‘ Problem shared is problem halved’ this old saying shows us one of the most important universal truths, that people find comfort in sharing their problems and concerns, something which human history is witness to. While most of the times it is family or friends who play the role, circumstances may arise when individuals need the help of trained professional. Counselling is the process of exploration of oneself, identifying the particular problem and seeking a solution. It usually refers to the relationship shared between two people the counsellor (a trained professional) and the client. According to the American Counselling Association (ACA) counselling refers to “The application of mental health, psychological or human development principles, …show more content…
Initially it was in the form of joint families, wherein family members would provide the support and solutions needed. However, with change in time and changing lifestyle the distance between families has increased, and so has a sense of loneliness. This change could be one of the main reasons for the need and coming of counselling (Ravi, 2007).
The profession of counselling is however, soon becoming popular. Today we find many more people opting for this field of study as a profession. Moreover, the acceptance of people towards both, seeking professional help and their attitudes towards others seeking help is believed to be fast changing. This research tries to look at the change and the level of acceptance towards seeking professional help across ages.
Although counselling has been known as a field for a long time now, many people still harbour misconceptions about it. Those with problems are often regarded as inferior, incompetent, responsible for their own symptoms, dangerous, and a threat to society (Barwick et.al, 2009). Similarly individuals who contemplate getting professional psychological help for their everyday problem are confronted with similar attitudes. Clients are often regarded unfavourably by others and subjected to
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In present times when we believe to be modern and unorthodox in our thought, it is important to see whether this applies to everything or is it just pertaining to certain areas. It provides us with data regarding the outlook of people from different age groups, and the factors for these. Moreover, it is important to take into account whether it is only the youth that is changing or the older generations as well and to see if a gender difference exists, with respect to the attitudes and perception. Moreover, in a society like ours which is extremely collective the elders of a family and the society play a major part in each individual’s life. Many a time we do things or refrain from doing something because of society or elders. In such a society it is important to see where seeking professional help would stand, in a time where many people are not open to sharing their personal problems with
A personal philosophy of counselling Introduction My personal odyssey into the realm of counselling has been quite the reluctant adventure. The perilous journey from childhood to adulthood was difficult to navigate given the cognitive map that had been handed down. My father was a functioning alcoholic who was both physically and verbally abusive. My mother was a martyr prone to mood swings and suicidal thoughts.
In addition, boundary crossing such as home visits, or meeting with clients outside the office setting may potentially benefit the clients in significant ways. Furthermore, the clients cannot readily judge the appropriateness of the counselling dynamics for themselves and need guidance (Webb, 1997). Their expectations can be largely based on cultural norms, or influenced by their vulnerability and intimacy when entering the counselling relationship. Because of the vagueness, many counsellors struggle with establishing appropriate boundary as it can easily lead to confusion and mismanagement. (Webb, 1997).
Thus, authority figures such as a psychologists or psychiatrists are so important in this type of case. They would be the best at helping someone cope with these circumstances by guiding them as they overcome this obstacles a union. Just as a coach is an expert in training, a medical professional specializes in helping patients with their healthcare. And so, authority figures play a big role in channeling them through the obstacles they face by contributing to their growth as
Therapists must access their own internal process such as their feelings, attitudes and moods. Therapists’, who are not receptive to the awareness of their flow of thoughts and feelings, will not be able to help clients be aware of theirs (Kahn, 1997, p. 40). Though congruence does not mean that therapists have to share personal issues with clients, a therapist must not conceal their inner process from the client, and not be defensive but transparent (Kahn, 1997, p. 41). By being open sometimes a therapist learns more not only about their client but about themselves
Putting the client as the expert, understanding her story instead of attempting to judge it, in the therapist’s point of view. The therapist must in any point display with utmost care, interest, respectful curiosity, openness, empathy, and fascination. Once this collaborative relationship has been established, the counsellor and the client can move forward and work on how to improve the outcomes of the
But in counselling our worldview is define by how we think about everyday matters, cause of behaviour that trigger emotional distress and problems. (Meleod, 2007) state that to be a “good” counsellor we must know our self-awareness, belief values and what our personal feeling and thoughts are, and how it can help us engage with clients in the counselling practice. While Egan state that it important for counsellor to believe in the counselling process and formed a good therapeutic relationship that allow clients to trust them and feel accepted without being judge regardless of their problem or cultures. (Egan.
