The Egan Model

can be described as a problem management and opportunity development-helping model.

The goal of the therapist is not so much to solve problems for the client but to help the client manage their own issues more efficiently.

It seems that whatever problem solving abilities we have tend to disappear in times of crisis. Therefore I believe that my role as the therapist should be based on your needs at any one time,whilst offering you a structure and over view to ensure your movement towards your goal.

The Egan Model is designed to enable the therapist to suggest activities that will help the clients manage their lives more effectively.

The Stages and Steps of the Helping Model

• Stage I 'What's going on'
  1. Help the client relate to their position. This draws on technique generally associated with counselling.
  2. Help the client break through 'blind spots' to see themselves and the situation, and explore opportunities more clearly. At this stage I draw on my experience as a psychotherpist as your history is explored so we can gain an understanding of how your thinking has been molded and thought patterns formed.
  3. Help the client identify the root of the problem and/or opportunity to work on.
• Stage II 'What solution makes sense'
  1. Help the client use their imagination to see possibilities for a better future.
  2. Help the clients choose realistic and challenging goals and solutions to problems and openings to unexplored opportunities
• Stage III. (This stage is simular to techniques we now know as Life Coaching)
  1. Help clients see different ways of achieving goals
  2. Help clients choose best fit strategies
  3. Help Clients develope a plan
• Evaluation.

More often than not these stages are worked through and revisited. Returning to different stages to clarify areas, endorse decisions or rework areas as new concepts come to light.

Like wise the evaluation stage returns again and again, between stages, within stages, and often at the beginning and ends of session, where ever and when ever it aids the client.

Looking at this overview it is easy to see that, although often directive, you are successful to the degree that you commit yourselves to the process and capitalize on what you learn from the correspondance to manage problem situations more effectively and develop opportunities more fully in your future every day life.

From this stance I see problem management as positive and life enhancing learning process and I look forward to working with you.