Difference Between Directive and Non-directive Counselling

Counselling theories are of two types:

Directive Counselling and Non-Directive Counselling:

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Directive Counselling

It is also called prescriptive or counsellor centered counselling. Jane Walters gives the main features of the directive counselling as:

  • During the counselling interview attention is focused upon a particular problem and possibilities for its solution.
  • During the interview the counsellor plays a more active role than the counselee.
  • The client makes the decision, but the counsellor does all that he can to get the counselee make a decision in keeping with his diagnosis. He tries to direct the thinking of the counselee by informing, explaining, interpreting and advising in such a way that the counselee arrives at a decision which is not only more appropriate but is approved by the counsellor.
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Process of Directive Counselling

In the process of directive counselling the counsellor plays a major role. Most of the talking is done by him keeping the problem at the fore front. The counsellor also directs the thought process of the counselee by informing, advising, interpreting and explaining to him. He uses direct and persuasive methods.

He tries to solve the problems at intellectual level and not at emotional level.

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The counselling interview proceeds in definite direction.

First of all, the counsellor collects data about the counselee from different sources. It is followed by the synthesis process in which the counsellor understands the assets and liabilities, merits and demerits of the counselee about his problem. It is followed by a diagnosis in which he understands the root cause of the problem. This leads to a prognosis, which is to work out the future development of the problem of the counselee. The next step is treatment counselling in which he helps the student to bring about an adjustment in him, in his behaviour and thinking process. The counsellor follows up on the progress of the counselee to reinforce his behaviour and also improve upon his process of counselling.

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Non-Directive Counselling

It is also termed permissive or client-centered counselling. In this process, the counselee is the pivot of the counselling process. He plays an active role. The goal is the independence and integration of the client along with the solution to the problem.

The Process of Non-Directive Counselling: In the non–directive counselling process, it is the counselee who comes for help from the counsellor. The counsellor pretends that he does not have the solution to the problem but offers to discuss his problem and sort out the solution as he is equally interested in helping him. He tries to do it in a free and frank atmosphere and tries to understand his problem. He establishes rapport with him so that the counselee opens his heart to him. In the beginning, the counsellor accepts the positive as well as negative feelings of the counselee. This provides scope for the development of insight both intellectually and emotionally. By and by he develops the insight and feels decreasing the need for the counsellor and terminates the contact. In the whole process, the counsellor neither gives advice nor tries to manipulate the decision which according to him is the best. He simply provides him with an opportunity to feel that he is in a position to solve his problem.

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