Introduction to

Facilitating Skills in
Counseling
Effective counseling requires a range of facilitating skills to guide clients
through the process. This presentation will cover the essential skills needed, from
attending behaviors to influencing change, and how to apply them in values
education.
Attending Skills
1 Observe Nonverbals
Closely watch a client's body language,
facial expressions, and gestures to gain
insights into their inner experience.
2 Listen Attentively
Focus fully on the client's words, tone,
and emotional undertones to deeply
understand their perspective.

3 Reflect Feelings
Sensitively mirror back the emotions you perceive the client is experiencing to demonstrate
your understanding.
Observing Behaviors
Identify Patterns
Look for recurring thoughts,
feelings, and actions that
provide insight into the client's
underlying beliefs and values.
Detect Nonverbal Cues
Closely observe the client's
body language, facial
expressions, and tone of voice
to uncover hidden meanings.
Recognize
Inconsistencies
Note any discrepancies
between what the client says
and how they behave to gain a
more complete understanding.
Listening Attentively
Hear the Whole Message Avoid Distractions
Focus on both the content and the underlying Eliminate external and internal distractions to
emotions and meanings to grasp the full be fully present and engaged with the client.
context.

Seek Clarification Convey Empathy

Ask thoughtful questions to ensure you have Demonstrate your genuine concern and desire
accurately understood the client's perspective. to understand the client's experiences and
emotions.
Reflecting Feelings
1 Identify Emotions
Carefully observe the client's verbal and nonverbal cues to discern the emotions they
are experiencing.

2 Articulate Reflections
Choose your words thoughtfully to mirror back the feelings you perceive in a way
that resonates with the client.

3 Validate the Client

Demonstrate your understanding and acceptance of the client's emotional state to
build trust and rapport.
Influencing Skills
Asking Open-Ended
Questions
Pose questions that encourage
clients to explore and expand on
their thoughts and feelings.
Providing Constructive
Feedback
Offer insights and suggestions
that challenge clients to
consider new perspectives and
possibilities.
Applying to Values
Education
Utilize these influencing skills
to help clients clarify and align
their behaviors with their core
values.
Asking Open-Ended Questions
Encourage Exploration
Open-ended questions prompt clients to delve deeper into their thoughts, feelings,
and experiences.

Uncover Insights
By asking thoughtful questions, you can guide clients to gain self-awareness and
discover new perspectives.

Facilitate Change
This questioning technique helps clients identify their values and motivations, paving
the way for positive change.
Providing Feedback
Constructive Criticism Strengths-Based Collaborative Approach

Offer feedback that is specific, Highlight the client's positive

objective, and focused on qualities and achievements to Work together with the client
helping the client improve, not build their confidence and to identify areas for growth
just criticize. self-awareness. and develop actionable steps
for improvement.
Applying Facilitating Skills in Values
Education
Clarify Values Align Behaviors Facilitate Growth
Use attending and observing Employ influencing skills to Apply the full range of
skills to help clients identify guide clients in adopting facilitating skills to support
their core values and behaviors and habits that clients in their journey of
personal beliefs. reinforce their values. values-driven personal
development.