Nõustamise

Nõustamine is a professional process of guidance and support aimed at helping individuals, couples, or groups identify problems, clarify goals, explore options, and develop skills to manage life situations. It is typically short-term, goal-oriented, and distinct from psychotherapeutic treatment, focusing on practical problem solving and decision making rather than on treating mental illness.

The term derives from Estonian verbs nõustada, meaning to advise, and emphasizes the provision of information, guidance, and support rather than therapy. Nõustamine covers a broad range of areas, including education, career planning, personal development, relationships, and social or welfare issues.

Practitioners include trained counsellors, educational or career advisers, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals who hold relevant qualifications. Nõustamine is delivered in diverse settings, such as schools and universities, career centres, healthcare facilities, community organizations, private practice, and online platforms.

The counselling process typically includes an initial assessment, goal setting, building rapport, active listening, information sharing, exploring options, decision making, action planning, and follow-up. Common approaches include person-centered or client-centered methods, solution-focused brief counseling, and elements of motivational interviewing. Ethical principles such as confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, and cultural sensitivity guide practice.

Effectiveness varies with context and practitioner competence; research generally indicates benefits in decision making, coping, stress reduction, and personal development for many clients, particularly when goals are clear and the client is engaged. Nõustamine often serves as a preventive or developmental service within education systems, social services, and community programs.