Virginia Sunset
Photographer: Glenn Stepp
As our time draws to
a close
Nearing the
end of the semester, we have learned vital information in how to care for
clients that come into the office for advice. Yet, there is still so much that
we are learning in this class that will allow us to become more competent
counselors. This particular section of the text allowed me to see how
counseling sessions can progress beyond the skills that we have learned thus
far.
Chapter ten
goes into detail about getting to know the client from the start of the
counseling process, and building rapport with the client while getting to know
their background (Thomas & Sosin, 2011). Building that strong therapeutic
relationship will go a long way in seeing the client come to a better
understanding of what they came to counseling for and they will be more
receptive with any kind of advice the counselor may give. The beginning
assessment or intake form is extremely helpful to get to know the client as
they begin the journey toward healing and this chapter has a chart the really
puts into perspective what ideas should be covered in the initial stages
(Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 333-337). Knowing what questions to ask will aid in
growing rapport and will also allow the counselor to see where the client is
coming from in order to help them more effectively.
Chapter
eleven and twelve go hand-in-hand because one talks about getting to the root
of the presenting problem and the following chapter discusses how this problem
will be resolved or at least moving in the right direction. In my opinion, at
least at this stage in my journey towards becoming a counselor, understanding
the client and knowing where to go is the most daunting task. Making sure to
know exactly where the client comes from and where he or she wants to go will
be difficult at first I believe. The approach in the text called the AIM model
strategically lays out the process of conceptualization and makes it more
manageable in a step by step process (Thomas and Sosin, 2011, p. 366). These
guidelines will make it much easier to help the client because there is a road
map. In the final chapter, change is discussed and the challenges that come
with changing what has possibly been hindering the client for a long time
(Thomas & Sosin, 2011, p. 396). I believe this will be another challenging
part of counseling because I long to help people and see change in them and it
will be a long process sometimes and I need to be prepared for the time that it
takes.
Thomas, J. C., &
Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for
the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
Hey Glenn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I completely agree that the intake form and beginning sessions of counseling may be most vital for the change process. This sets the tone for remainder of the counseling sessions. Change can not be forced, but rather must be nurtured. I find it difficult to watch someone who is struggling stay in their struggle without hope for the future. This is what counseling is all about. Helping individuals learn to overcome. In Christ we have victory and must claim it. I look forward to helping individuals find this hope and move toward lasting healing.
Hello Glenn,
ReplyDeleteHey I have a few comments for your blog posting. First, I like to add to your comment about the classroom work this semester. I do not believe good counselors ever stop learning, and this is comforting to me! People are complex and we will need to stay sharp on our skills, education, and research. Second, the AIM model in chapter twelve is helpful in the counseling relationship and guiding the client through change, I agree, but it is a road map and if you have ever used physical maps (maybe you have) you will know they are great references; however, they are general, unless of course you buy local maps. This illustration (mapping) can be applied to the client as well, though the AIM model is helpful in general direction, as you learn more and more about the individual client, you will need to map local maps and even ask the client to help you name the streets! Finally, I appreciate your comment about our counseling skills and particularly, self-disclosure. We are on the same page; self-disclosure is allowed for good reasons, but must never be the standard! Thanks for correcting me.