Views of Counseling: Applications of Various Counseling Techniques. Melissa Singh. Ball State University

Transcription

1 Views of Counseling 1 Running head: DEFINITION OF COUNSELING Views of Counseling: Applications of Various Counseling Techniques Melissa Singh Ball State University

2 Views of Counseling 2 Abstract The purpose of this report is to integrate my personal beliefs of counseling and the changing process. More specifically, the report will illustrate my definition of counseling, based on the various counseling techniques. Some of the techniques are more popular than others, but my goal is to focus on depicting a collaborative counseling technique where I incorporate salient beliefs and assumptions from these techniques to use as my focus when counseling clients.

3 Views of Counseling 3 Views of Counseling: Applications of Various Counseling Techniques Definition of Counseling Counseling is a form of therapy where clients are able to discuss the problems they are facing in their lives. The client may wish to focus on past, present, or future difficulties or other concerns which they are feeling at the time of therapy. I think the job of the counselor is to be empathic, while also steering the client in the right direction. This does not mean the counselor has all the answers, but rather, the counselor works collaboratively with the client to resolve the concerns the client is exhibiting. I believe dual relationships are harmful when working with clients. Yes, it may seem effective to know your client at a personal level, but I think this can lead to difficulties while in counseling. For instance, providing therapy for a friend or a relative, where counseling focuses on personal experiences which a relative/friend may not feel comfortable sharing. This may not be true all the time, but I feel as though our role is to be professional and having prior encounters with a client may cause favoritism or even strain their personal relationship. As a counselor in training I think an important part in understanding counseling, such as defining the common stereotypes associated in becoming a counselor. This may be beneficial to new counselors where their graduate training may place a high emphasis on becoming a perfect counselor. I think professors and supervisors focus on critiquing graduate students in training, so that the graduate student gets the best experiences before being out on their own. The unfortunate downside, is that (based on my experiences) graduate students try to become perfectionists when working with clients, where the counselor feels that he/she needs to always have the right answer for the client. Another challenge for beginning counselors is taking their time in the therapy session. It is ok for there to be silence in a therapy session.

4 Views of Counseling 4 Finally, a counselor is someone who is flexible and willing to be diverse in their therapy session. This means the counselor is not only sensitive to the client s environment and culture, but the counselor is also willing to learn and gain new experiences from each therapy session. The therapy session should be a growing atmosphere for both the client and counselor. View of Human Nature My view of human nature is one that focuses on the present environment as motivation to strive for what we want. At times this may require us to self-reflect past events; however we do not focus our present or future goals based solely on the past. We must also understand the use of mental health and how it is impacted by the environment and social factors. Mental health is a central determinant of quality of life (Bovier et al., 2004, p. 161). Mental health may be impaired based on the individual s stressors in life. This could include: external stressors, demand from the environment, or a physiological response to a threatening situation (Bovier et al., 2004). Understanding these stressors will allow the therapist insight in determining the significant life events the client has experienced. My overall view of people is based on motivation. I believe motivation is the key component in helping a client. A client may have a traumatic childhood, but the therapist or the client cannot change events that have already occurred. The therapist and client should work together to encourage the client to continue working on goals to impact the clients present life. This is why I like reality therapy. There is a focus on acknowledging that they client has chosen their behaviors as way to deal with their frustrations, which is derived from unsatisfying relationships (Corey, 2009). Reality therapy uses the choice theory in its view of human nature. Specifically, the choice theory indicates we are not born blank slates waiting to be externally

5 Views of Counseling 5 motivated by forces in the world around us. Rather, we are born with five genetically encoded needs- survival, love and belonging, power or achievement, freedom or independence, and fun (Corey, 2009, p. 317). I think the U.S. (Western culture) focuses on individuals striving to be independent and finding out meaning or purpose in life. What is also beneficial about reality therapy is focusing on how the client views their environment. This is especially important for clients from diverse backgrounds, such as coming from a collectivist environment. Relative importance of past, present, and future My theory places a stronger emphasis on the present and future goals; however, the client can discuss past events. Sometimes the past events could be the cause of the current problems or difficulties the client is currently facing. Unlike psychoanalysis, the focus would not be on the unconscious, but rather discussing salient parts of the client s life. Sometimes when discussing the past, clients may begin to feel that they have several areas in their life they need fixed or changed. It is important for the therapist to focus the client s attention towards a specific goal. The therapist, however, should not disregard past events as irrelevant towards focusing on the client s current problems or concerns. I like the use of the WDEP System (wants, direction and doing, evaluation, and planning and action) where the therapist is focused on the here and now (Corey, 2009). The therapist works with the client to think of realistic and achievable goals. Part of reality therapy is having the client conduct self-evaluations which examines their behavioral direction, specific actions, wants, perceptions, and new direction (Corey, 2009). This allows the client to focus conflicts that are going on in the present. In sum, I find it important for the client to be offered the chance to

