Counselling in Psychology – UGC NET – Notes

Introduction

The concept of guidance has emerged many years ago and is as old as human civilization. In earlier times, guidance was offered to young people by elders in the family, and the family priest gave guidance to those in distress. This practice continues even today in India, where people seek guidance from elders, priests, palmists, astrologers, or numerologists in personal, educational, vocational, or political matters.

Guidance, as an organized professional activity, dates back to 1905 due to the work of Frank Parsons in Boston, USA. As the author of the classic book ‘Choosing a Vocation’, and through his efforts in establishing the Vocation Bureau, he became a pioneer in the guidance movement in America. Various social reformers followed Parsons and contributed to this movement. In India, guidance as a professional activity is more than four decades old.

From the beginning, more experienced persons have been guiding the less experienced individuals. However, guidance at that time was limited, and life was relatively simple compared to today. Due to the complexities of modern life, guidance has become an integral component for better adjustment. This has led to the need for specialized professionals who can provide proper guidance and help individuals adjust to social realities and live happier lives.

Thus, guidance—whether informal or unorganized—has always existed at all levels and remains a vital aspect in different areas, especially in the educational field.

Concept of Guidance and Counselling

To begin with, we will take a look at the meaning of the terms guidance and counselling, along with their need and importance. Next, we will discuss the principles of guidance and the difference between guidance and counselling. The term guidance and counselling is used in different contexts and can refer to anything from informal advice given to close friends to formal counselling undertaken by trained professionals.

Definition and Meaning of Guidance

The introduction would have given you an idea of when and how the guidance movement started. Let us understand the meaning of guidance. Guidance means to guide, direct, or lead. It is the assistance given to an individual to help him adjust to himself, to others, and to his environment. In this way, guidance is a process of all-round development.

In the post-independent period, the Indian Government set up the Indian Education Commission (1964–66), which defined guidance as help given to students in making possible adjustment to situations in educational institutions and at home, while also facilitating the development of personality. Guidance aims to prepare an individual for his future life.

Guidance is required at various stages of our development, from birth to adulthood, so that we can deal effectively with life events. It is especially important during adolescence, when an individual faces multiple challenges in areas such as education, vocation, health, and personal life. If proper guidance is provided at this stage, it greatly supports and enhances the individual’s overall development.

Definition and Meaning of Counselling

Counselling has been understood and defined in a number of ways. According to Cormier and Hackney (1987), counselling is a helping relationship that includes:
a) someone seeking help,
b) someone willing and trained to help,
c) a setting that permits help to be given and received.

Arbuncle has mentioned three important points about counselling:
a) Counselling is a process between two persons.
b) The basic aim of counselling is to help the person solve problems independently.
c) Counselling is a professional activity involving trained individuals.

The following points give a clear picture of what counselling is not:

• Counselling is not giving information alone, though information may be included.

• Counselling is not giving advice.

• Counselling is not influencing the client’s values, attitudes, beliefs, or decisions through pressure or force.

• Counselling is not merely interviewing, though interviewing may be a part of it.

Therefore, the main objective of counselling is to bring about a voluntary change in the client.

Counselling can be of two types: individual counselling and group counselling. Individual counselling is conducted face-to-face, while group counselling involves a group of individuals. Group counselling is especially useful for adolescents, particularly in dealing with issues related to peer group influence.

Who can benefit from Counselling ?

All of us, irrespective of our age, sex, and profession, have been taking help from our elders, teachers, and friends in solving certain problems. However, there are situations where we may feel the need to seek help from a professional counsellor who is trained and experienced. If we face a problem that we are unable to solve and which affects our day-to-day functioning, it becomes important to seek professional help.

All individuals can benefit from counselling, especially when such specialized support is required. Counselling can also be an integral part of the healing process for those who have lost a loved one or are suffering from a terminal illness, helping them cope with death and bereavement.

There are specialists available for different areas such as Educational Counselling, Career Counselling, Family Counselling, Personal Counselling, and Marriage Counselling. Group counselling is also beneficial as it allows individuals to share their feelings and receive support from others facing similar situations, such as victims and survivors of disasters.