What are the three approaches to counseling?

The three approaches to counseling in a military context are directive, non-directive, and combined.

The directive approach involves the counselor taking the lead in the conversation, guiding the process and providing clear advice to the counseled member. This method is particularly useful when the counselor needs to impart specific knowledge or when the counseled individual requires structured guidance to resolve issues.

The non-directive approach places the emphasis on the individual being counseled, allowing them to explore their thoughts and feelings with minimal input from the counselor. This method fosters independence and encourages personal growth, as the counseled person is led to find their own solutions to problems.

The combined approach merges elements of both the directive and non-directive methods, allowing the counselor to assess the situation and utilize the best elements of each style depending on the individual’s needs. This flexibility can be critical when addressing those who may require guidance in some areas while also benefiting from the opportunity to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings.

These frameworks ensure that counseling meets the varying needs of service members effectively and aligns with the Army's emphasis on personal development and performance improvement.