6 Views of Counseling 6 discuss problems in the past and present; however, time must be spent developing achievable goals towards the future. How people become who they are I think each generation faces an increased amount of mental illnesses. I believe one of the reasons is due to the amount of medications that are increasing. We are becoming addicted to medication, where a majority of individuals need a pill every day- whether it s prescribed or over the counter. Another cause for the increased amount of mental disorders is the advancement of technology. I believe as a society (particularly in the Western culture) we are geared towards instant gratification, where we need a quick fix. As counselors this makes it harder to work with clients. Clients may stop seeking services, because they feel that it will take too long, or prove to be ineffective without a medical diagnosis. Reviewing the various counseling techniques I came across Adventure Counseling. This is where the client is ready to leave a safe harbor location and take a journey into the unknown (Gillen & Balkin, 2006). I think this form of therapy allows the client to develop a normal functioning or belief about their life. Specifically, this technique was proven effective with patients in clinics or hospitals (Gillen & Balkin, 2006). Adventure counseling programs include: focusing on a target group; promoting long-term change; opportunities to learn new coping skills; and strengthening the interactions with the client s home, school, and community (Gillen & Balkin, 2006). I feel this therapy has a philosophical approach where clients/patients are given the opportunity to reflect and evaluate their lives, which is important in understanding why we are the way we are. Our relationships with others play a crucial role in how we identify ourselves in society. Another aspect I like about adventure counseling is that it provides a hands-

7 Views of Counseling 7 on approach when working with clients. Clients are removed from their familiar social world and placed with unfamiliar activities that promote change (Gillen & Balkin, 2006). This is a form of desensitization, where the client is flooded and placed in an environment where they have reallife encounters to test and/or challenge what they have learned from therapy. In sum, I believe in order to promote a healthy development an individual needs to have balance. Having too much or too little of something causes an imbalance. For instance, (based on my experiences) having too many friends may lead the individual to have multiple relationships which can be challenging. I think with the younger generation there is much emphasis placed on short relationships. For instance, many teenagers spend a lot of time texting their friends or e- mailing friends as opposed to talking on the phone or hanging out in person. This reduces the amount of quality relationships among individuals. With adventure counseling, it forces individuals to work together in small groups, and in-person where you can actually put a face to the name. I would use this counseling technique when working with inpatients where the client is limited in what they can do in their environment. What allows for change in human behavior I think clients learn how to change in counseling by first admitting there is a road-block or challenge in their life that they need to face. Clients also need to be prepared to talk about topics which may be uncomfortable. This includes looking at our thoughts, feelings, and normative beliefs and strivings (Dawes, 1995). Maybe clients will feel less threatened in a therapy session if they are briefed on the topics that will be discussed, particularly if it is a client who is being forced into therapy.

8 Views of Counseling 8 I think people change when there is a clear and achievable goal to strive for. For instance, I like the behavior therapy approach, where there is a multimodal focus of therapy. Multimodal therapy focuses on developing a comprehensive, systematic, holistic approach to behavior therapy (Corey, 2009, p. 252). More importantly, the multimodal therapist creates an open system where they provide information, instruction, and feedback as well as modeling assertive behaviors (Corey, 2009, p. 252). I think this is important because it guides the client to change and alter their behaviors. In addition, it allows the therapist to use The BASIC I.D. which provides the seven modalities of human functioning (Corey, 2009). Roles environmental, cultural, and social factors play The culture and environment of both the therapist and the client are a crucial and important role where both parties need to understand the personal beliefs that they share. Additionally, the therapist should be able to understand a client s cultural belief. I don t think the theories from the Corey textbook illustrate a good overview for counselors to be culturally sensitive. Each therapy technique discusses whether it is culturally sensitive, but little is mentioned on how to gain insight into a client s culture. More specifically, little is explained in understanding the beliefs of minorities or individuals who have different beliefs when compared to the Western (U.S.) beliefs or norms. My focus in this section is to discuss various articles I have found that were beneficial in helping me gain experiences working with different minority groups and will be used as part of my personal theory of counseling. There are several myths and misunderstandings when learning about the various cultures in the mental health profession. For instance, there is the notion that current research strategies and approaches as well as mental health practices are adequate and appropriate in

