What challenges do novice consultants face, and how can they cope with them?

Hello!

It's totally normal for visitors to be different from what you read in a textbook.

It's so interesting how different people have different issues. There's no way to predict what someone might need, even if you've seen it before.

The consultation process can be tricky to achieve according to a predetermined plan, and there may even be moments where the client questions or challenges the consultant.

It's totally normal to feel a bit out of control at first. We all do! It's natural to feel anxious and doubt your abilities as a novice counselor. It's okay to feel this way. It's all part of the learning process.

No two consultations are the same, just as no two people are the same.

All the theories, techniques, questions, frameworks, and hypotheses we learn are not meant to limit us to a fixed model or process. They're there to help us understand what counseling is about and the rules that our predecessors have summed up through countless clinical experiences.

How should you handle a client who asks for a lower fee?

Some clients like to bargain, but the counselor cannot just give in to the client's demands for a lower price, even if the counselor has put in a lot of effort. If the client recognizes the counselor's abilities and value, but keeps bargaining, the counselor can gently but firmly tell the client that the price is already the best deal and that the client is getting the best price.

If the client doesn't see the value in what you're offering and doesn't feel it's worth the price, suggest switching counselors based on their financial situation.

What's the best way to handle it when a client asks for physical contact like hugs?

Some clients are quite critical of the counselor, while others have a very positive view of them. Some even fall in love with the counselor! When a novice counselor wants to hug a client, they might feel a bit at a loss as to what to do. An experienced counselor will know how to guide the client and what physical contact such as hugging means. This part can be discussed in detail.

Falling in love with a counselor is a wonderful thing! It's a positive form of empathy. When faced with such a visitor, the counselor must assess whether they have the ability to persevere and not be tempted.

I'm really struggling with a client who is offensive and always criticizes me. What should I do?

It's important to remember that clients have different needs. Some may even attack or lecture their counselors. What should a counselor do in this situation? This kind of attack is called negative transference from a professional perspective. If the counselor understands the negative transference of the other party, they can understand the client from more perspectives. Otherwise, it will be difficult to continue the counseling. Therefore, personal psychological growth is also very important for counselors. If psychological growth is insufficient, it is easy to lose a neutral and objective position due to criticism and scolding, which is detrimental to the effectiveness of counseling.

It's totally normal for novice counselors to encounter different problems. There's no one-size-fits-all strategy that works for everyone, just like in a game.

But the same is true for you! Keep improving and growing!

Wishing you all the best!