This document discusses counseling, including its definition, key aspects, qualities of an effective counselor, and counseling techniques and frameworks. Counseling is defined as face-to-face communication that helps a person make decisions or solve problems by acting on them. It is a problem-solving process that can be done individually, with groups, or couples. Effective counseling is specific to each client's needs and circumstances, interactive, goal-directed, and respectful of social and cultural contexts. Key qualities of an effective counselor include genuineness, active listening, positive regard, believing in the client, awareness of alternatives, recognition of limitations, patience, non-judgment, and knowledge. Microskills discussed include active listening, open-ended