Which stage should the counselor focus on the reason for the student’s visit?

During the initiation stage of counseling, the focus is primarily on understanding the reason for the student's visit. This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for the counseling relationship and ensures that the counselor accurately grasps the issues or concerns that the student presents. By concentrating on the student's reasons for seeking assistance, the counselor can establish rapport and create a safe environment for open communication.

In this initial phase, effective listening and asking clarifying questions are vital. This not only allows the counselor to gather pertinent information but also demonstrates to the student that their concerns are valid and worthy of attention. By identifying the specific reasons behind the student's visit, the counselor can tailor their approach and intervention to meet the student’s needs more effectively as the process continues.

This focus on understanding the student's motivations and concerns does not occur in the closing, development, or evaluation stages, where the counselor's role shifts towards concluding the session, actively working through the concerns, or assessing progress, respectively.