Individual Counselling: Individual counselling is a key component of any school guidance program. It involves a one-on-one interaction between the counsellor and the client, where the focus is entirely on addressing the client’s personal needs. This personalized process helps the client explore their emotions, beliefs, and self-understanding, while also evaluating options and initiating changes aimed at positive outcomes.

Students may seek individual counselling for a variety of reasons such as coping with anxiety, depression, managing anger, resolving relationship conflicts, or addressing issues related to substance abuse. Others might look for support to improve social skills or plan their career paths.

Using professional expertise, the counsellor helps clients realize their potential and facilitates constructive changes. The counselling relationship is built on trust and respect, creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns openly. When clients perceive the counsellor as empathetic and genuinely invested in their wellbeing, the counselling process is far more effective (Truax & Carkhuff, 1967).

Dryden (1984) highlights several advantages of individual counselling:

• It ensures complete confidentiality, making it suitable for those uncomfortable with sharing in groups.
• It fosters a closer, more personal connection between counsellor and client, which some may find less intimidating than group settings.
• The pace of counselling can be tailored to the client’s unique needs.
• It is particularly effective when the client’s primary issues revolve around their relationship with themselves rather than others.
• It supports clients who want to distinguish themselves from others, for example, those considering ending a relationship and working through related challenges.
• It benefits clients who are unsure about making significant changes in their relationships, such as deciding whether to improve or leave the relationship.
• Counsellors can adapt their approach freely without worrying about the impact on other participants, as in group settings.
• It is suitable for clients who struggle with sharing therapeutic space in a group due to the depth of their difficulties.

However, Dryden (1984) also notes some limitations and challenges in individual counselling:

• Clients may become overly reliant on the counsellor, potentially slowing their progress. This is less common in group counselling where attention is shared.
• The close, intense interaction might feel overwhelming or intimidating for some clients.
• The lack of peer challenge in individual sessions might limit motivation for change.
• Shy or reserved clients who fear taking risks may find group counselling more beneficial as it provides a supportive social environment.