non-directive counselling

Meaning

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   A style of therapy in which the counselor listens and helps clients find their own answers instead of giving advice.

   Grammar: Uncountable, so no plural and no 'a': say 'a form of non-directive counselling'.

   Patterns

   • receive non-directive counselling
   • a form of non-directive counselling
   • trained in non-directive counselling

   In non-directive counselling the client leads the conversation while the counselor reflects back what is said.

   She preferred non-directive counselling because she did not want to be told what to do.

   The clinic offers both non-directive counselling and more structured behavioral therapy.

Common combinations

non-directive counselling approach

The non-directive counselling approach trusts clients to solve their own problems.

a form of non-directive counselling

Person-centered therapy is a well-known form of non-directive counselling.

trained in non-directive counselling

The new therapist was trained in non-directive counselling.

non-directive counselling session

During the non-directive counselling session, the counselor mostly listened.

Synonyms and how they differ

client-centered therapy

A specific, well-known school of therapy that shares this outlook but is a named approach rather than a general description.

person-centered counseling

Very close in meaning, though it stresses the counselor's attitude more than the absence of direction.

Opposites

Word family

counselor noun

A trained person who gives counseling.

counsel verb

To give professional advice and support to someone.

directive adjective

Telling people what to do rather than letting them decide.

Commonly confused: non-directive counselling or directive counselling? non-directive counselling or guidance?

Practice

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