Questions About the Egan Theory

10. Egan has a bias toward "client action" in his model. What does this

mean? (292-293)

Although clients set goals that are directly related to their problem

situations, there are also metagoals or superoridnate goals that would make

them more effective in pursuing the goals they set and in leading fuller

lives. The overall goal of helping clients become more effective in problem

management and opportunity development is important. Another metagoal is to

help clients become more effective "agents" in life - doers rather than mere

reactors, preventers rather than fixers, initiators rather than followers.

The doer is more likely to pursue stretch goals rather than adaptive goals

in managing problems. The doer is also more likely to move beyond problem

management to opportunity development.

11. At what stage does the concept of "commitment" become highly

relevant in Egan's model? (29-30)

Stage II is critical for client commitment, as it is the when determining

outcomes occurs. In particular, Step II-C, the third step of Stage II is

when it's important to help clients find the incentives that will help them

commit themselves to their change agendas. Without strong commitment,

change agendas end up as no more than nice ideas. For reference, Step II-A

is to help clients use their imaginations to spell out possibilities for a

better future. Step II-B is to help clients choose realistic and

challenging goals that are real solutions to the key problems and unexplored

opportunities identified in Stage I.

12. What does the phrase "the relationship as working alliance" mean in

terms of Egan's model? (43-44)

Bordin defines the working alliance as the collaboration between the client

and the helper based on their agreement on the goals and tasks of

counseling. In the context of the problem-management and

opportunity-development process, the working alliance outlined is 1) the

collaborative nature of helping - both parties have responsibilities to

outcomes, which depend on the competence and motivation of both, plus the

quality of their interactions. 2) the relationship is a forum for relearning

- relearning occurs when helpers model attitudes and behaviors that

challenge clients to change. 3) relationship flexibility - effective

helpers must be able to adapt to clients and use a mix of styles, skills and

techniques that are tailored to the kind of relationship that is right for

each client.

13. What does the attitude of "nonpatronizing empowerment" have to do

with Egan's helping model? (55-57)

Helpers should not self-righteously "empower" clients, as that would be

patronizing and condescending. Effective counselors help clients discover,

develop and use the untapped power within themselves in the following ways:

1) start with the premise that clients can change if they choose 2) share

the helping process with clients 3) help clients see counseling sessions as

work sessions 3) become a consultant to clients 4) accept helping as a

natural, two-way influence process 5) focus on learning instead of helping

6) do not see clients as overly fragile.

14.