Counseling is a scientific process of assistance extended by an expert, to the individual. The process aims at enabling the individual to learn and pursue more realistic and satisfying solutions to his problems and difficulties. The process resolves primarily around the relationship between the counselor and the client. The individual is more to understand all the information that has been accumulated about himself in the context of his work. The counselor helps him to develop the ability to take wise, independent and responsible decisions. The counseling activities are systematically planned. It is carried in over a period of time.
A homogeneous group of individuals are brought in for a group discussion. The Group of Participants can consist of persons who are dependent or addicted to chemical substances, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco etc. The number of participants in a group is 5-10members with a counselor. Each client is taken to participate in two sessions where the session runs into time of about 30-60 minutes per session. These sessions facilitate face to face interaction. Issues Related to problems that arise due to addiction, symptoms of addiction, breakdown of values and relapse and other relevant issues are discussed. As their problems are similar in nature, it helps them to share their experiences with one another and through this process it helps them to learn skills like coping. "Decision Making" and "Problem Solving".
The family members of the chemically dependent person are a set of people who are hurt and confused. They are victims synergizing desperately to solve their problems. This family counseling session help the family members to get an information and insight regarding the problem and coping mechanisms. Basic issues such as the treatment programme, medications to be given, relapse and recovery are discussed in the session in a day.
