The Integrative Client-Centered Model offers a wide array of tools, or techniques to enhance client counseling and case development. Some of the tools are time tested techniques from other models, some are time tested methods updated from neuroscience and attachment science findings. Some are unique. Here are some of the models, tools and techniques we teach.
The human element
Enhanced client counseling always starts with a foundation for understanding how people function under stress and conflict. There are many foundations to work with and the ICCM can work with your existing foundations. Research on what clients say they want and trauma-informed care are two good and functional foundations. Biopsychosocial models are another level up. They describe how the body (body and brain), the mind (the “software” of the brain), and social environments (especially interpersonal relationships) interact to drive thoughts, behaviors and actions.
We can use a personality model perspective, such as the DSM offers, but we prefer not to for it’s limitations.
Our sister organization, the Conflict Science Institute, applies advanced-level models. Those courses require a psychology background or some ICCI training.
Integrative listening
Integrative listening (IL) is an enhanced version of other listening models, such as active listening, reflective listening, mindful listening, and motivational interviewing. IL identifies 10 essential elements. Not all elements are found most models, and, we believe, no model identifies any additional elements. A primary goal of IL is to provide a go to list for when the conversation becomes difficult and you are not sure what to say or do next.
Of course, listening is not a simple skill, and with practice the 10 elements become like a musical scale. They are something to use in the moment, and also to rehearse and prepare with. When combined artfully, the elements turn listening into an art form.
Compassionate Socratic Questions
Compassionate Socratic (CompSoc) questions are designed to invite the listener to feel safe to talk about what is dangerous to them. Dangerous topics are hard to acknowledge and talk about, and they are usually the key issue that needs to be talked about. They are asked after establishing at least a minimal level of a safe and trusted relationship with the client, the questions are asked warmly, slowly, softly, and kindly.
“Tell me more?”
“In what ways?”
“When was the last time that happened?”
Not:
“Whoa, hold on. I’ve seen hundreds of cases like yours, where people are at the end of their rope and the ability to trust and communicate are basically gone. I advise you not to have that discussion because you will very likely make your wife angry and your situation worse.”
Such a response might not be received well and may provoke a defensive response in the client.
Instead:
“How do you think the conversation will go?” [and possibly] “Do you have any experience to suggest that you will be able to get through to her? Do you think she will listen to you this time? What will happen if she reacts negatively?”
6-Step Change process
Most clients want you to solve their problem their way. That’s not always functional. Instead, they need to expand their thinking about the problem, and helping them do so requires them to go through some sort of process to change their thinking. ICCI’s 6-Step Change Process identifies the steps people usually need to go through.
In the advanced version, the Conflict Science Institute version adds in an attachment layer. This helps you approach the problem with the clients information processing bias, find a way to breakthrough that bias, and then add information which has been defensively excluded or reduce reliance on information which has been over-relied on, to find a balanced approach to solving the problem. The balance incorporates both cognitive and affective information.
Affective Neuroscience – emotion science
Ignoring emotions risks peril.
To talk about emotions, it’s essential to have a robust emotion vocabulary. Simple models such as the Feelings Wheel can help provide that.
To use emotions to advantage, it helps to have a quality science-based model describing emotions, feelings, and affects. (Emotions are basic and unconscious, feelings are more complex and can arise to awareness, and affects are the expression of either.)
Affective neuroscience (AN), developed initially by Jaak Panksepp, provides an advanced perspective on the neurobiology and neurochemistry of emotions. It describes seven primary process emotions (or core emotions), and how they expand from energetic impulses in the brain stem, emanate up through the brain and down through the body, and how they can expand to become more nuanced, explosive, or managed feelings and affects.
Bags of tools
The ICCM provides a comprehensive suite of tools and techniques including
- Micro coaching
- Specific counseling skills for various situations
- Emotion regulation and grounding skills
- Interviewing skills
- Investigation tools
- Narrative building skills
- Checklists for various situations
- Tools to support decision making
- Client-centered business practices
- Parenting support skills
- Skills for difficult people and difficult cases