Use of rhetorical strategies in counselling at the Counselling Centre, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

The study explored the rhetorical strategies used by counsellors during counselling sessions. The idea was to discover what rhetorical strategies are employed by counselors to elicit relevant information from their counsellees and how effective the use of these rhetorical strategies are in communication between counsellors and their counsellees. Using Aristotle’s theory of rhetoric and a qualitative approach, the researchers studied selected counsellors and counsellees at the University of Cape Coast. The data were gathered through interviews and observation. The data were analysed thematically, and the results showed that assurance of confidentiality is a strong rhetorical strategy used during counselling. Other rhetorical strategies such as giving counsellees unconditional positive comments and empathy are very essential for a successful counselling process. Regarding the benefits of rhetorical strategies, the results indicated that counsellors’ use of rhetorical strategies helps counsellees to disclose sensitive information. Also, rhetorical strategies help counsellors determine if counsellees are benefitting from the counselling interaction. These strategies include observation, learning situation, follow-up and evaluation during counseling process. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that counsellors at the Counselling Centre of the University of Cape Coast should attach more relevance to the rhetorical strategies they use in communicating with their counsellees.