The process of counseling with the aim of sorting out the differences between two individuals having a specific kind of relation between them is known as relationship counseling. Although the common perception of this type of counseling being synonymous with marriage or couples counseling is popular, it is only part of the truth. A relationship counseling session may involve any two persons like spouses, family members, siblings, employee and employer, and even a professional person and his/her client. It is the responsibility of the counselor to recognize and understand the underlying causes of a troubled relationship and seek to improve it by removing the distressing factors completely or partially. Management of the troublesome issues may sometimes be the only solution available particularly when the relationship is not personal and does not involve 24/7 hours of interaction between the two parties.
What Does The Counselor Do?
- The counselor tries to get a basic idea of the personality, perceptions, value systems, and social interaction patterns of all the persons involved.
- It is essential for all parties to meet and interact in the presence of the counselor so that he /she can gauge the conflict resolution skills of all parties concerned.
- Trying to assess the main reason for the conflict is the next step undertaken by the counselor. Failing to function properly within a relationship follows a pattern usually where negative emotions like insecurity, anger, greed, arrogance, and jealousy cause the relationship to fail. Lack of understanding and inability to communicate effectively often complicate matters as well. It is the responsibility of the counselor now to step in and help them to communicate and understand each other’s point of view.
- Poor financial condition, ill-health, or interference by an outsider are some of the most common problems that hamper relationships. The counselor questions all the individuals before discovering the root cause in each case.
- It is also the job of the counselor to help all concerned parties to interact with each other.
- Making individuals aware of their problems is one of the most important responsibilities of the counselor. He/she then makes an effort to reorient the emotions and long-standing perceptions of the persons by making them understand their role in the existing problem. Changing the thought and feelings and trying to accommodate the others involved in the relationship helps in improving it greatly.
- The counselor also takes the primary initiative and gets the people to bond and forge a positive relationship that is stable and secure.