Assignment:
By using linear and nonlinear methods of listening, the counselor can respond in meaningful ways which can create a healthy therapeutic alliance. During the assessment, the client will often provide a wealth of information. It is the job of the counselor to listen in order to identify needs, resources, strengths and abilities. The counselor may pick up on gaps in the client's story during the assessment. This is likely because the client will tell the conscious part of the story. However, we must also listen to what is NOT being said.
Counselors must consider the unconscious part of the story during the assessment. One way for the counselor to do this is by being mindful of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). How might recognizing ACES:
1) inform the counselor during the assessment?
2) guide goal development for the treatment episode?
3) affect the clients readiness to change?