Critical Incidents in Counseling: Simulated Video Experiences for Training Counselors

This article explains the rationale, development, and use of a simulation approach to training counselors in which videotaped vignettes of critical incidents that occur in the course of establishing and maintaining a helping relationship are presented to trainees as stimuli. Through the use of this approach, trainees can learn to identify and understand client communications, their own reactions and communications, and the bilateral nature of the counseling relationship.