ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at different directions or goals that one might choose when conducting an interview with the service user. Selecting the three examples of how one might use counselling skills as referred to in the chapter title: affirming, advising and motivating change already demonstrates the orientation and preferences of the author. To utilize the skill of affirming they need to be listening out for opportunities to identify positive behaviors and values. As with the idea of affirming, it is fair to say that have probably all had experiences of seeking or being given advice. The challenge in social work is often that the service user is non-voluntary; they have not sought help and therefore may be less ready to engage in hearing advice and taking that into account in terms of setting goals or making decisions. This is connected to motivating change. Motivation can also be perceived as an inherent personality characteristic.