Like other professions in the mental health field and helping professions, counseling typically attracts those who are imbued with a need to help others, to make a difference in others’ lives, the community around them and sometimes even the world. There are many facets to a counselor and to counseling, some of which take on personal attributes such as personality, the values and beliefs held by counselors, and what they perceive their role in the counseling profession to be. Other facets involve ethical considerations in therapy, the importance of the profession, the value and process of change, important counseling practices and the value of necessary self-care a counselor ought to engage in. The role of a counselor is to act as a conduit to change and wellbeing in a client.
The humanistic approaches to counselling draw upon the values and ideas of ‘humanistic psychology’ also known as the ‘third force’ in psychology because it emerged as a reaction against the mechanistic, reductionist and determinist theories of the two prevailing psychologies in the mid-twentieth century, behaviourism and psychoanalysis (Barker, M. 2010 pg.103) While working with Bethan I would be thoughtful and kind, hoping she would see my willingness to grow and learn with her as well as to help relieve herself of her distress. As Bethan came to me with multiple issues, her father, being mixed race and now being gay, I would encourage her to start at the point she feels is the most significant to her. Bethan makes a point of telling me that she has always felt unaccepted because she is mixed race, Rogers argues that humans have a basic need for approval (Barker, M. 2010 pg.109) Bethan feels neglected and isolated because she was denied this
This enables him to identify a problem, example; a death situation. My client, Ms Linda is coping with the lost her mother. She feels very depressed all the time and feels controlled to this crisis situation. When asked about her mother’s departure, she exhibits anger and
The social environment is no more immune to the passage of time than is the human body” (Teas and Benignton, 1982, pg. 12). Teas and Benignton discuss the industrial and political world developed the idea that the old are less valuable employees then the youth (1982, pg.17). The late adulthood stage needs to express the importance of self-sufficiency, individualism, and even privacy in the psychosocial development. During this time in one’s life they are possibly experiencing great loss of individualism. Kaufman discusses the observation of family members of the elderly who feel they must be the decision
Counselling is a talking therapy that involves interactive relationship of client and counsellor. Counselling offers opportunity for clients to talk to the counsellor about their problems and feelings in a confidential environment. A counsellor generally helps the clients to see things from a different perspective and find their own solutions based on their own beliefs. The main aim is to enable the clients to develop a better understanding of self and be able to make changes to cope with difficulties in their lives, by reaching their own decisions and act upon them accordingly to develop a satisfying life.
Critically reflect on how one or two insights gained during Personal Development and Skills Practice (in G108353 2017/18) have prepared you to become an aware and ethical user of counselling skills. Does a counsellor’s age matter? This is a question I have been considering throughout my time on this course and the answer is not straightforward. Within this essay I will critically reflect on my insight about age and counselling, and through doing this how it has prepared me to become more of an aware and ethical user of counselling skills. Van Wagoner (1991) says Therapist self-insight refers to the extent to which a therapist is aware of one’s own feelings and understands their basis.
Over the past one and half month, the class of PDE 502 (Counselling and Career Education) has taught me some major lessons for life in dealing with the clients in response to their emotional needs. The role of a counsellor is not unlike that of a friend where by it is nurtured by being in each other’s company, talking over everyday issues and sharing feelings. However, what sets a counsellor apart is their experience and the ability to apply counselling theories and techniques to assist people in gaining awareness, insight and explore ways of solving their own issues.
Within this essay, I will be describing how the helping relationship is initiated by covering ethical concerns, boundaries of the relationships, equal opportunities and confidentiality. I will also be explaining how relationship is developed. In counselling, the client and the counsellor both work together in order to help the client. When entering into a counselling relationship, it is vital that the counsellor opens him or herself into an empathic experience, of the hopes, fears and doubts of the client. The counsellor also brings to the service, an empathic, non judgemental understanding and a professional approach to the service.
In this semester, I have been exposed to the subject of Introduction to Guidance and Counselling which is a new field of study for me. After I have received this lesson, I can relate my experiences with what I have learned. Not only that, I also have different perspective towards after I learned this subject. The aspects that I can relate my experiences and thoughts with are the differences between advice, guidance and counselling as well as the goals of counselling.