9 Views of Counseling 9 application to various minority groups (Sue et al., 1982, p. 45). However, literature has shown stereotypes in defining minorities, such as considering minorities as being deficient genetically (Sue et al., 1982, p. 46). There has even been research conducted indicating a significant genetic deficiency among minorities. Cultural deprivation has been illustrated (more often than not), to be compared against the superiority of the white middle class values (Sue et al., 1982). The social values that are misinterpreted in Western research reports- invaliding data collected on a specific ethnic group (Sue et al., 1982). Racist attitudes and prejudices that have been portrayed in professional journals indicate minorities as being neurotic, psychotic, and/or psychopathic (Sue et al., 1982). Often, misunderstandings can be due to cultural variations in communication that may lead to alienation or the inability to establish rapport. As counselors, we need to be aware and accepting of our client s culture and beliefs in order to establish an unbiased and healthy relationship. Schemas are mental structures and processes where we categorize information and make judgments (Ridley et al., 2000). Role schemas involve the knowledge of one s own personality traits, such as behavior patterns central to one s identity and self-definition (Ridley et al., 2000). Based on our cognitive misers, we rely on prior experiences to sort out incoming stimuli and develop theories about what to expect from an individual or environmental setting (Fiske & Taylor, 1991). For instance, a negative past experience with an African American may automatically cause these negative feelings to be associated with another African American in the future. Cultural schemas are based on a particular cultural group that is not shared by other groups (Ridley et al., 2000). Some person, self, role, and event schemas appear to be culturally based without any equivalency across cultures (Ridley et al., 2000). There are unfortunately no universal schemas that can be across cultures, so applying schemas across various treatment

10 Views of Counseling 10 phases should be an ongoing process that is not limited to any single aspect of the presenting problem (Ridley et al., 2000). Schemas should be used by clinicians to develop a therapeutic alliance, diagnosing and conceptualizing presenting problems, setting therapeutic goals, planning treatments, and selecting intervention strategies (Ridley et al., 2000). As part of my developing theory of counseling, I think counselors need to understand schemas and how they develop (unconsciously) preconceived notions of others, whether the individual is from the same culture or not. I believe cultural schemas or even just schemas alone can cause more harm than good. These unconscious mental representations can categorize and label individuals without even realizing it (Fiske & Taylor, 1991). They do not need to be individuals from a different ethnicity, but rather within one s own group. For instance, in the American culture someone who rides a motorcycle and wears leather clothing is expected to be a biker person who has tattoos and piercing. These preferences for someone who rides a motorcycle do not incorporate the mental health of the individual (Fiske & Taylor, 1991). In order to be an effective clinician (I believe) preconceived notions are highly susceptible to error and should be eliminated when possibleeven if the intention is good. We should get to know our patients- through interviews and assessments before developing mental representations of our patients. It is suggested to collect empirical data on competency in order for counselors to reduce making any assumptions about a particular group (Weinrach & Thomas, 2002). No analysis of Competencies would be complete without addressing the underlying assumption and beliefs about race that appear to have influenced the content of the Competencies (Weinrach & Thomas, 2002, p. 24). The unfortunate downside is that these assumptions are often preconceived notions based on stereotypes of an individual s race. So how are we able to

11 Views of Counseling 11 implement adequate competencies among the various cultural groups? The authors suggestion (which I agree with), is to first improve training for counselors. We are trained to work with clients that are different ages, development levels, intellect, and gender. Now we need to incorporate the impact of a client s culture when providing treatment to our clients. Overall, (I believe) the only actual way counselors will gain experiences with various ethnic groups is to actually have exposure to that group. That does not mean reading about the ethnic group, but interacting (socially) in an environment where there are several individuals from that ethnic group. I think it is often difficult not to cross any personal boundaries with your client in a professional setting. This is why it may be beneficial to interact with other members of your clients group (who are not related to nor has any relations with the client). In many rural settings, it is difficult to find various ethnic groups. It may also be best to collaborate with other counselors or even a supervisor (for graduate students) to gain additional knowledge and skills to adequately assist and improve a clients mental health. Appropriate goals for counseling As part of my theoretical orientation I think clients should have goals in their therapy session. Without them I feel there will be no direction in the therapy, where the therapist has a higher likelihood of overpowering the client as opposed to having a collaborative relationship. I like the behavioral therapy focus of goals, where the therapist has specific tasks they must implement to show the client how the therapist has incorporated any of the client s irrational thoughts (Corey, 2009). I like the use of teaching the client about the cognitive hypothesis of disturbance and showing how faulty beliefs leads to negative consequences (Corey, 2009, p. 280). These goals allow the client time for self-evaluation. I think the whole purpose of therapy

