The End of a Journey

Sunset in Northeast Asia

         Thomas and Sosin (2011) addressed the topic of change in chapter 12 of the text and I was challenged by their perspective. It is easy to get caught up in the idea of successful change being the end of the process of counseling. When I think of a change in the client, resolution comes to mind first. However, as I was reading through this chapter I began to realize that any change in the right direction is a success in counseling. Clients will be approaching counseling with vastly different needs while at various places in the journey.  For some, a huge success will be simply realizing their need for change whereas for others, the practical steps to change will be monumental. If our worth as counselors is found in the full healing of those we work with, we will be constantly dissatisfied and miss out on important milestones for the counselees. 

        Thomas and Sosin (2011) stated that “The level of your competence will be linked to your ability to assess the counselee’s level of recognition for change, readiness for change, and willingness to change” (p. 412). Knowing how to work with each client and adapting the skills we are learning to meet their needs is going to be a life-long learning journey for us as professionals but I pray that we would approach it with eagerness and a desire to participate in the Kingdom-minded work of restoration for the glory of God.

Reference

Thomas, J. C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.

Growth of Professionals

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Growth of Professionals

As counselors, it is important, expected, and required for counselors to grow professionally (Thomas & Sosin, 2011). Continuing education is required by most state boards to expand knowledge of counselors and also to keep up with recent research. Supervision is also a key element to every counselor's growth and journey towards self-awareness. Thoms & Sosin (2011) warn, "Allowing fear of scrutiny, performance anxiety, or pride to interfere with your ability to benefit from your experiences is self-defeating. Take ownership of your supervision and approach it as a treasured gift from a second professional" (p. 477). This is advice that I long to take to heart and implement in my own practice & life. Taking constructive criticism has always been challenging for me. My sensitivity and timidly comes mainly from my relationship with my father. He was abusive verbally and physically. I was used to not being my own person. All I knew growing up was that whatever met my dad's approval was acceptable, and therefore a desirable goal for me. My self-esteem was dependent on my father. After leaving the home for college, I quickly learned that I did not have to remain a victim of my father. I learned I was able to take responsibility for my own actions. I learned that being myself, outside of the shadow of my father was good. I learned that mistakes are okay and a normal part of everyday life. The list goes on and on. All of this to say, taking ownership and taking constructive criticism is necessary not only as a counselor, but as an adult. While this process can be so painful, I recognize how life-giving feedback can be. There is a significant difference between criticism and constructive criticism. Supervision is an excellent tool for all counselors.

Reference

Thomas, J. C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.

LIfe-long Learner

Photographer: Myself

Sunday afternoon in my hammock 

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” –Gandhi

Thomas and Sosin used the last chapters of the textbook to help the reader understand the principle of that learning is a lifelong process. This is not a foreign concept within the counseling profession due to the mandated ethic code of continuing education each year, yet the principle goes far beyond a few hours in seminars each year. A counselor must become familiar with the notion of being a student pursuing knowledge in order to maintain a humble posture within the profession. This will help the counselor put the client in the place of an expert in their own lives.

Chapter 13 offered practical tips on how to use humor and metaphors within counseling sessions. I particularly enjoyed the mention of humor. This helps put life into perspective and give freedom for the client and counselor to professionally enjoy time together. Chapter 14 brought a spiritual component to counseling. This was a good reminder on how to respectful address matters in the client’s life in ways that they are comfortable with. It is going to be difficult to refrain from imposing my beliefs, yet I am confident that the Lord will assist me in proclaiming His glory through being professional and competent in my career. Lastly Chapter 15 provides information on ethic, record keeping, diversity, and growing within the profession.

This text left me encouraged and inspired to continue learning all I can in order to become the best counselor I can be.

Thomas, J. C., & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. B&H Publishing.

"Life is a journey, not a destination"

Thomas and Sosin (2011) in Chapter 15 address professional issues in counseling. In reading through the text, the point that stuck out to me the most was about talking about how counseling is a constant journey. The authors discuss how most journeys have an end; however, counseling is ongoing. No one ever wakes up one day and is finished with growing as a counselor. In entering the counseling world, this is good to know, yet also frustrating. This is good to know in order to prepare myself as a lifelong learner. This is also frustrating because it can feel like one is continuing to strive and could feel stagnate.

