Three Experimental Modes of Counseling

An evaluation model was applied to three experimental modes of counseling. They were compared on the basis of 3 interviews with respect to their effects on behavior, moods, and feelings about counseling.

Mode 1 counselors guided counselees in making their own plans for coping with problems. Mode 2 counselors suggested specific actions. Mode 3 counselors explored feelings. Three experimental counselors were trained in all 3 modes.

Thirty-six subjects, student teachers who reported stress, were randomly assigned to counselor and mode. Their reactions to counseling were collected during and following interviews.
It was found that (a) high-stress counselees were more likely to continue in counseling regardless of mode ; (b) more 2 counselees were satisfied with their interviews; (c) more mode 1 counselees actually tried the plans they made during interviews.

Other findings and their implications are discussed.