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How to make counselees do their homework

 
Have you ever had a counselee forget to do their homework? If you haven’t yet, you certainly will!

Here’s how to solve this common problem: have the counselee do their homework before their appointment. You may also consider having a policy where the counselee cannot meet with their counselor until their homework is completed (barring extenuating circumstances, of course).

When you do this:

• The counselee is much less likely to forget to do their homework.
• The counselee will be more likely to change in a positive way since they’re putting into practice what they’re learning in the counseling room.
• The counselee will be more invested in counseling, which helps reduce no-shows.
• You won’t take up time during the session to review their homework.
• You’ll have time to pray and meditate on your response to their homework in advance.

How can you tell if a counselee has satisfactorily completed their assignment before you meet with them?

• Text/Email – You could text/email your counselee a question such as, “Did you do your homework? Please reply ‘yes’ or ‘no’”. However, we do not recommend email as a secure method of communication.
• BibliCare – You could use BibliCare to share homework, documents, resources, journals, and more. BibliCare will tell you when assignments have been submitted and gives you the option of viewing homework before, during, and after the session. If a counselee hasn’t done their homework in advance, you can use BibliCare’s private messaging tool to remind the counselee to complete their assignment.
• Paper Drop-Off – Counselees can come by your ministry’s office and drop off their homework in advance for you to review. You’d have to come by to view their homework, but at least you’ll have time to review the assignment and have it in hand before your next session.