12 Views of Counseling 12 is for the client (not the therapist) to understand and identify the obstacles in their lives. Once this is understood, (in a nonbiased manner) the client can begin the healing process (i.e. creating changes with their current social relationships). Essential characteristics of an effective therapeutic relationship/role of a counselor As mentioned throughout the paper, an effective therapeutic relationship is one where both parties work together to establish clearly defined goals for the client. Before this is achieved, the client must first reduce their defensiveness (if any). The characteristics and traits of the therapist play an integral part in helping the client to become open and comfortable working with the therapist. Some personal characteristics that are significant in becoming an effective counselor are: being authentic, sincere, and honest; being passionate; able to maintain health boundaries; appreciate the influence of culture; and making mistakes where the therapist is willing to admit them (Corey, 2009). I think the hardest part for professionals is admit they need help working with a client, or admitting that we do not always have the answers to help the client. In my personal counseling framework I would have a more directional approach with my client. I think too much silence may make the client feel uncomfortable. However, this could always change depending on the type of client; whereas some clients may need the silence to gather their thoughts. Major techniques and methods central to your counseling approach My theoretical orientation of counseling focuses more on the here and now. Yes the client is allowed to discuss past events, but it is brief. Sometimes the past events are needed in order to work on problems in the present (i.e. PTSD from a past car accident). I am a strong believer on motivation. A difficulty I have as a clinician is working with clients who are

13 Views of Counseling 13 depressed. If they are depressed, I would focus on realistic goals that will motivate the client versus feeling blue or down about themselves. The reality therapy offers using a picture album to help clients determine the precise ways to satisfy their wants (Corey, 2009), which would be something I would want to incorporate in a therapy session. However, a weakness with reality therapy is that it is difficult to use with minorities. I think if my client is higher-functioning the reality therapy may be better to use (not all parts of it, but the area that focuses on the client s wants and needs, and self-evaluation). For culturally diverse clients I think the best way to work with them, is to just ask them. Specifically, the therapist will need the client to explain parts of their culture to ensure the therapist is unbiased. Adler s focus on social interest and helping others should be used with diverse clients, especially for clients raised in a collectivist environment. I think whenever the therapist is unsure of the social environment of a client; the therapist should explore the early recollections for that client. I think Adler s use of The Question would be beneficial in the beginning of a therapy session. I believe it should be used for all new cases, since it helps the therapist (mentally) develop a sense of how and why the client feels the way they do. Sometimes a directional approach may not be effective, where the therapist has to develop a more creative way to get the client to verbally express themselves where (for example) role-playing may be needed. In sum, I have found this report beneficial in understanding my own personal growth in counseling. I am a school psychology major, who would often combine the role of a clinical psychologist and counseling psychologist to be the same. For my undergraduate degree I attended a psychoanalytic school, so maybe this is why I have a preference for counseling versus clinical psychology. I like having several sessions with a client where we are working on fixing the problems versus just medically diagnosing a client. However, I do think there should be a

14 Views of Counseling 14 stronger emphasis placed on having a time-limit with clients; where after a year the sessions should be complete. I find it difficult for a client to discontinue therapy if they have been seeking treatment for 4 to 5 years with the same clinician. To me this indicates there were no short-term attainable goals reached. Also, having a counseling session for several years makes it difficult for both the client and therapist to end treatment. I think as we (graduate students) continue working with more clients and collaborating with our peers and supervisors, we will shape our own counseling techniques. This will allow us to focus on our strengths as a therapist to provide effective counseling services to clients. I think we also need to be willing to give ourselves some sort of self-exploration. If we are unable to feel mentally healthy, chances are we will demonstrate difficulties when assisting our clients.

15 Views of Counseling 15 References Bovier, P. A., Chamot, E, & Perneger, T. V. (2004). Perceived stress, internal resources, and social support as determinants of mental health among young adults. Quality of Life Research, 13(1), Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Dawes, R. M. (1995). The Nature of Human Nature: An Empirical Case for Withholding Judgment: Perhaps Indefinitely. Political Psychology, 16(1), Fiske, S. T., & Taylor, S. E. (1991). Social cognition (1 st ed. & 2 nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Gillen, M. C., & Balkin, R. S. (2006). Adventure Counseling as an Adjunct to Group Counseling in Hospital and Clinical Settings. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 31(2), Ridely, C. R., Chih, D. W., Olivera, R. J. (2002). Training in Cultural Schemas: An Antidote to Unintentional Racism in Clinical Practice. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 70(1), Sue, D. W., Bernier, J. E., Durran, A., Feinberg, L., Pedersen, P., Smith, E. J., & Vasquez- Nuttall, E. (1982). Position Paper: Cross-Cultural Counseling Competencies. The Counseling Psychologist, 10, Weinrach, S. G., & Thomas, K. R. (2002). A Critical Analysis of the Multicutural Counseling Competencies: Implications for the Practice of Mental Health Counseling. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 24(1),