Listen

• In counseling sessions, the counselor's primary role should be as a listener. She should indicate when she understands something her client has said and let her know when she needs clarification.
  
  

Be Nonjudgmental

• When the counselor's client says or does something in session that is shocking, repulsive or amusing, the counselor should try to avoid showing his reaction. Unless the client is sharing something and wants his counselor's empathy, the counselor needs to let the client make his own judgments.
  
  

Explore Alternatives

• The counselor needs to do everything she can to give her client the decision-making responsibility. In doing this, the counselor can help the client explore alternatives to his situation.
  
  

Encourage Clients

• During a therapy session, the counselor should do everything he can to encourage (and cheerlead) his client in a success the client experienced.
  
  

Coach Clients

• In the behavioral model, the counselor can act as a coach for her client, discussing and modeling different strategies that are intended to give the client the power to change his situation.