Overview of 3 Phase Approach to Counseling and Growth

Welcome! Here I’ve laid out my conceptualization of a 3 phase approach to the journey of growth and healing that I draw on in my counseling and coaching work. Anyone is welcome to make use of this overview and the other resources on this site provided you take responsibility for your own well-being.

Contents of this page:

Introduction and explanation of the 3 phase counseling model
Pre-session work
Phase 1: Stabilize (Increasing control over body and mind)
Phase 2: Process (Updating old stories and strategies.)
Phase 3: Expand and Grow (Launching into a lifestyle of limitless growth)
Closing reflections on a lifestyle of growth and healing.

Introduction and Explanation of 3 Phase Counseling Model.

Since beginning my studies in 2010 I have learned from a lot of teachers and professionals and experimented with a wide range of approaches which I’ve taken time to refine and organize into a 3 phase model. The psychology literature, especially in the field of trauma treatment, highly recommends a 3 phase model for counseling and trauma resolution work. Phase 1 involves stabilizing and strengthening one’s overall life and emotional state. Phase 2 involves resolving unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior and repairing/filling in critical things we did not get that we should have gotten. Phase 3 involves expanding the growth that is already happening in our skills, knowledge, capacity, compassion, etc.

The first phase involves stabilization and gaining competence in key skills which essentially are about learning to feel safe and relaxed in one’s own body and learning how to shift one’s physical/emotional state towards feeling more safe and open to connection. As these skills are being built up, clients who so desire can expand into phase 2 and/or 3. Phase 2 involves targeting various unresolved memories for processing work. It does not seem that every negative memory needs to be resolved in order to live an abundant and satisfying life, but for many people, resolving at least 10 to 20 key memories may greatly enhance their quality of life. It is also recommendable to continue reconsolidating unresolved memories as an ongoing practice to continue growing in our ability to lead mature and loving lives. Once these are processed people tend to find new levels of peace and internal space. Phase 3 involves integrating, consolidating and solidifying the good changes that are occurring. It also involves continuing to expand our skillset, and our ability to remain steady and act with integrity under increasingly challenging circumstances. Orienting toward the future with a growth mindset, developing supports for ongoing healing, growth, and contributing to the good of others, are also key aspects of phase 3.

These phases do not always happen purely chronologically in a linear fashion and there tends to be some movement back and forth between these phases as the healing journey progresses. However, it still feels helpful to lay out some of the markers of each phase as a sort of map to guide the overall trajectory of the healing and growth journey. Perhaps one could think of it like building a modern house. There needs to be enough phase 1 foundation in place like a concrete pad to to hold up the upper floors. Once the basic wooden frame of the roof are in place on the upper floors one can then return to the lower floor and add additional layers such as installing plumbing, electrical, and interior details. So you see, it is possible to work on multiple phases simultaneously but there is a general sequence and order that guides the work. Under optimal conditions with a combination of helpful support, between session practice, and focused use of session time these phases can often be adequately accomplished in 12-16 sessions. If there is additional complexity more sessions may well be needed.

Pre-session work:

After initial 15 minute consultation with Andy Ross and mutual agreement to move forward with counseling work clients can proceed with the following (Coaching and consultation clients can also integrate these phases.)
Get oriented to a 3 phase counseling model by reviewing this page.
Define primary goals
Define primary concerns
Fill out intake paperwork.
Take basic assessments: ACE, GAD, PHQ-2, DASS 21
Ideally clients will be in regular communication with at least 2-4 friends who can support and encourage them on their counseling journey. Although it is not a requirement I strongly recommend reading the page Strengthening Supports and completing the “Getting Started” exercise on that page.

Phase 1: Stabilization-Foundational Skills and Routines. (Roughly 4-6 sessions, more if needed.)

