What are the 4 stages of the Counseling Process?

• A. Prepare for counseling
• B. Follow up
• C. Identify the need for counseling
• D. Record the outcome

Answer: (C)

Recognizing the need for counseling starts the process. This first step is about spotting performance or development gaps and deciding that guidance is needed, which sets the purpose and scope for the session. After that, you prepare for counseling by gathering relevant information, identifying goals, and planning the discussion. The actual counseling session is the next step, where you discuss performance or development, provide feedback, and agree on actions. Finally, you follow up to check progress, assess results, and adjust plans as needed. This initial recognition is what launches the four-stage sequence, making it the best answer. The other options describe important parts of the process (preparing for counseling and follow-up) or related tasks performed after the session, but they do not define the starting point of the Counseling Process.