Problem Solving and Opportunity Development Counselling

The course is based on a problem-solving and opportunity-development approach to counselling developed by Gerard Egan. He published the framework in his first book, The Skilled Helper, originally published in 1975.[1] The 2018 edition[2] has been co-authored with Robert J. Reese, who has contributed material from his research background. The 4^th  edition³ of the EMEA book was published in 2023, and the content is mainly taken from the 11^th edition. The problem-solving framework emphasises basic counselling skills, therapeutic dialogue and opportunity development that are intended to help the client explore and manage opportunities for the future. The process is focused on helping individuals navigate personal challenges and develop opportunities for growth.

The model lends itself to integration with Christian beliefs, as these beliefs encourage the resolution of problems or challenges and the seeking of psychological, spiritual and relational growth. Goals for growth are based on biblical instructions for behaviour and relationships. Furthermore, Christian beliefs encourage a focus on the end goal of counselling, which is the fulfilment of God’s ultimate plan.

The course will explore maintaining client-focused or client-centred counselling and ensuring competent and skilled helping. Counsellor skills should be tailored to meet the needs of the client by creating a collaborative counselling relationship in which both parties participate. The values that permeate and drive this counselling process are grounded in biblical ethics and morality when the method is applied by Christian counsellors. Awareness of cultural and social values is essential for multicultural application, and the application of this approach to the African context will be discussed:

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Explain the basic ingredients of successful counselling as indicated in "The Skilled Helper: Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping."
• Describe the stages and tasks of the Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Management Model.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the therapeutic dialogue, communication and counselling relationship.
• Examine the intersection between Christian theology and the Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping model by identifying and analysing scriptural passages related to problem solving and opportunity development.
• Demonstrate, through case study application, how the Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development model is implemented to help a client.

You will be required to purchase the following textbook in order to complete this course: