Interview with and Analysis of the Work of a Professional from Other Non Educational Disciplines - Essay Example

? Interview with and Analysis of the Work of a Professional from Other Non Educational Disciplines This paper presents an overview and analysis of the work of a professional through interviews and evaluation of the relevant approaches being undertaken. I have chosen to explore the work of a psychotherapist who is involved in a non-government organisation in a Southeast Asian country. This NGO is known as the Self Enhancement for Life Foundation (SELF) which offers rehabilitation to alcohol dependent individuals. She is a personal friend of the interviewer. SELF is leading in the development of rehabilitation technology in Asia. This paper will provide a comprehensive analysis of the role and support provided by a psychotherapist in the treatment of alcohol dependence. I will also discuss the different strategies used as a means of non medical treatment of alcoholics and problems usually encountered in the process. Lastly, the objectives of the SELF Therapeutic Community (TC) will also be presented. In adherence to the rule of the organisation, the identities of the individuals involved will be kept confidential. The SELF Therapeutic Community (TC) is a program which aims to rehabilitate alcohol dependents and provide moral recovery. A part of the program had been designed to boost their confidence and tap their potentials to enable them to be productive individuals after their rehabilitation. (Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009) The recovery methods being introduced in the program was proven to be an effective way since 85% of those who completed the rehabilitation program were successfully reinstated in their respective communities as of 1992-2008 (Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009). As an initial step toward the implementation of a 4 stage program of TC, an alcohol dependence individual undergo a medical, physical and psychological evaluations primarily to decide on the effective management of their problem. The first stage deals with how one learns to be conscious of his emotion and recognise the consequences of his actions. It also aims to inculcate discipline and openness to change of behaviour. The second stage encourages interactions with family members and resolutions of personal issues and conflicts. Enhancement of communication and leadership skills are carried out which will be useful in their dealings with the outside world. In this stage, their maturity and their readiness to go on a first day off with no escort are being gauged. The third stage allows them to take the role of a program facilitator or admin officers. They are also being tapped to organised group sessions and to train in handling difficult circumstances. Before the end of this phase, they are required to write their autobiography and submit career proposal which they will defend. In the aftercare phase which is the last stage, they are expected to continue their careers and to strengthen their social life. Objectives and goals of this aftercare stage must be strictly followed in order to enable them to graduate (Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009). An individual can be considered as alcohol dependent when he/she is addicted to alcohol and have that compulsive need to drink at the same time developing an increase tolerance to alcohol. It had been noted in some researches that alcoholism usually runs in the family and genetics, therefore is a contributing factor in alcohol dependence. Sales professions especially those dealing on high end products require socialisation to allure prospective clients. This socialisation involves drinking that may lead to high intake of alcohol, thus, they are prone to alcohol dependence. People experiencing anxiety and tensions due to unfavorable situations may resort to heavy drinking as their coping mechanism (Sillaber, et.al, 2002). Effects on social life of alcohol dependence include broken relationship, inefficiency in work that may lead to job loss, financial difficulties and the tendency to commit crimes against person and properties. Social environment can be an influential factor in the development of one’s personality and behavioural problems can also be attributed to social clashes (Steiner, 1971). For the purpose of discussion, it is imperative to define psychotherapy as a profession and the role of a psychotherapist. As Pilgrim (1997, p. 97) described in his book, Psychotherapy and Society, psychotherapy is "a type of personal relationship entailing a series of negotiated meetings containing conversations". It covers a wide range of psychological and social supports but the bulk of the work of a psychotherapist deals with the interference on the treatment of alcohol dependence and substance abuse. In this assignment, a psychotherapist assigned in the rehabilitation program of SELF Therapeutic Community (TC) was interviewed. The Psychotherapist will be coded as PsT and was given assurance that her statements will remain confidential. As a policy of not divulging the identity of the clients, alcohol dependents undergoing treatment will be referred to as Residents (Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009). In the interview, PsT recounted a number of cases she was assigned to in TC. One case involves Resident A who was admitted on 2008 for alcoholism which stemmed out from the loss of his father which brought about a drastic change in their lifestyle. As a student, he experienced hardships that he never experienced before. As a result, he found comfort with his peers and eventually found himself addicted to alcohol. Not being able to handle the situation, his mother decided to have him rehabilitated in SELF TC. As a policy for admission, PsT conducted a standard clinical evaluation and he was deemed fit to be admitted in TC. Based on the results of the evaluation, the approach used by PsT is to conduct individual therapy sessions which initially allowed Resident A to open up about his emotions. In the latter part of the therapy sessions, PsT geared toward a different approach which made Resident A realised his irrational behaviour and helped him see things in a better perspective for him to grasp a better understanding of his situation. The counseling sessions conducted by PsT was found to be effective on Resident A’s case. He was able to rekindle his relationship with his families and had developed a positive outlook in life. PsT also handled the case of Resident B who is an 18 year old son of a prominent Chinese family. His dependency on alcohol began when he discover that he was an illegitimate child. He committed several suicide attempts and detached himself from his family. To ease up his burdens, he intoxicated himself until he became dependent on alcohol. He was in denial and refused to involve himself in the program when he was admitted in TC. PsT carried out therapy sessions through motivational talk. After 3 weeks, he was then observed to be more amenable towards the program and even found himself cooperating in community activities and group therapy sessions. The group therapy sessions had been proven to be an effective way of dealing with the different issues encountered among the residents. They were made to share their thoughts and life experiences that inspired the participants with Pst as the