Rehabilitation Counseling and the Ex-Offender

Ex-offenders present a number of difficulties to rehabilitation counselors. Counselors must be aware of their own strengths and limitations, the special needs of their clients, and society's perceptions of ex-offenders. In many respects ex-offenders can be seen as “socially disabled” persons, subject to the same treatment as other minority groups. Both counselors and clients must work to overcome barriers in the counseling relationship. Certain affirmative approaches are discussed, including self-help groups, peer counseling, and the use of paraprofessionals.