Explain what it means to be intentional in the helping process.

Ivey (1994) describes counselor intentionality as a process of "acting with a sense of capability and deciding from a range of alternative actions. The intentional individual [counselor] has more than one action, thought, or behavior to choose from in responding to changing life situations" (1994, p. 11). In this definition, Ivey combines the goals of counseling with an understanding of the processes inherent in successful helping relationships. He also describes intentionality as a quality that counselors have to varying degrees; some are highly intentional and others lack intentionality. Accordingly, a counselor who lacks intentionality "persists in using only one skill, one definition of the problem, and one theory of interviewing, even when the theory isn't working" (Ivey, 1994, p. 12). This notion of "lacking intentionality" implies that counselors either have the ability to be intentional or they do not. As such, Ivey places more importance on a counselor's conscious awareness and ability to become intentional. By comparison, May (1969) viewed one's inability to see other alternatives as being trapped in an intentionality that makes it virtually impossible for the person to see other options. Likewise, Bugental (1980) referred to "intentionality blindness" as a "crippling of the life force" that keeps an individual from realizing healthy interactions. The essential meaning of intentionality has implications for the practice of counseling. Counselors who perceive their clients' concerns accurately and choose a clear direction and purpose in their helping relations based on these perceptions are more likely to be successful.