Technique 8: Spitting in the Soup

How is the technique implemented?

 Spitting in the soup requires that the counselor and client have already established strong rapport.  The basic use of this technique is to scan a student's relatively successful performance for one flaw that may be major or minor.  Once that flaw is indicated, it is the counselor's job to point it out and show the client that perhaps altering that behavior would be beneficial.  It is important when using this technique that the counselor is non-confrontational and accepts the students decision whether to alter behavior or not.

What type of situation can the technique be applied to?

 This technique is limited in the scope of how it can be applied.  Two situations that I've found it particularly useful are when you are dealing with academically successful students with bad habits, or when someone has a condition that they are mismanaging.  For example, gifted students succeed academically in the classroom.  However, often times they will develop maladaptive behaviors socially because of their lack of social awareness.  As a counselor, spitting in the soup can help the student realize that perhaps their maladaptive behavior is unnecessary.

What is your opinion of the technique?

While this technique lacks a large range of uses, I like it in the few situations its applicable.  As a guidance counselor, you want the respect of your students.  But at times it is also important to give them reality checks to make sure they understand how negative behaviors may result in negative outcomes.