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By Mr. Wendell Yeary

Find out exactly what the person wants to be counseled for.
- Listen, not just hear but, listens to what the person has to say.
- Don’t formulate an answer while the person is still telling you the problem.
If it involves more than one person, get all views first.
- The truth probably will lie somewhere in the middle.
- Try to give all parties "something" if possible, remember face saving.
Keep things confidential--in other words--don’t repeat outside of the counseling room what was told to you by the people you are counseling. This is one of the most important steps one can take. Nothing should be repeated outside of the counseling room. Remember, keep everything confidential--don’t spread what was said to anyone, not even to a close friend.
Remember, sometimes we don’t have the answer. Feel free to admit this, if this is the case---YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING.
Sometimes and really quite often people ask but, don’t accept your counsel. Remember you can’t make people accept good counsel or advice.
You will have failures--it’s no reflection on you---it’s just life. As a person who gives counsel, you can grow and learn from these failures. Remember, people are flawed.