Thoughts On Counseling - Research Paper Example

My Thoughts On Counseling ABSTRACT This paper gives a detailed definition of counseling and it outlines the approaches various scholars and institutions have applied in defining counseling. The paper outlines the approaches taken by Feltham and Dryden in defining counseling and of their views. They explain that counseling has various definitions and based on the situation at hand, counseling can be defined. In their analysis, and in general terms, they define counseling as a relationship between a client and a counselor which involves finding solutions to the problems facing the client and the relationship is of consent. This paper also looks at the definition of counseling by the American Association of counselors and it outlines the various steps taken in defining counseling. This paper defines the meaning of a helping relationship and thereafter, outlines the characteristics of this relationship. It also talks about the elements discussed in the first session with a counselor, and in detail, it describes each of these elements and the outcomes. The paper also identifies two theories of counseling and their application and why it is necessary, as a student of counseling to master them. The paper has a concluder which briefly summarizes the contents of the contents of the paper and their applications. Counseling is a field which has diverse approaches, many theoretical explanations and solves a wide range of human problems, thus coming up with a definite definition of counseling is difficult. Due to this, various scholars and institutions have their own definitions of counseling. Feltham and Dryden ( Reevy, 2010) define counseling as a principled association characterized by the application of psychological theories using well-known elements of communication skills improved by experience, perception and interpersonal factors for the benefit of a client's close concerns and aspirations. The two scholars argue that the main purpose of counseling is to facilitate problem-solving processes of an individual rather than giving an advice and offering solutions. To them, the duration of counseling may take a short period of time or a long period of time and can take place in any setting of an environment. Counseling involves a professional known as a counselor and a client, and it is a mutual relationship where consent must be present. The two scholars further argue that counseling is a service sought by people experiencing emotional problems and who wish to solve these problems in a relationship which is well-organized and confidential than in a helping relationship offered in traditional psychiatrist settings ( Reevy, 2010 ).The Governing Council of American Counselors, in 1997 come up with the following definitions of counseling, counseling is an application of mental health and psychological development principles through behavioral, cognitive, effective and systematic strategies that focus on the growth, well-being and career development of a client ( Reevy, 2010 ). In counseling, there is an aspect known as a helping relationship. A helping relationship refers to the association between a healthcare professional and a client, with the hope of the client attaining changes in the problems affecting him/her. A helping relationship is characterized by creating attention through listening. By listening, a counselor becomes non-judgmental and it does not involve waiting for a person’s turn to speak, but other issues such as responding adequately to a discussion and focusing on what a person is saying are of importance. Another characteristic of a helping relationship is recognition of thoughts and feelings of others and accepting the client without conditions. The fear of rejection narrows and restricts behavior and therefore acknowledging and accepting a person’s feelings is a characteristic of a helping relationship. An individual must be free from any threats of rejection since this makes them be able to self-disclose and take risks in the investigative process. Being genuine is another characteristic of a helping relationship and it involves being truthful of one self-condition. Being genuine is an aspect that can be identified by a counselor during the first session of a counseling therapy. The first session of a counseling therapy sets the stage for the entire counseling session and therefore it is important to use the first meeting to explore the counseling needs, setting of boundaries and examining the directions in which the counseling process will be reached. It involves the aspect of information gathering and the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. There are various stages in which a counselor can conduct in order to set the quality of the relationship between counselor and the client for future counseling sessions. In the first meeting, it is important for a counseling expert to bring his/ her skills into use so that the client might be at ease and thus maintaining honesty and genuineness for better diagnosis of the problem at hand. This diagnostic assessment involves a history of the client's past therapy and the outcomes of such attempts. This process involves writing statements about professional ethics, confidentiality and the importance of the client's self-determination in the success of the therapy. It involves outlining various steps a client can take if he/ she has complained or concerns about the level of care being given and the importance of having a support group outside the counseling sessions. It is during the