One Step at a Time

 

Caption: One Step at a Time

“Tightrope Walking,” ©2007 Wiros, used under a Creative Commons Attirubution-Share Alike 2.0 generic License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en. Retrieved from : http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tightrope_walking.jpg

Throughout the designated chapter readings, Thomas and Sosin (2011) make several great points discussing how a counselor can help his or her effectiveness. Some things that stood out to me are the ways that counselors can take charge of the environment they create. One way to do this is to create a trust worthy environment. The authors state that “When you are able to communicate authentically, an atmosphere is created which in turn prompts the counselee to behave authentically” (p. 103). Thomas and Sosin continue to discuss how people tend to have different “masks” (p. 104) and the important role these play in either helping or hindering the client’s productivity. In the margin of the book, I wrote a side note saying that balance is key. A counselor must know when it is an appropriate time to reveal parts of himself or herself in relation to helping the client. Furthermore, the authors mention the importance of a counselor being aware of his or her self. Thomas and Sosin state that “Counselors who fear their own emotions and the emotions of others will eventually steer members away from potentially productive topics” (p. 98) and that “…I had unresolved issues that prompted my behaviors” (p. 105). I think this is one reason why many counseling classes suggest future counselors attend personal counseling before becoming a counselor. Therefore, my overall theme for this post is that counseling is a process that begins with the counselor, not necessarily the counselee. The counselor must first be responsible to take care of the things he or she needs to in order to create the best environment for future clients, which is why I call this blog “One Step at a Time”. Because this is a process that involves many steps and takes time.

Reference

Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011).Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. B&H Publishing.