Essay About Client Action And Step Ii-C

Questions About the Egan Theory
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10. Egan has a bias toward “client action” in his model. What does this
mean? (292-293)
Although clients set goals that are directly related to their problem
situations, there are also metagoals or superoridnate goals that would make
them more effective in pursuing the goals they set and in leading fuller
lives. The overall goal of helping clients become more effective in problem
management and opportunity development is important. Another metagoal is to
help clients become more effective “agents” in life – doers rather than mere
reactors, preventers rather than fixers, initiators rather than followers.
The doer is more likely to pursue stretch goals rather than adaptive goals
in managing problems. The doer is also more likely to move beyond problem
management to opportunity development.
11. At what stage does the concept of “commitment” become highly
relevant in Egans model? (29-30)
Stage II is critical for client commitment, as it is the when determining
outcomes occurs. In particular, Step II-C, the third step of Stage II is
when its important to help clients find the incentives that will help them
commit themselves to their change agendas. Without strong commitment,
change agendas end up as no more than nice ideas. For reference, Step II-A
is to help clients use their imaginations to spell out possibilities for a
better future. Step II-B is to help clients choose realistic and
challenging goals that are real solutions to the key problems and unexplored
opportunities identified in Stage I.
12. What does the phrase “the relationship as working alliance” mean in
terms of Egans model? (43-44)
Bordin defines the working alliance as the collaboration between the client
and the helper based on their agreement on the goals and tasks of
counseling. In the context of the problem-management and
opportunity-development process, the working alliance outlined is 1) the
collaborative nature of helping – both parties have responsibilities to
outcomes, which depend on the competence and motivation of both, plus the
quality of their interactions. 2) the relationship is a forum for relearning
– relearning occurs when helpers model attitudes and behaviors that
challenge clients to change. 3) relationship flexibility – effective
helpers must be able to adapt to clients and use a mix of styles, skills and
techniques that are tailored to the kind of relationship that is right for
each client.
13. What does the attitude of “nonpatronizing empowerment” have to do
with Egans helping model? (55-57)
Helpers should not self-righteously “empower” clients, as that would be
patronizing and condescending. Effective counselors help clients discover,
develop and use the untapped power within themselves in the following ways:
1) start with the premise that clients can change if they choose 2) share
the helping process with clients 3) help clients see counseling sessions as
work sessions 3) become a consultant to clients 4) accept helping as a
natural, two-way influence process 5) focus on learning instead of helping
6) do not see clients as overly fragile.