Course in Procedures of the Counseling and Therapeutic Process

In light of the increasing psychological and social challenges faced by individuals and communities today, there is a growing need to prepare professionals in counseling and psychotherapy based on well-structured scientific and professional foundations. The procedures of the counseling and therapeutic process represent the core framework that ensures the success of the professional relationship between the counselor or therapist on one side and the client on the other. These procedures outline the essential steps of the process, starting from the initial reception of the case, through understanding the client’s needs and developing an appropriate intervention plan, and ending with evaluation and follow-up. Geneva Institute of Business Administration presents this specialized training program to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the practical stages of counseling and therapeutic work, enabling them to enhance their skills in delivering professional services that respect human dignity and ethical principles while adhering to recognized professional standards.

Target Audience

• Psychologists and social workers employed in health or educational institutions who seek to strengthen their applied expertise in counseling and therapy.

• Practitioners in family and educational counseling centers who wish to broaden their knowledge of structured intervention and therapeutic methods.

• Physicians and healthcare providers who deal with cases requiring psychological support in addition to medical care.

• Professionals in community organizations and humanitarian associations dedicated to offering psychological support to individuals and groups.

• Postgraduate students in psychology, counseling, or education fields who aim to acquire advanced applied knowledge of counseling and therapeutic practices.

Objectives

• Familiarize participants with the fundamental concepts of the counseling and therapeutic process and its essential stages.

• Enable participants to understand the scientific basis for diagnosing psychological and social problems and identifying client needs.

• Provide participants with knowledge on how to design comprehensive counseling or therapeutic plans tailored to the specific needs of each case.

• Strengthen participants’ ability to apply professional strategies that ensure effective communication with clients and achieve positive outcomes.

• Enhance participants’ awareness of the ethical and professional standards governing the counseling and therapeutic process.

Course Outline 

• Introduction to the Counseling and Therapeutic Process

  • Core concepts of counseling and psychotherapy.

  • The importance of counseling in promoting mental well-being.

  • General principles that guide the counseling process.

  • Key distinctions between counseling and psychotherapy.

• Roles of the Counselor and Therapist

  • Duties and responsibilities of the counselor.

  • The therapist’s role in understanding the case and shaping the treatment plan.

  • Essential communication skills for engaging with clients.

  • Building a professional relationship based on trust and respect.

• Case Reception and Problem Identification

  • Steps for collecting initial information about the client.

  • Methods for conducting the first interview and recording data.

  • Identifying the primary problem and contributing factors.

  • The significance of active listening in this stage.

• Assessment and Diagnosis

  • Tools and instruments used in counseling and therapy.

  • Standards for psychological and social diagnosis.

  • Analysis of factors influencing the client’s situation.

  • Formulating initial hypotheses for therapeutic intervention.

• Designing the Counseling and Therapeutic Plan

  • Establishing counseling and therapeutic objectives.

  • Selecting suitable methods and strategies for intervention.

  • Setting a timeline for implementation and follow-up.

  • Encouraging client participation in shaping the plan.

• Implementing the Counseling and Therapeutic Intervention

  • Conducting counseling sessions according to the designed plan.

  • Applying varied techniques based on the case type.

  • Ensuring confidentiality and privacy during interventions.

  • Monitoring client response and progress.

• Monitoring and Evaluating Progress

  • Tools for measuring changes in client behavior or condition.

  • Comparing outcomes with the goals originally set.

  • Adjusting the plan as needed based on client development.

  • Reinforcing client strengths and positive behaviors.

• Dealing with Challenges and Difficulties

  • Common obstacles encountered during counseling.

  • Strategies for addressing client resistance.

  • Managing unexpected issues that arise during sessions.

  • The importance of professional flexibility in problem-solving.

• Ethical and Professional Considerations

  • Confidentiality of information and client rights.

  • Professional values guiding counselors and therapists.

  • Boundaries of the counselor-client relationship.

  • Importance of adhering to professional codes of conduct.

• Termination of the Counseling and Therapeutic Process

  • Criteria for determining the appropriate time for termination.

  • Strategies for concluding the professional relationship positively.

  • Equipping clients with skills to maintain their progress.

  • The significance of periodic follow-up after termination.