The Maker of the
Sunset
Maker of the Sunset
Photographer: Myself
As this class comes to an end, this section was a
great reminder of concepts that we have learned in the past, and others that we
will continue to learn along the journey that we are taking to be the best
counselors that we are able to. This text has given us practical advice and
explaining the skills that are necessary to become great counselors.
Chapter thirteen discussed homework and how to best
use it in the counseling sessions in order to bring about change in the client
(Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 417-422). Having been in counseling before and
never experiencing homework myself, this section will help me when creating
homework that will truly benefit the client and promote positive growth. I
especially like the mnemonic devices that are used throughout the book which
gives quick references to a skill that they are trying to teach to counselors
in training (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 420-422). These helpful guides will
help me immensely when dealing with various aspects of counseling. Humor was
another topic that stuck out to me in the chapter given the fact that I love
humor and did not know how it would play a role in the counseling process
(Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 422-425). As long as it is appropriate, and
helpful to the situation, humor really can be affective, and I have been able
to see that even in my own life.
The final two chapters on bringing spirituality into
the sessions and also professionalism was something familiar from other
classes. The overarching theme in Chapter fourteen were being careful make sure
the all of the codes of ethics are followed and allow the client explore
spirituality at their own pace (Thomas & Sosin, 2011). Making sure that the
client is the one leading in the portion of counseling is vital. In the final
chapter, Thomas and Sosin (2011) were encouraging growth in professionalism and
honing skills that will be beneficial to the clients. One quote that stuck out
to me was, “The more you counsel, the more you can learn and develop into an
effective helper” (p. 475). Knowing that skills will get better in time gives
hope for the future as a counselor in training. The main concept that Christian
counselors need to keep in mind is that we know the One who creates that sunset
on a daily basis and the One who is in control of all things, which should
bring comfort realizing that we do not have to be the one to bring about change.
Thomas, J. C., &
Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for
the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
Thanks for your post! It was good to think back over all the concepts we have learned this term. From trying to get SOLER right at the very beginning, from our shock in learning we were not going to ask questions, to finally realizing that 20-30 can fly by in a counseling session. We have learned a lot of skills, and still need to keep practicing, and I think, overall, we have a much better idea of the counseling relationship and specific skills start to finish. It was nice getting to know everyone a little bit better.
ReplyDeleteGlenn I enjoyed reading your final post. I feel that homework will prove to be an important tool when working with our clients. As we learn our clients and establish their needs I think assigning homework will become more natural for us and new counselors. It will also be rewarding to see the positive effects that homework may bring. Before reading Chapter 13 I felt that humor was something that should be avoided but as you stated it can be beneficial to the client when used at the appropriate time and manner. Our professional development will be forever molding and growing as we advance in our counseling career. I loved your quote stating the more we counsel the more we can learn and develop as an effective listener which is so true. As with anything practice makes perfect! Thanks for sharing Glenn.
ReplyDeleteHey Glenn, thanks for your post. It was very encouraging to hear about what you learned from these chapters. The last two chapters were great reminders about how to integrate spirituality into counseling session while remaining professional. This is going to be a hard task when we are done with our education, but I look forward to learning more ways in which to honor the Lord through our profession.
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