Training to be a therapist or counselor is stressful and involves significant shifts in identity, self-knowledge and confidence. Most of these changes appear to be linked to starting work with clients (Edwards & Patterson, 2012). The practicum or clinical experience portion of a therapist or counselor’s training is arguably the most important part of the program. It is also one of the most stressful and overwhelming times in a therapist trainee’s academic career. Trainees’ clinical internships involve multiple challenges; developing competence with clients is only one challenge that beginning practicum students face. They also must begin to navigate their new practicum environment, develop new working relationships with supervisors and peers, continue expanding knowledge of models and theories, as well as tackle the influence of personal issues and life challenges as they begin to understand that everything in their lives ultimately influences their therapy with clients (Edwards & Patterson, 2012; Folkes-Skinner, Elliott & Wheeler, 2010).
Self of the Therapist
It is considered to be inevitable that therapists will evaluate and judge problems through the lens of their own worldview, due to the fact that it is impossible to be entirely value neutral if a therapist is being active in the role of therapy (Aponte & Winter, 2000). From this perspective, the therapist has the responsibility of not only learning their clinical techniques and models from the academic institution they are being trained at, but also of examining the self of the therapist and working to be aware of their own personal biases and issues which have the potential to influence their work. The therapeutic relationship is considered to be one major component of...
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The article discusses the therapeutic process and significant events in the client’s lives. The article aims to determine whether self-reflection
Last week at practicum was a time of renewed energy. Megan and I had a meeting with one of our supervisors and we discussed our experiences, thoughts, and concerns regarding the placement thus far. Additionally, our other supervisor completed his IPT comments, leading us to have a productive conversation about how our goals are being met and what needs to happen during term two to ensure that we achieve the remainder of our goals. Having this conversation before our mid-term evaluation was very meaningful, and at this point, I think that my practicum placement is as good as it could be. Moreover, I feel very validated by the level of support I have received from my supervisors and how they have taken our feedback of the agency seriously. Seeing my suggestions be authenticated and incorporated into the volunteer orientation makes me realize that my contributions will have a lasting impact on the community. The primary changes that I want to see are workers approaching clients from a strengths perspective instead of from a deficit one, and more mental health training for volunteers. After learning about reframing the way people think about issues during the cognitive behavioural therapy lecture in SOWK 310, I feel more prepared to give concrete strategies and examples of how workers at the agency can empower clients by using a strengths approach. In this context, reframing will aid the agency in seeing problems as opportunities
Counselors regularly decide which school of thought they will mainly utilize with their clients most often based on the combination of the orientation of the program they were primarily trained under, based on their personal views and opinions, and their personal therapeutic experience. There are some therapists who consider themselves purists and generally subscribe to only one particular theory practice; however, it is becoming increasingly uncommon to encounter a therapist, counselor or psychologist who still considers themselves a purist in that fashion. It has been realized that many theories offer potentially helpful methods of counseling (Lazarus, 2005), and some therapists find certain aspects of certain theories easier to manipulate in order to help different clients through different issues.
Kottler, A. J., (2010). On being a therapist. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
I believe that the art of psychotherapy is more important than the use of empirically validated treatments (EVT). I feel that the art of psychotherapy exists through the use of the common factors, which include the therapeutic relationship, client and therapist factors (e.g., personality), helping clients deal with problems, and hope or expectancy factors (Reisner, 2005). Although I do believe that empirically validated treatments may enhance the therapeutic process, the treatments themselves are by no means the most important or fundamental aspects of therapy. I agree with the idea presented by Allen (2008) that scientific knowledge is important, but it is not sufficient for the successful outcomes in psychotherapy. There appears, at least to me, to be much more of an art involved in developing the relationship with the client and understanding the client’s perspective, and if this cannot be done successfully then it is unlikely that individualized techniques could be successfully applied.
Another aspect of my personal theory comes from Carl Rogers and his Person Centered theory. My greatest take away from Rogers is his theory of unconditional positive regard. I am in agreement that an individual in counseling must feel as if they are being accepted and not judged by their therapist. Often individuals who seek counseling are fearful to begin with so as a therapist it is important to make this client feel at ease and understand that they are in a safe environment where they will not be judged. Once you can establish this with a client I believe that the relationship with that client will be more successful and the ...
