Why is it important to review previous counseling notes before a session?

Reviewing previous counseling notes before a session is essential for tracking the Marine's progress and ensuring continuity in the counseling support provided. This practice allows the counselor to recall important details from past sessions, such as the Marine's challenges, achievements, and specific goals set during previous meetings. By maintaining this continuity, the counselor can build on previous interactions, reinforce positive changes, and tailor the upcoming session to meet the unique needs of the Marine.

Moreover, this approach fosters a sense of trust and rapport between the counselor and the client, as it demonstrates a commitment to the Marine's individual journey. It also helps in identifying patterns in behavior or issues that may need further attention, leading to more effective counseling outcomes.

In contrast, focusing solely on administrative tasks, identifying new clients, or evaluating the counselor's performance does not align with the primary objective of providing personalized, supportive counseling that addresses the Marine's ongoing needs and growth. These aspects might be important in different contexts, but they do not take precedence over the continuity and individual attention required in the counseling process.