With this chapter, a student can prepare in being a lifelong learner and be willing to continue to grow in personal and professional areas. Being a can be lifelong learner can be a challenge, but also rewarding as well. A student has to have a personality that is willing to make changes and to grow within his/her personal and professional life. With the ACA code, there are continuing education credits that a counselor needs to fulfill and some of those credits are ethics and other are professional development.

Reference
Thomas, J.C., & Sosin,L. (2011). Therapeutic Expedition: Equipping the Christian Counselor for Journey. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group

Always Growing

              

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 As expected, for a book in which the authors did a step by step manual for beginners on their journey, it is no surprise that they would end the book with a huge word of encouragement.  In the section "Developing as a Counselor" (p. 474), the authors emphasize the importance of counselor development.  

               If we truly think about it, our first baby steps into the profession began as young children. From the time we are born, we are developing and growing personally, not only learning about ourselves, but others around us. Through childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and even middle adulthood, we are constantly refining our people skills (least as future counselors, we should be) in order to help those in need.

               The book goes into the valuable lesson of experience (p. 475) and how experience is a great teacher for counselors. The more we engage in counseling, the more we get to grow as an individual, refining our character and sharpening the counseling tools that we currently possess. Right now, we are wielding beginner tools; and as our journey progresses, we will soon be wielding intermediate and then eventually, master counseling tools as we grow and endure in our profession. I do not know about you, my fellow counselors, but personally, I am excited to see where this journey takes me. Above all, there is one great lesson that will take anyone to  greater heights than they can imagine. This lesson has been stated several times by the authors of our book in many different ways, and the lesson is this: Trust God, place your hope in God, for He is able to take you way beyond anything you can possibly imagine. Want to be the best counselor you can be? Easy, place all your ways in God's hands, and He will guide you to be the best you can hope to be. Proverbs 3:6

Reference

Thomas, J.C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey.  Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group

Journey Is Not Over

Gloucester, VA

Taken by: Myself

December 26, 2010

"And his appearance was like lighting, and his clothing as white as snow" - Matthews 28:3

This week’s readings consisted of Chapters 13-15. Chapter 13 focuses on different helping strategies incorporated in the counseling session. Chapter 14 discusses the integration of spiritual counseling. Lastly, Chapter 15 looks at different issues that may arise during the counseling career. Chapter 13 provided helpful information regarding assigning homework. As an upcoming counselor I wonder if my client will welcome the incorporation of homework. The chapter goes on to discuss the use of humor in the counseling session. It is important to note the benefits of humor and also recognize that humor must be used at the appropriate time. Lastly, Jones & Butman discuss the last helping strategy which is metaphors. Metaphors allow the counselor to relate information to familiar things.

            Chapter 14 discusses the use of spirituality in the counseling field. I feel this chapter to be very beneficial, especially for those who plan to be counselors in a Christian based setting. The chapter discusses ethical issues that may arise when using spiritual counseling. I enjoyed how Jones & Butman provided the differentiation between “God image” and “God construct.” We have already completed and performed intake assessments but it was interesting to review what a Spiritual assessment and/or intake entails.

            Chapter 15 discusses different ethical issues a counselor may face throughout their career. It touches on the professionalism expected from the counselor, ethical and legal standards, and how record keeping should be handled. I enjoyed reading the diversity in counseling. The United States is a very diverse country and our clients will be of different ethnicities, religions, cultures etc. It is important to notice this and adjust our counseling perspective according. I enjoyed these three chapters and will use this information to further develop my identity as a counselor.

God's Blessing

The question is, “Is this the start of a new day or the end of the day sunset”? Thomas and Sosin have done a wonderful job in the text they have shared with us. This journey we are on of becoming great counselor’s, is not without challenges.  Spiritual assessment is very important if we are to know where the counselee is in their relationship with God. There are times when an individual says they are a Christian but what does that really mean? They could be a Muslim in which how we counsel them would be somewhat different than if we were counseling a born again believer. Our mission is still the same to always “seek to understand” our counselee’s. Counselors who learn to share with their clients will establish a relationship that will create an environment where healing and personal growth can happen. There is so much satisfaction in knowing we can make a difference and can help a person know the love of the one and only God. The text talks about how important forgiveness is in the healing process. Forgiveness is not only a biblical concept but essential to moving beyond the hurting process. It could be the counselee caused pain to someone or the other person may have caused the offense.

This class has been so good for me, and I have learned a great deal about myself. Much more than I was expecting and it is all good. I have had the privilege and honor to meet so many special and good people and look forward to what God has next.

Reference

Thomas, J.C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey.  Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group.