Caption: We Hold the Power to Change, But Will We?
Photographer: Me
(Camille Piccirillo)
As counseling students, I think we are all aware that
the counseling process hinges on the client making changes to his or her life. However,
Thomas and Sosin (2011) state that “Not everyone recognizes a problem when one
exists, or at least does not recognize the severity of the problem (p. 394). As
a counselor, it can be frustrating when I client is unaware of the things that
need to change in his or her life. These authors continue to mention that
learned helplessness and a victim mentality play into one’s lack of desire to
change. Furthermore, pain is often associated with change, whether that be a
motivation for change or a result of beginning to change an unhealthy
lifestyle. Thomas and Sosin reiterate this by stating that “The fundamental
reality of being willing and ready to change is felt pain” (p. 395). While pain
can be a good motivation for one to change his or her life, “Nothing is more empowering
than realizing you have the ability to make changes” (Thomas & Sosin, p.
395). Even when a client has realized that he or she has the ability to make
changes, Thomas and Sosin mention reluctance, being a forced to be a client
against one’s will, and resistance, avoiding the counseling and changing
process, as two barriers to one’s processes of change (Thomas & Sosin). As
counselors, we can be aware of the process of change as a whole and learn how
to properly be present with a client as he or she discovers the changes that
need to take place in one’s life, and then begins the process of change.
Reference
Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011).Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the
journey. B&H Publishing.
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ReplyDeleteCamille,
ReplyDeleteThe chapter on change really challenged me and helped me to realize that there will be clients that do not see a need or are at least not wanting to change, which is denial like you mentioned (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 394). I think, at least in my own life, I am the only one who cannot see the flaws that I need to work on sometimes. It is only after much reflection that I begin to see the areas where I need to change. Like you mentioned, it is a great reward for both counselor and client to see that change can and is happening because there is hope which comes with that (Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 395). Being patient with the client along the journey is a vital part to see change in the client.
Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.