ABSTRACT
Cognitive approaches focus on perception, belief, attitude, and meaning. Behavioral approaches focus on observable actions and performance. Effective counseling interventions often include a combined cognitive/behavioral approach. Cognitive-behavioral approaches go on to set goals for behavioral change based on new understanding. Cognitive strategies are adapted to the client’s level of thought processing. Cognitive developmental stages impact on the client’s ability to understand and effectively use cognitive restructuring strategies. Counselors differentiate between optimal cognitive functioning and temporary impairment. Information giving is an integral part of the work of the guidance function of school counselors, student personnel counselors in higher education, and career counselors. Counselors challenge clients by pointing out discrepancies and inconsistencies across the Thoughts, Feelings, Actions, and Content domains, as well as mixed communication messages. The counselor can teach a process to make sound choices by using a decision-making model. Some counselors use props to elicit imagery or to help clients consider their problems in new ways.
