“Very often a change of self is
needed more than a change of scene.”
-A. C. Benson
Caption: Leadership Retreat in
Blowing Rock, NC (October, 2014)
There is an obsession with the term
“change” in our present day society. If there is change there is opposition. If
there is not change there is talk about the possibility of occurring change. Everyone
is affected by change, and everyone has an opinion on change.
I personally believe that change is
a good thing. I believe most individuals want change, but when it is outside of
our control we get nervous and hesitant. God made man for change. The seasons
are a prime example of good change. God did not want monotony in the weather
and provided the world with a beautiful flow of progression through seasons of
change. Christmas is just around the corner and there will soon be snow on the
ground. When we expect change we look forward to it. The counseling process can
often be fear invoking for clients who have never experienced counseling before
or do not know what to expect. For this reason it is necessary for counselors
to prepare the client for what sessions will commonly entail. Chapter 12 of the
textbook provides pertinent questions on the stages of change through
expedition questions, change questions, and the process (). These questions
help to direct the process of growth by letting the client determine what is
important and where they want the counseling process to take them. I also appreciated the distinction made in chapter 10 on the
difference between emotions and feelings. This was insightful on how the client’s
history affects the current view of life’s circumstances. Deep rooted change
will not occur overnight. A counselor will need to first address the fleeting
feelings before a client will be vulnerable to discuss emotions. The process of
change may not be fully accepted at the beginning of counseling, but through
genuine care and attentive listening a counselor may be able to help a client accomplish
goals and reach effective change for a positive future.
Sosin, L., & Thomas, J. C. (2011). Therapeutic Expedition Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey.. Nashville: B & H Pub. Group.
Jordan, I thought this post was insightful. Life is a constant process of changing and decision making. Thank you for bringing my awareness to the fear involved in client change. It is important as counselors that we can relate and understand this, so that we do not portray change in the wrong light to the client, but instead come along side of them through the process of change. The therapeutic relationship should create an environment where change is supported in an encouraging way. As counselors we must not become desensitized to the process and fear of change, so that we continue to relate and minister to the client.
ReplyDeleteJordan & Meagan,
ReplyDeleteAs you reflect on Thomas and Sosin's text and discussion on stages of change I am reminded of what some presenters' shared at the Virginia Association of Counselor Education and Supervision's annual conference. They shared that when people go through the process of contemplating change and get to the "sweet spot" of ambivalence this is a great time to work with them, because though they feel ambivalent there is indeed a part of them that wants to embrace the change process. Often times as counselors when a client has mixed feelings we pick up on the lack of congruence and go for it, but it is important to remember that this is actually progress! The person has moved to the point of having part of themselves invested in or at least considering the change process.
This can be a great time for using the skill we discussed in class, "challenging while supporting." As you reflect on client's going through the change process and what that is like. I am wondering if you have ever been aware of going through that process and something that may have helped you personally move through ambivalence(?).
Dear Jordan,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. I too wrote about change, but the oppositions that can prevent change from happening and how often people are unaware of what they need to change. I like that you brought in the seasonal changes. As much as I love the different seasons, I don’t think I ever looked at them as the Lord’s natural desire for change. I think the Lord does desire for us to continually change- to know Him more and to be constantly changing into someone who reflects Him more. I also appreciate your insight on how change will not occur overnight. I think counselors can often desire to see a change within one’s clients before they are ready. Also, a client may be the one rushing the change process. However, recognizing, understanding, and embracing the process of change will be what helps clients in the long run.
Great job!
Camille