The state rehabilitation agency remains one of the largest places of employment for rehabilitation counselors. Vocational rehabilitation counselors are expected to serve persons with disabilities effectively by retaining, maintaining, or obtaining jobs or careers that are compatible with the consumers’ interests and abilities. Independent living rehabilitation counselors working with consumers are expected to provide services that will allow them to become more independent. Job burnout and job dissatisfaction are two factors that rehabilitation counselors experience while on the job. Previous research has shown that employees in the helping profession tend to experience a tremendous amount of burnout and job dissatisfaction. Counselors work in a distinctive work environment that involves demanding roles which can lead them experiencing burnout (Brown & Wallace, 2004). State rehabilitation agencies must ensure that job satisfaction remains high in order to retain counselors (Andrew, Faubion, & Palmer, 2002). One important factor that can help retain counselors in state rehabilitation agencies is by increasing extrinsic rewards. Extrinsic rewards may include the work environment, co-workers, job security, and opportunities for professional development (Andrew et.al, 2002).
The myth of value neutral psychotherapy has been shattered. Therapist trainees are encouraged to examine their personal assumptions and biases and to increase their own self-awareness, so that they will not impose their values on clients in psychotherapy. Nevertheless, no one is free from values, and sometimes psychologist may need to discuss their values with clients for the following reasons: First, psychotherapy theories have value-laden components and they are often hidden or taken granted; these values may not be consistent with what clients want. Therefore, clients have the right to know them to make informed choices about their treatments. In addition, sometimes psychologists cannot put aside their values in psychotherapy; values is communicated through what they do and how they do it—the way psychologists relate to clients as well as in their theoretical orientations or treatment modalities. As a result, clients are likely to be influenced by the values of their therapists. Again, it is the right of clients to know what kinds of influences they will be exposed to during their treatment. Therefore, in this paper, I argue that values should be openly discussed in therapy for the best interests of clients.
The latter will include peer feedback, instructor feedback, and self-criticism. This paper will conclude with a brief discussion of the future direction of therapy were I to remain a therapist. Presenting Problem Both Michelle and Katy came to therapy with complaints of an increasing frequency of arguments. These arguments began almost a year ago and, as time passed, have become more emotionally intense. Michelle reported that during these arguments, she often cries.
The counselor accomplishes the above by expressing empathy, developing discrepancies, going along with resistance and supporting self-efficacy. Moreover, the counselor guides the client toward a solution that will lead to permanent posi...
In today’s world of counseling, you are required to continue to learn throughout your career. Views and terminology will continue to turn over rapidly and if you wish to terminate your education, you will be responsible for your client failure in treatment. It is absolutely crucial to continue your education in the field of counseling. I have to attend training monthly or sometime yearly to store information. The human service field can switch on day-to-day basis. In addition, you are required to be flexible with the transformation and adapt quickly.
Discovering a theoretical orientation is a lengthy and weighty process. Stepping into this realm has been enlightening and overwhelming all at the same time. Toward the beginning, I felt it would be obvious which orientation I would choose. In my mind, it would be reminiscent of a movie scene where the guy meets the girl, the music builds, and it seems the whole world knows what is happening is meant to be. Nevertheless, as one wanders through the many variations of where problems stem from and how to help others find healing it can be easy to get lost in the minutia of this process. Consequently, as I began to process where I would land, I took a step back and started with my values to help in this process. When I say values, I mean: how do I view humanity, where do problems stem from, how can healing be achieved, and what role should the therapist play in the course of healing. Beginning here is imperative for me, and Rogers agrees when he talks about the necessity of a therapist’s congruence and authenticity as the baseline for change (Corey, 2007). After discovering my values, I aimed to find theories which aligned with my values. Lastly, I worked on finding confluence with these theories to create my own theoretical orientation.
Values, Morals, and Beliefs are components that play a role in an individual’s self-identity. The establishment of these components shape human nature, behavior, and the development of an individual’s purpose. The basis of these fundamentals has contributed to my desire to become a counselor. This paper will discuss my views of human nature, factors of behavior changes, goals of therapy, the roles of a therapist, and the counseling approaches that I chose to incorporate in a practice.
Sharing the ups and downs of the practicum experience with a peer is a remarkable experience. One category of the conversation shared in our peer review was the struggle faced during the past weeks, such as the excessive amounts of anxiety encountered during the practicum experience. It was interesting to learn that my peer review partner had experienced similar effects of anxiety that I had faced. Neither she nor I have counseling experience, the practicum is a new encounter for both of us. We also discussed the issues with my practicum site supervisor. Amber also felt she had limited capabilities because of her lack of a specific theoretical orientation. She also had clients decline services with her, one specifically
The therapist and the therapeutic relationship is to me one of the most important parts in counseling. An individual can have all the knowledge about different therapies and techniques but if you are unable to have personal characteristics that are important in being an effective counselor then you have nothing. Therefore, it is important to be open to reviewing yourself and making changes and adjusting things along the way. As much as you provide the counseling help to others it is also important to perform the self-evaluations on yourself.