facilitator. In the case of Resident B, family dialogues were included in the program as part of the interventions. Each family member attended counseling sessions on how to deal with Resident B’s behaviour. After undergoing extensive therapy sessions, Resident B finally acceded to meet and resolve issues with his family. According to PsT, among other things, she was expected in TC to create a trustworthy environment and to be recognised as a parent figure. She also believes that healthy support system among the residents would fast track their recovery. As part of an effort by TC to create a home atmosphere, the residents were assigned specific household chores and office works. They also conduct sports activities to provide them a venue for recreation. Spiritual activities such as bible studies and prayer sessions were included amongst the daily schedules. They were trained to be productive and for them to utilize their time. As related by PsT, she also have a share of difficulties in handling the residents especially on their first two weeks of their stay since the residents were still not yet fully adjusted to their new environment. Most of them have shown resentment towards their family’s decision in having them admitted in the facility. They also exhibited an abrasive behaviour towards the activities and therapies carried out as a part of the program. A crucial part in the success of the program lies in the diligent effort of the staff of the facility to win the trust of the resident especially the psychotherapist since he/she will be the one who will play the most important role in the treatment process. PsT also shared different non-medical treatment strategies and approaches in the conduct of her profession as a psychotherapist. Among these are psychoanalytic and cognitive psychotherapies. An example of psychoanalytic approach used by psychotherapists in the contemporary times is the Interactional therapy. This is based on the concept that inappropriate behaviours stems out of dissatisfaction over one’s social relationship. (Allen & Kadden, 1995) Forum discussions played a vital role in the therapy especially those linked with problems related to personal relationships. It is presumed that people living a satisfied life and healthy social ties would be less likely to be involved in alcohol and substance abuse. In the journal article, “Matching Alcoholics to Coping Skills or Interactional Therapies”, interactional therapy was compared with coping skills training and the findings suggested that people who manifested a lesser antisocial behaviour fared well with interactional therapy than with coping skills training. (Kadden et al., 1989). The common distinctions of cognitive approaches were discussed in the book “Adult Clinical Problems: A Cognitive-Behavioural Approach” (Dryden and Rentoul, 1991). Cognitive therapists emphasized the significance of cognitions in the therapist’s intervention with the issues. The psychotherapist aims to solve these issues by way of developing a more appropriate cognition that will be beneficial to the client (Davis & Fallowfield, 1991). As a continuing program of PsT, she presented several options that residents may undergo in their attempt to improve their personalities. One way is by helping them strengthen their coping skills to enable them to handle pressures of the outside world. Another options is to conduct individual sessions with residents to monitor their progress and psychological needs. Social skills are also among the areas being developed for better interactions with other people. The significance of the interviews with PsT provides consciousness of the vital roles they play in our society especially to those with psychosocial issues. Their role also increase public awareness on the causes, manifestations and effects of alcohol and other substances in one’s physical and mental health. The interventions being done by psychotherapist in the practice of their profession also helped in alleviating the sufferings of the family members and loved ones knowing that psychotherapists are willing impart their knowledge with the intentions of providing another chance to life to the residents. At this point, it is just proper to recognise the effort of psychotherapists in their efforts to be of service to those in need of their professional help. Their mediations were a welcome move in lessening the burdens of the clients in their most trying times and once again enable them to find their right place in the society. PsT unselfishly provided the nurturing care where it is most needed. As an interviewer, the insights provided by PsT enlightened me to the different aspects of her profession and issues she encountered. It made me appreciate psychotherapists and the significance of their works. Lessons in STEP may be learned the hard way but the constant struggle of both the psychotherapist and the alcohol dependents individuals have not gone unnoticed. But every struggle pave way for meaningful life for these individuals. The turning point of their struggles comes when the kindness and understanding of those behind the STEP TC were offered to them. They may have a roller coaster ride while undergoing treatment but the chance given to and determinations of these individual have contributed to the success of their recovery programs. The roles of psychotherapists in looking after the welfare of their clients inspire people who are mere spectators. In some ways, they become aware of the existence of these professionals who willingly give a part of themselves in the dedication of their duty. As PsT showed her cooperation in the formation of these paper, she never failed to amaze the interviewer. This person has so much to offer in the betterment of those caught in the dark side of alcoholism and substance abuse. Psychotherapists provide light where it is most needed. References Allen, J.P. & Kadden, R.M., 1995. “Matching Clients to Alcohol Treatments”. Handbook of Alcoholism Treatment Approaches: Effective alternatives, Second Edition, pp. 278-291. Davis, H., & Fallowfield, L, 1991. Counselling and communication in health care. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons. Dryden W., & Rentoul, R. (Eds.), 1991. Adult clinical problems: A cognitive-behavioural approach. London: Routledge. Kadden, R.M., Cooney, N.L., Getter, H., & Litt, M.D, 1989. “Matching alcoholics to coping skills or interactional therapies: Post treatment results”. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 57, pp. 698-704. Pilgrim, D., 1997. Psychotherapy and society. London, Sage. Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009. 4-Phase Program. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 May 2011]. Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009. Frequently Asked Questions. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 May 2011]. Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009. Success Rate. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 May 2011]. Self Enhancement for Life Foundation, 2009. What is TC?. [online] Available at: [Accessed 4 May 2011]. Sillaber, I, Rammes, G, Zimmermann, S, Mahal, B, Zieglgansberger, W, Wurst, W, Holsboer, F & Spanagel, R, 2002. ‘Enhanced and delayed stress-induced alcohol drinking in mice lacking functional CRH1 receptors’. Science, 296(5569), pp. 931-933. Steiner, C, 1971. Games Alcoholics Play, New York: Grove Press. Read More