Which of the following is NOT a component of effective counseling?

Passive listening is not a component of effective counseling because effective counseling relies on active engagement and interaction between the counselor and the counselee. In a productive counseling session, the counselor must listen attentively, demonstrate empathy, and actively participate in the dialogue to understand the counselee's perspectives and concerns. This active involvement helps facilitate a more constructive conversation and allows for better clarity and effectiveness in the counseling process.

In contrast, setting objectives, providing feedback, and documenting the session are all crucial components of effective counseling. Setting objectives helps in establishing clear goals for the counseling session, ensuring that both parties understand what they aim to achieve. Providing feedback allows the counselor to give constructive insights that can guide the counselee towards improvement and growth. Documentation acts as a record of what was discussed and any agreed-upon actions, which can be referenced in future sessions. These elements combined foster a supportive environment for development and self-reflection, which are essential for effective counseling.