The Counselling/Goal Setting Model of Gerard Egan
Gerard Egan has written over fifteen books, including The Skilled helper, which has been translated into both European and Asian languages, and is currently the most widely used counselling text in the world. Egan’s book, The Skilled Helper, highlights the importance of the combined nature of the therapist-client relationship and uses a practical, three-stage model that drives clients to success. Gerard Egan believed that the three core conditions of Carl Rogers’s theory should be present to help clients through the three-stage model. In addition ‘Egan suggested that in addition to providing the core conditions, counsellors may need to help clients make decisions, clarify and set goals, and to support them with implementing their action’ states the compassion-in-business web site.
The goal setting model of Gerard Egan:
Stage One: The Present Scenario
The aim of stage one is to help clients understand themselves and their problem, to set goals and to take action achieving the goals set. The counsellor helps clients to tell their story, to focus (being specific), and to develop insight and perspectives. A key skill that needs to be present during stage one is that of ‘active listening’, this includes using paraphrasing, open questions and by reflecting the feelings of their client.
‘The client’s goal is self-exploration: the counsellor’s goal is responding.’
Stage Two: Creating New Scenarios and Setting Goals
The aim of stage two is to help clients examine their problem. They should think how it could be handled differently and should be encouraged to develop their powers of imagination. The counsellor helps clients to create new scenarios and evaluate possible scenarios. The counsellor also helps clients develop choice and commitment to change. During stage two the counsellor should extend the active listening and advance the understanding of empathy. The ‘deeper empathy’ of stage two should deal with feelings and meanings that have not surfaced and are not normally obvious.
‘The client’s goal is self-understanding: the counsellor’s goal is to integrate understanding.’
Stage Three: Helping Clients Act
The aim of stage three is to help clients identify and assess action strategies. The client should also be encouraged to formulate and implement plans. These are successful methods to find a solution for your client. It is useful for your client to ask themselves questions such as: what would this situation look like if I had managed it better and what changes would there be to my life style.
‘The client’s goal is action: the counsellor’s goal is to facilitate action.’
Bibliography:
* The goal-setting model of Gerard Egan – HANDOUT
* www.newtexts.com – 05/12/05
* www.compassion-in-buisness.co.uk – 05/12/05
* www.coventr.ac.uk – 05/12/05
References:
* www.compassion-in-buisness.co.uk – 05/12/05
* The goal-setting model of Gerard Egan – HANDOUT
OCR Level 3: Health, Social Care and Early Years
Behavioural Awareness in Care
Leander Wilson
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