first session where an IQ test, thought disorder testing and personality testing are done in order to determine the diagnostic treatment of the client. It is important for the counselor to identify if the client suffers from depression or even anxiety and other post-traumatic stress related cases that need therapy. It is during this session that the client must demonstrate the willingness to cooperate and show attitudes of self-determination. During the first session, the counselor ought to respond to the indirect signals that the patient might provide while discussing the various aspects of life and problems affecting him/her and the various diagnosis concerns available. In this session, boundaries are determined, policies clarified and diagnostic evaluations finalized. And thereafter defining of diagnostic tools and identifying elements needed for setting up counseling needs of the client. The counselor will explain, in detail the non-discrimination and sensitivity policy at the counselor's office and thereafter use the diagnostic assessment tools in identifying the client's needs during the therapy session. The counselor will provide all contact details, including email address, fax, and phone numbers, and the necessary protocol to be followed for addressing grievances. In conclusion, the first meeting between a counselor and a client sets the stage in building a conducive atmosphere for the counseling sessions that will follow. Counseling as a field has numerous theories and of importance to me are Client-Centered Theory and Holistic Theory. Client Centered theory is also referred to as Rogerian Theory and the client is free to choose how he/ she wants to develop and grow (Correy, 2009). The characteristics of this theory involve empathy, acceptance, active listening and genuineness. Holistic Health theory also referred to as Biopsychosocial theory involves social, intellectual, emotional, physical, vocational and spiritual needs. It advocates for the integration of all these aspects in an individual, failure to which stress will occur in an individual's life. The theory asserts that we as individuals live in socio-economic conditions which play a role in developing our long-term well-being (Correy, 2009). The reasons for my interest in learning the client-centered theory are due to its individualistic approach to understanding an individual's character and human relations. My interest lies in why this theory finds acceptance in psychotherapy diagnosis. I am interested in knowing how the Rogerian theory integrates the humanistic approach in conducting therapy and the scientific approach in evaluating therapy. My interest lies in the area of understanding human behaviors in relation to the internal frame of reference of an individual and understanding how experience in the life of individual shapes his/her perceptions in regard himself or herself. Holistic health theory is also known as Biopsychosocial theory and my reason of interest lies in the fact that this theory recognizes the need for the spiritual and mental health of an individual. The theory asserts that health is not about the physical but also the spiritual and the mental, and when a person has peace in his spiritual, mental and physical life, and then he is in perfect health. My interest lies in the perception of man and on his/her fears concerning life and how this theory can be applied in solving the fears of men. The theory had its beginning in Asia, where the practices of Yoga were introduced in helping men solve their spiritual and mental needs. My interest of study lies in the process of conversion from spiritual and mental illness to a state of perfection by use of yoga and other techniques of counseling that this theory advocates for. The theory identifies fear as necessary and therefore it takes two processes, which are in a patient for him to achieve a state of perfect health, and they involve a feeling of responsibility for a person’s health and a positive attitude towards a patient’s body. My interest lies in these two processes and in identifying how a patient can turn from a negative perception of his/her body to a positive perception and how a therapist can make a patient feel responsible for his/ her own health. In conclusion, counseling is a field that is essential for the survival of mankind since in the current globalized world, mankind undergoes pressures of life, either economically, socially and spiritually and this causes stress and when not treated, it can result into the downfall of the concerned individual. This field is sensitive since many people are always reluctant to share their personal experiences with another individual, therefore, counselors need to be professional people who have the ability to maintain confidentiality in relation to issues affecting their clients. Counseling, as an aspect of social health, should be regulated to ensure only professionals and people of high integrity and who have no problems in their social life are allowed to operate since there is no way, a sick person mentally and emotionally can guide a fellow sick person to health. For the society to achieve perfection in health, this field of human health needs to be developed and governments and non-governmental organization need to pump more money in research and facilities to enhance the discovery of better diagnostic techniques and treatment. References Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning. Reevy, G. M. (2010). Encyclopedia of Emotion. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Press. Read More