watanabe-Muraoka, 2007, p. 98 as cited by Grabosky, Ishii & Mase, 2012). In a study by Kaplan, Tarvydas & Gladding (2014), they have come up with a new consensus definition of counseling which is “Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career …show more content…

A list by Live Smart Coaching (2012) presents the aim of counseling which are (1) it offers a safe and reflective space for us to bein to make sense of the chaos and worry that we find ourselves in, (2) it enables us to explore more on what troubles us and the past events that caused the present problem, (3) it encourages us to take a look on our thoughts, feelings and behaviors at the moment, (4) it helps us in finding ways of changing our irrational emotions that would take us to a more secure place, and lastly (4) it gives us a change to understand and learn ourselves that will enable us to be in control of our life. In addition, the Japanese Association of Counseling Science identifies the three major goals of counseling as (a) facilitating human growth by emphasizing developmental perspectives, (b) advocating for prevention, and (c) helping to solve practical problems (Grabosky, Ishii & Mase, 2012). It will vary according to need but may be concerned with developmental issues, addressing and resolving specific problems, making decisions, coping with crisis, developing personal insights and knowledge, working through feelings of inner conflict or improving relationships with others (Sheppard,