IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 10 NO. 11 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.v10.no11.2024.pg.356.366

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Boosting Client Engagement in Counselling: Effective Strategies for Professional Counsellors

Prof. D. A. Odeleye, Oluwaseun Akinola, OBANISOLA

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Abstract

Effective client engagement is a cornerstone of successful counselling and it is crucia for achieving positive therapeutic outcomes. However, many counsellors face challenges in establishing and maintaining strong, sustained relationships with clients, leading to issues such as reduced client retention and limited therapeutic progress. This article explores practical strategies that counsellors can implement to enhance client engagement, including active listening, the use of open-ended questions, empathy, non-verbal communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative goal setting. These strategies are designed to foster trust, create a participation in the counselling process. The paper emphasizes the importance of counsellors honing these core skills, adhering to ethical standards, and avoiding practices that may compromise the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship. Furthermore, the article advocates for the professional body for counsellors in Nigeria, CASSON, to strengthen its efforts in educating and training its members on relationship- building techniques and client engagement. By focusing on these strategies, counsellors can improve the therapeutic alliance, ultimately leading to higher levels of client commitment, retention, and overall satisfaction with the counselling process. Cultivating rapport, trust, and a supportive environment is fundamental to ensuring that clients remain engaged and motivated throughout their therapeutic journey, paving the way for successful and impactful counselling outcomes.

keywords:

Client; Active Listening; Open-Ended Questions; Non-Verbal Communication

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