[Utilization and effectiveness of short-term counseling in child guidance]

This study investigates the utilization and effectiveness of short-term counseling in child guidance. For this purpose a comparison was made between short-term and long-term counseling (each N = 89) and a catamnestic telephone interview of the parents who had had short-term counseling was conducted (N = 70).

1. The rate of short-term counseling amounts to 39%. 2. The individuals seeking short-term counseling are significantly less burdened with problems. 3. In stating the reason for a short-term counseling, 58% of the individuals concerned claim that the number of counseling sessions held had been sufficient, that there had been an improvement with regard to the problems, or that according to the counselor there had been no need for further activity; 24% were dissatisfied with the counseling and for this reason broke it off; 10% were directed to other institutions. 4. On the whole the persons seeking advice evaluated the short-term counseling mainly positively. The evaluation of satisfaction and success corresponds with the evaluation commonly gained in educational guidance: 70% of the individuals seeking counseling were satisfied with the results, 44% reported positive changes due to the advice they received, and 66% seem to have gained a better understanding for their children. 5. The good relationship between the counselor and the person seeking advice appeared to be particularly important.