In this example, there is a clear need for the use of counseling skills in order to ensure positive outcomes for the client (Smyer & Intrieri, 1990). For example, giving proper medical counseling may make a difference in a person's quality of life. Formal helping relationships seek the deeper meaning of problems and utilize therapeutic skills to find resolution (Mowrer, 1940). Formal helping relationships are often more intense and longer in duration than informal relationships. Informal helpers on the other hand may take the form of peers, family members, coworkers, or members of support networks (Dilley, 1967). These helpers often give advice and offer solutions to problems. These informal relationships are concerned with outward manifestations of the problem such as current symptoms or observable behaviors (Mowrer, 1967). Informal helping relationships such as those with family members and friends are often mutually beneficial and involve give and take activities such as advice giving and support. This differs from a formal counseling relationship that emphasizes the counselor as an objective...

Counselors must respect a client's right to privacy and confidentiality with few exceptions. Failure to do so could result in significant legal ramifications for the counselor. On the other hand, in informal helping there is a level of expectation of respect for privacy but there is significantly less certainty that this expectation will be met. Failure to maintain ones confidence in a helping relationship may result in social consequences for the betrayal of trust.
References

Dilley, J.S. (1967). Decision-making: A dilemma and a purpose for counseling. Personnel & Guidance Journal, 45(6), 547-551.

Mowrer, H.R. (1940). The nature of family counseling. Living, 2(2), 45-45.

Rogers, C.P. (1945). Counseling. Review of Educational Research, 15(2), 155-

Smyer, M.A., &…