An Arsenal of Tools

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        Involving both innate and learned tools, counseling can be viewed as an art and a science. The art of the helping relationship in counseling is composed of both natural and unnatural tendencies. As I read my texts this semester, I am encouraged by all of the skills that come naturally as an empathetic listener. The use of minimal encouragers, nodding, and involving facial expression are among the natural responses I regularly employ to engage in conversation. These natural responses involved in counseling show that the art of counseling includes innate skills; however, much of the helping relationship of a counselor involves learned skills—skills that prove that counseling is also a science that can be observed, studied, and tested. It is this unnatural, scientific aspect of counseling that requires counseling students to be pushed outside of the realm of comfort into an arsenal of tools waiting to be mastered.

        One such learned tool is the skill of reflective language, such as paraphrasing, minimal encouragers, and key word repetitions. Rautalinko, Hans-Olof Lisper, and Ekehammar (2007) explain that the use of reflective language improves the therapeutic relationship by allowing both client and counselor to have an authentic understanding of the client’s story without changing the meaning. While the importance of paralanguage is undeniable, some of the skills feel more unnatural as a beginning counseling student. Despite the initial awkwardness I feel when attempting to incorporate keywords into my practice sessions, I already can see how identifying these emotions helps the client to expand on their meanings.

         Since I am learning that counseling is not merely an art but also a science of skills, I am encouraged that with much training and time, nearly anyone could become a great counselor. Jennings, Hanson, Skovholt, and Grier (2005) claim that the counseling profession’s emphasis on work ethic and determination as opposed to natural gifts supports this belief that anyone could become a master or expert in counseling. I hope over the next years to recognize and emphasize areas where I am naturally gifted in the helping relationship but focus on developing these uncomfortable, new skills which may refine my abilities as a future counselor.

References 

Jennings, L., Hanson, M., Skovholt, T. M., & Grier, T. (2005). Searching for mastery. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 27(1), 19-31. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https:// search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/198784777?accountid=12085

Rautalinko, E., Hans-Olof Lisper, & Ekehammar, B. (2007). Reflective listening in counseling: Effects of training time and evaluator social skills. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 61(2), 191-209. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/213135875?accountid=12085