Psychological communication: Theories, roles and skills for counsellors by van der Molen, Lang, Trower, & Look (second edition) – Chapter 2 summary

The diagnosis-prescription model (i.e. client is object of research) refers to an intake model where the client answers questions asked by the clinician with little room for own input and additional thoughts. The clinician has the full control over the conversation. There is a diagnosis afterwards and this is used to prescribe a ‘solution’. The clinician takes the role of the expert and views the client in an overly goal-oriented and reductive manner. This model can occur when the client expresses the need for concrete advice and support.

The cooperation model (i.e. client is partner in counselling) refers to an intake model where the clinician works together with the client to find a solution to the problem. The clinician believes that the client should be encouraged to be self-reliant in searching for solutions for their problems and the clinician should actively and attentively help the client to think through one’s problems. The clinician should constantly aim to take the client’s perspective. To ensure that the client does not keep relying on others, it is important to discuss why it is important to make own choices and share in problem-solving endeavours.