In the counselling process, the professional counsellor may use different techniques.
In directive or counsellor-centred counselling, the counsellor plays a major role and
does all that is possible to get the counsellee to make decisions in keeping with the
diagnosis of the problem. In non-directive or permissive or client-centred counselling,
the counsellor’s role is comparatively passive. The counsellee takes an active part in
the process of therapy. The person seeking help is encouraged to gain insight into
the problem with the help of the counsellor. The counsellee takes the final decisions.
Thus, this counselling process turns out to be a growth experience for the person.
In eclectic counselling, counsellors who advocate using this type of counselling are of
the view that directed or non-directed counselling are two ends of continuum. And
counsellors should incorporate suitable techniques from both the types of counselling
mentioned above as and when required, depending on the situation, the problem and
the temperament of the client.