Army Staff Sergeant or Sergeant First Class (E6) Board Practice Exam

The three approaches to counseling are directive, non-directive, and combined.

The directive approach involves the counselor taking an active role in guiding the conversation and delivering specific advice or solutions to the issues presented. This method is particularly useful in situations where the individual may need more structure or clear direction.

The non-directive approach encourages the individual to express their thoughts and feelings freely, allowing them to explore their own insights and solutions. This approach fosters independence and self-reflection, as it places the responsibility of problem-solving more in the hands of the counseled individual.

The combined approach merges elements of both directive and non-directive styles. This flexibility allows counselors to adapt their strategies based on the specific needs of the individual, making it an effective way to address a variety of situations in counseling.

Together, these three approaches provide a comprehensive framework for effective counseling, allowing a counselor to tailor their method to best support those they are helping.