Phase 1 Goals and Objectives

Phase 1 is about increasing confidence in one’s ability to influence their mental and emotional state and noticing and interrupting unhelpful loops.
Build rapport, get oriented to big picture/presenting concerns, positive expectancy.
Maintain feedback and conversation from session to session to promote positive outcomes.
Set “smart” goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time bound.)
Learn and practice the Foundational State Shifting Skills Module (click to learn more).
Learn and practice Grounding Skills.
Learn and practice Nervous System Resets.
If client’s have difficulty with these foundational skills there are even more elemental skills available and additional resources to draw on including collaboration with practitioners who specialize in somatic and sensorimotor approaches.
Begin applying foundational skills to daily life.
Review and begin establishing Key Routines.
Identify if there are additional key skills that must be learned to stabilize one’s life.
Identify and apply session time to resolving any blocks that need to be resolved in order to make practical use of phase 1 skills.
Hear client’s story and create a visual timeline of key positive and negative events.
Visualization of ideal future.
Phase 1 can be completed once client has gained adequate control over their ability to maintain a relaxed body and shift adequately reduce distress states at will.
At end of phase 1 retake relevant assessments to track progress (DASS 21, etc.)
Client decides whether the foundational skills and routines have given them the ability to live the life they want or if they want to proceed with additional processing or skill building phases of the work.
Phase 1 skills will continue to be used through the future phases.

(Once Phase 1 goals are adequately completed client can choose to proceed to Phase 2 or skip to Phase 3)

Phase 2: Processing Unresolved Experiences. (Roughly 4-6 sessions, more if needed.)

Phase 2 Goals and Objectives

Phase 2 is about updating old stories, strategies and states. It involves increasing curiosity, self compassion, and mobilizing innate healing processes in the brain.
Continue practicing State Shifting, Attention Shifting, and Grounding Skills as needed.
Continue to sharpen and develop and individualize your own key routines.
Learn and practice Attention Shifting Skills
Orientation to theory of memory reconsolidation. Assess client interest in processing memories and make plan accordingly.
Address any client concerns, fears, needs, etc.
Identify the most appropriate approach or combination of approaches for memory processing work. (See the Approaches That Influence My Work post for additional insight.)
Begin memory reconsolidation work either moving chronologically through the visual timeline or beginning with simpler or more strategic memories and proceeding from there.
For clients with high levels of dissociation or complex trauma, this phase may be slower, more carefully planned, and/or worked in collaboration with an additional professional who is expert in somatic processing approaches.
Continue to experiment with additional processing modalities and discern which works best.
Identify and address concerns or internal blocks that may impede adaptive processing work.
Review if additional sessions are recommended to process the relevant experiences and reduce or resolve the associated triggering.
Review client’s original goals and concerns to assess what progress is being made.
Retake relevant assessments to track progress (DASS 21, etc.).

(Once Phase 2 goals are adequately accomplished we can proceed to Phase 3)

Phase 3 Expansion and Growth: Consolidating the work, future orientation, additional skill building. (Roughly sessions 4-6 sessions, more if needed.)

Phase 3 Goals and Objectives

Phase 3A: Consolidation and Further Skill Building

Phase 3 is about developing a lifestyle of ongoing healing and limitless growth as well as establishing a widening community in which to give and receive life.
Identify and address any internal concerns or blocks related to the progress being made.
Go through graphic timeline. Compare original beliefs to current more updated beliefs.
Have client retell their narrative attempting to include the new experiences and growth they have had and where they imagine going in the future.
Review client’s original goals and concerns. What progress has been made?
During this phase client and counselor may decide to spread sessions to bi-weekly or monthly.
Continue to strengthen sources of social connection, emotional healing, and skill development.
Retake key assessments.
Discern whether further work is needed before moving to conclusion of counseling work.

Phase 3.B. Conclusion

Review the work together.
Identify and celebrate the skills learned, gains made, and work completed.
Identify areas client can continue to grow in.
Client clarifies vision moving forward.
Decide whether to schedule any follow up check ins.
Identify additional relevant resources and/or referral sources.
Extend mutual appreciation.
Have a good goodbye.

Closing Reflections

I strongly recommend making ongoing healing and skill development a lifestyle. I also recommend developing strong ties to networks of healthy community. Once these foundational skills are learned and some processing work has been completed, clients may find it easier to build community support such as mentors, friends, coaches and small groups that promote ongoing healing and growth in their lives. At this point occasional check-ins to resolve a stuck point or particularly tricky challenge may be all that is needed from a professional counselor. For those who continue to find professional counseling a good source of ongoing support I recommend finding an additional counselor who can meet more frequently (once our work is completed) so that I can offer more monthly or quarterly follow up check-ins. Enjoy the journey. All of it is full of gifts and even the most challenging times can yield unexpected blessings both in the end and along the way.