We must demonstrate that we are genuinely interested in what he has to say

Between interviewer and client

Beginning: It is crucial that some rapport be established at the outset between interviewer and client. Often this task a considerable amount of time, but it is time well spent, if the situation is at all threatening, or if the client perceives the interviewer to be untrustworthy, the interview is doomed. Ow' responsibility is to establish a watm atmosphere, one in which the client feels free to discuss whatever he wishes with the knowledge that what he says will be kept confIdential and will be accepted by us. We must demonstrate that we are genuinely interested in what he has to say; we must be sensitive to his nonverbal cues to determine the type and strength of his feelings. And above all, we must demonstrate that we truly care about the client's welfare.

Counselling: During the interview our responses to the client may range from extremely directive to extremely non-directive. Directive interviewing involves hearing the client's problem. Deciding with him what he should do, and then telling and motivating him to can-y out that action. In extremely directive interviews, the client is ordered to CatTY out the interviewee's advice, those orders often being accompanied by threats or ultimatums. In more mild forms, suggestions at.e made but without the exertion of pressure to follow them. In all forms of directive interviewing, however, some direction is given for the client's future behaviours.

While the directive form of counselling serves primarily to provide advice, it also may reassure, give emotion release, and to some degree clarify thinking. However, as Davis (1972) notes, it will not achieve reorientation. The di1"ective approach can be dangerous and hence must be used with extreme caution. Neve11heless, if the client needs to be shocked back to his nOimal state, or if threats can cause him to resume work and forget his problem, this method can be extremely effective.

At the other end of the continuum lies the nondirective or, as Rogers (1942) telms it, the client-centerd approach. This approach involves skilful listening to the client, encouraging her to reveal her emotional problems, to analyze them, and to develop for herself some course of action. At its most extreme, the non-directive approach offers no advice or reassurance, although it typically produces emotional release, clarifies thinking, and achieves reorientation. The counsellor provides little or no information or advice but simply encourages the interviewee to continue talking.