ABSTRACT
In progressing through this book you may have felt that it was increasingly difficult to remember and apply everything that has been presented. In addition, you may now feel somewhat unnatural and awkward as you try to implement the model and use specific skills. It may be reassuring to know that others who have practised these skills in a finding-solutions-to-problems approach have reported that, at first, training actually seemed to hinder rather than help them and that they too felt less natural and spontaneous in their counselling. However, they have also reported that these feelings diminished as they gained experience in using the skills and the model. In other words, as you practise the various skills in real or role-played counselling situations, you will begin using them with greater confidence and will not be so conscious of your performance. In time, you will begin to develop a personal style that is comfortable, skills-based, coherent and solution-oriented.
