Counselling Definition Of The Week: Presenting Problem

The presenting problem is what a client may describe as their difficulty during the initial stages of counselling. It could be an element of their difficulty, and enough to generate a degree of anxiety in the therapeutic space, but may not be of primary importance to their recovery.

During the presenting problem stage a client may be testing the water with the counsellor to assess their reactions. Different theoretical approaches work with presenting problems in different ways, but the counsellor must be aware that trust and respect are being developed during this stage – provided the counsellor remains calm and professional by showing CUE and SOLER.

Presenting problems should not be considered trivial or something to overlook. They give the counsellor vital information as to the client’s emotional state, and as to whether or not a referral is necessary.