Caption: Avocado Seedling
© 2006 Mark Hofstetter
Retrieved from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Avocado_Seedling.jpg
I notice the progression in the
material into chapter seven on feedback, interpretation, confrontation, and
silence. These are such practical tools that seem to be easily integrated into
daily relationships. However, the in counseling relationship awareness of
timing and personal motive for these skills is integral. For instance personally, I see that interpretation
is so necessary, but I have the tendency to let my thoughts about
interpretation take up mental capacity during the session. Instead letting the
interpretation come naturally out of exploration with the client may be a way
to consider the skill.
Lastly, after understanding the
progression of counseling and work accomplished in the client’s life there
comes the time for termination. Thomas and Sosin (2011) frame the termination
of counseling in such an honest yet joyful way. Regardless of the method of
termination or need for referral, as counselors we can prepare for termination
with hope for the client, because of hope in Christ. This thought brings back
the reminder that both client and counselor are individuals before the LORD,
under His authority. As a counselor I can take off the burden of ensuring
change in the client, and pick up the skills He blesses us with to work with the
client towards positive growth.
Reference:
Thomas, J.C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the
Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.
After reading and meditating on your blog I have a few comments and some encouragement for you. First, I agree that in the counseling sessions, the phases of counseling can seem like they are present in the first session; I believe these phases are meant to be something to fall back on, keep perspective, and never meant to be systematic. The client has to guide the direction and speed of the phases. Second, pertaining to your thoughts on interpretation in the counseling session, at least you have identified your habits in interpretation and are less likely to encounter transference and countertransference. Lastly, I agree and enjoyed hearing another student talk about the Lord and Him being responsible for the progress of the client's growth, not all falling on the counselor. Both client and counselor are accountable to the Lord first. I am glad you find comfort in Him! I look forward to reading and learning from your future blogs.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteSeeing how you arranged the chapters in your mind really makes sense. What I liked about chapter nine in Thomas and Sosin (2011) was how methodical it was in explaining the counseling process and all that it entails. I like to see things as a process from start to finish, so that was extremely helpful. When discussing interpretation, I too struggle with that and staying present with the client because sometimes I want to jump to conclusions instead of hearing the client out. Sometimes I can see something or sense something that the client does not and I would like to capitalize on that, but it is not always the right time like the book discussed (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, 192). Also, from reading another student’s post about termination, it got me to think about the end of the counseling process, and really challenged me to make sure that the client is ready for termination and realize that it is perfectly fine for the counselee to end at any time. This will be something to get used to in the future. I really liked your post Rachel and how you organized it.
Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
Ha, I get the same way with interpretation taking up my mental capacity. Is it not interesting the dynamics of the counseling session? From the outside, to people unaware of the process, it may seem like two people talking. One person talking and the other listening. Yet so much more is taking place and ongoing. Not only for the counselee who's trying to make sense of what they're saying, but ever moreso for the counselor who's taking everything in and trying to "mentally" do surgical work in a sense with a client who is before you, open, aware and conscious. All within a 1hr session timeframe. Yet, at the same time, professional counselors, from what I've witnessed, learn to do it naturally as time goes by. Interesting to watch as we soon reach that point. Where we will not have to think so hard on what to say (hopefully)
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. You brought up the point that interpreting takes up mental capacity, and I have that to be true, also. I remember when we first started in this class, even the SOLER skills took up mental capacity. And then not asking questions and giving advice took up metal capacity. Now it is easier-more natural-I guess, to practice SOLER and it doesn't require as much thought on my part. It is easier not to ask questions and getting easier not to give advice. I am hoping, in time, the interpretation will become a natural skill and we will be able to flow without it taking so much effort.