Flagging the Minefield

           The technique, flagging the minefield, got its name because the process that the client and counselor go through resembles that of coalminers marking mines in fields to avoid explosions. The counselor helps the client prepare for future problematic situations that may arise by discussing positive ways to react to these situations. Counselors create scenarios and the clients respond in whatever way they find fitting. Counselors then expand on this and introduce them to more positive ways of responding, which may lead to more favorable outcomes. In time, the client should be able to do this independently. This can then be applied in the future, and the client should be able to avoid and correct most issues on their own. The counselor should show encouragement and acknowledge progress that is being made. This technique can be applied in a variety of situations, including dietary change, stress reduction, and social skills training.