This view point stems from discoveries revealed from training and work history. Having knowledge and experience helps the counselor evaluate theories as they are use in treatment with clients. Washton (n.d.), “….This approach integrates psychotherapeutic and coping skills-training techniques with abstinence-based addiction counseling. The primary goals of treatment are to enhance and sustain patient motivation for change, establish and maintain abstinence from all psychoactive drugs…” (Approaches to Drug Abuse Counseling ). These theories assist counselors in communicating plans coherently of treatment goals for clients.
the cycle of learning to enable me to develop my own understanding and as a reflective practitioner I can link this with Schon’s (1983) concepts of reflecting in action and reflecting on action to help improve my actions and professional practice and show that I evaluate my experiences and integrate it to theory and knowledge in supervision (Aids to Practice cards, Values and Ethics, p112). The relevant skill to use with the case study service user is communication. I will start explaining its relevance by looking at why it is an important skill for all social workers to use in their practice. In Block 1 of K113 we heard a number of service users and practitioners talk about examples of good and bad social work. They highlighted that a good social worker makes you feel important, works in partnership with you, gains your confidence, is straight talking
Counselor as Scholar Practitioner Shawn P. Mahan Walden University Counselor as Scholar Practitioner Mental health counseling encompasses a wide variety of knowledge and skill sets. Obtaining a clear grasp and interpretation of these useful tools requires observance of efficacious guidelines. One of the skills necessary to demonstrate proficiency as a mental health counselor is that of becoming a research specialist. The author intends to isolate these key characteristics of development needed to meet the demands of scholar-practitioner. Through this identification, the reader will attain a greater understanding of the requirements needed for competent mental health counseling.
Deciding when to decontaminate your hand can be a little bit daunting. This is why, therefore, guidelines have been made to highlight the four key factors in hand hygiene to help workers and patients decide when to decontaminate their hands. Healthcare workers needs to anticipate the level of contact with patients or objects to eliminate the chance of developing further pathogen related disease. Furthermore, workers also need to foresee the extent of contamination that can occur with the contact and patient’s various care activities being performed (Boyce and Pittet, 2002, Pratt et al, 2001). There is without doubt, that these factors have set a foundation to promote a safe hand hygiene practice without guessing when and where to decontaminate.
The essay will also discuss how important it is for a counselor to be culturally aware and adhere to ethical principles in psychotherapy. In addition, it will show that an effective therapist of today is not only someone who can establish and maintain good working relationships, but can also draw on experience and a variety of knowledge from different techniques to best suit the needs of the client (Corey, 2009 p7). Wall (2006 p75) tells us Michael Lambert’s work and research in 1992 suggested that there were four core ingredients that are shared within a variety of therapeutic models (Hubble, Duncan & Miller 1999). The client factor, accounting for 40% of the model is the most commanding contributor to rewarding outcomes. What the client brings into therapy such as courage, willingness, honesty and faith greatly contribute to successful results (Hubble et al, 1999 p75).
Treatment planning provides a road map for the counseling process (Erford, 2010). Assessment and diagnosis play the most important role in case conceptualization and treatment planning because it allows the professional counselor to gain a better understanding about the client’s issues and needs. Professional counselors’ assessment involves intake interviews, test and inventories, behavioral observations and relevant information from other sources (Barlow & Durand, 2003; Nystul, 2006). According to Erford (2010) the assessment process helps the professional counselor put together a diagnosis and set up a treatment plan. Professional counselors also need to consider how issues such as race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, family structure, trauma, and sexual and gender orientation affect a client’s presenting concerns and what impact these variables have on the acceptability of , and the access to, counseling (Erford, 2010).
My secondary goal is to help the client understand his/her negative behaviors with the hope that the client will make the necessary steps for a more productive life. Addictions are really no different from other behaviors, part of the recovery process is to get the client to believe he or she can change and that encourages the commitment to the recovery process and enhances the likelihood of success. Recovery from addiction is a major life long process that never stops. Detoxing is only the beginning of a long-term (sometimes a lifetime) battle against that inner craving and relapse. Counseling is just as essential as the detox.
Reid (1993) defined reflection as a process of reviewing an experience of practice in order to describe, analyse, evaluate and so inform learning about practice. Read (1993), adds that reflective practice is potentially both a way of learning and a mode of survival and development once formal education ceases. Page and Meerabeau, (2000) described two fundamental forms of reflection: reflection-in-action, and reflection- on- action. Understanding the differences between these forms of reflection is important. It will assist practitioners in discovering a range of techniques they can use to develop their personal and professional competences.
Critical incidents are snapshots of something that happens to a patient, their family or nurse. It may be something positive, or it could be a situation where someone has suffered in some way (Rich & Parker 2001). Reflection and analysis of critical incidents is widely regarded as a valuable learning tool for nurses. The practice requires us to explore our actions and feelings and examine evidence-based literature, thus bridging the gap between theory and practice (Bailey 1995). It also affords us the opportunity of changing our way of thinking or practicing, for when we reflect on an incident we can learn valuable lessons from what did and did not work.
A written piece discussing models of supervision and its importance to the counselling process On entering into education about or practicing as a counsellor, an individual is committing to an ongoing process of supervision. The goal of this counselling supervision is to create a trusting environment in which developing students are able to enhance their skills and competence (Carifio & Hess, 1987; Hess, 1987; Ronnestad & Skovholt, 1993). It is a process of professional and personal development which encourages a counsellor to reach higher levels of competence. This in essence provides an environment for counsellors to discuss their work regularly with an experienced counsellor and supervisor. It is through these supervision meetings that the supervisee is able to reflect on their own practice, drawing from active counselling sessions, the practitioners own thoughts, feelings and reactions and is able to examine these and develop/adapt strategies for client work.