Counselling children using a multiple intelligences framework

Abstract

This paper presents a three-stage model which has been shown to be useful in the counselling of children. The qualitative results of a study into a counselling practice informed by Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences will also be reported. The study which sought to explore the essence of the counselling act, drew forth techniques and environmental factors that were useful in the counselling of children, particularly small children who had not developed the language required for more formal counselling sessions. The use of Gardner’s (1983) theory of multiple intelligences as a framework, enabled the counsellors to make available a variety of activities that asked each client to use a variety of talents. The client’s use of multiple intelligences was scaffolded through counsellor encouragement and support.