In order to bring about
change, we must first recognize that there is something that is wrong with our
current situation. We either acknowledge
the existence of the adverse consequences of our actions or lack of actions, or
we continue to live as we are living, potentially bringing about even greater
harm to ourselves and others. After
realizing that we must do something differently, it is then that we become open
to change. This change is what
counselors must facilitate in bringing out of their clients, especially if they
attend sessions either without the desire to make appropriate changes (such as
someone court ordered to attend counseling).
Once this has been
admitted, it is then that counselors have the opportunity to assist clients in
working through their issues. When
appropriate, counselors may enact assessment.
Doing so provides information for the parties involved and presents an
avenue for the counselor to eventually lead the client toward attainable goals
(Vacc & Juhnke, 1997). Goals, in
particular, are critical to the counseling process (Childers, 1987). Without them, sessions may be reduced to
venting without any clear purpose or direction.
Goals alleviate the responsibility for clients to be the agents of
change in clients’ lives. Instead, they
place liability on the individual’s choices and empower them to work to benefit
themselves. Because goals are centered around
what the client wishes to address, they are all the more powerful. They are
tailored to fit that person’s specific needs and aspirations. The power to change is once again placed in
the lap of the client, not the counselor.
The client must put in the appropriate work in order to see real
results.
Caption: Doors
URL: https://pixabay.com/en/doors-choices-choose-open-decision-1767564/
Childers, J. H. Jr. (1987). Goal setting in
counseling: Steps, strategies, and roadblocks. The School Counselor, 34(5), 362-368. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/23900273
Vacc, N. A., & Juhnke, G. A. (1997). The use of
structured clinical interviews for assessment in counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 75(6),
470-480.
Such an intriguing perspective! In order to seek help, one must accept the fact that there is an issue, a problem needed to be solved. It takes a lot of strength to own up to one's own flaws. However, when the problem is detected, change can begin. The counselor cannot offer help to a client unless the client is open enough to seek the help needed to change the situation. The client then has the responsibility to do what needs to be done to achieve the counseling goals. All in all, the power is placed in the client's hands to first discover and own up to the issue he or she has, and to make the decision to cause a change in his or her life.
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