Category: Counseling

Introduction

Psychotherapy is a process of engagement between two persons, both of whom are bound to change through the therapeutic venture (Corey, 2009, p.6). This collaborative process always requires the participation of both the therapist and the client in co-constructing solutions to concerns. In these relationships, counselors facilitate healing through a process of genuine dialogue with their clients. Counseling students can begin to forge a counseling style that matches their personality by familiarizing themselves with major approaches to therapeutic practice. By learning various major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy, one develops a balanced view of the major ideas of various theorists and therapists, and the practical techniques that are commonly employed by counselors who adhere to the various approaches.

Therefore, it is very important when learning these approaches to keep an open mind and to critically consider both the unique contributions and the particular limitations of each therapeutic system presented in the learning process. Through personal integration, students are expected to learn various models; since, by subscribing to one model, students can limit their effectiveness in working with a diverse range of future clients. Hence, by embracing different models, students have a better sense of how to integrate concepts and techniques from different approaches when defining their synthesis and framework for counseling. For better outcomes, it is always good to remain open to incorporating diverse approaches in ones synthesis.

Counseling and Psychotherapy Approaches

Counseling and psychotherapy interventions are primarily psychological. Major approaches include psychodynamic therapies (which are shaped by earlier works of Sigmund Freud) and the development of psychotherapy. These theories are based on the importance of unconscious conflicts in producing the symptoms and defenses of the patient. The goal of these therapies is to help patients to attain insight into the repressed conflicts, which are the source of difficulty; thus, psychoanalysis is a long-term therapy. The second is experiential therapies, which are patient-centered therapies shaped by the works of Carl Rogers.

During therapy, great emphasis is placed on the ability of the patient to change when the therapist is empathic and genuine and conveys non-possessive warmth (Day, 2008). The therapist is non-directive in the interaction with the patient and attempts to promote the growth potential of the patient. Gestalt therapy, existential approaches, and transpersonal approaches fall under this category.

Thirdly, cognitive-behavioral therapies combine cognitive therapies with behavioral therapies; indeed, they are best exemplified by the works of Aaron T. Beck. These therapies focus on changing dysfunctional attitudes into more realistic and positive ones, as well as providing new information-processing skills. Additionally, eclectic and integrative therapies emphasize psychotherapists failure to strictly adhere to one theoretical orientation or school but the use of any procedures that they deem will be helpful for the individual patient. The focus is on openness to the views of other approaches and attempts to integrate two or more different theoretical views or systems of psychotherapy. Eclecticism is one of the leading forces advocating for integration in psychotherapy.

Lastly, group, family, and marital therapy involve more than one patient because of the specific goals concerned. Outpatient groups have been used mainly for psychoneurotic problems such as smoking cessation, binge eating, weight loss, and other similar problems. Inpatient group therapy is mainly used in hospitals for some mental conditions. The next part of this paper will compare and contrast the works of Aaron Beck in cognitive behavior therapy and Freuds psychoanalysis, and then shape a current own counseling approach.

Aaron Beck Cognitive Behavior Theory and Freud Psychoanalysis

Aaron Tempkin Beck developed an approach referred to as cognitive therapy (CT) from his research on depression between 1963 and 1967. According to the theory, ones thoughts and beliefs (schema) shape ones behavior and subsequent actions. Dysfunctional thinking is caused by dysfunctional thinking, and that thinking is influenced by our beliefs. For Beck, our beliefs decide the course of our actions, and positive results can be got if patients are persuaded to think positively and avoid negative thinking.

Cognitive therapy perceives psychological problems as stemming from commonplace processes such as faulty thinking, making incorrect inferences based on inadequate or incorrect information, and failing to distinguish between fantasy and reality (Corey, 2009, p.287). This therapy is an insight-focused therapy that emphasizes recognizing and changing negative thoughts and maladaptive beliefs. Becks theory holds that depressive cognition could be as a result of traumatic experience or incapability of adaptive coping skills; depressive people have a negative perception or belief about themselves and their environment (Corey, 2009).

Beck formulated the negative cognitive triad made up of several dysfunctional schemas as discussed in the subsequent section of this paper. These include, first, the depressed patients see themselves as inadequate, incapable of success and always as a victim of circumstances; secondly, the patient considers all past and present experiences through the kaleidoscope of negativity, constantly emphasizing on defeats, failures and a victim mentality; lastly, the depressed individual envisions the future, just as he interprets the past and present and sees only despair and hopelessness (Hebert & Forman, 2010). These beliefs are mainly involved with negative aspects of life; thus, in treatment, Beck puts major emphasis on understanding and changing core beliefs by restructuring destructive thinking to bring positive changes in the patient.

Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytic theory largely emphasizes the workings of the unconscious mind. According to Freud, the patients are not aware of their unconscious processes, thus they may experience irrational pleasure-seeking or guilt. The conscious mind is what we are normally aware of on daily basis, which contributes only a small portion of our mind, while the unconscious mind is where most of ones psychological processes take place, and is quite large. In therapy, the content of the unconscious mind should be understood and inferred. According to Freud, the human mind is divided into three parts that are referred to as the id, the ego, and the superego (Sigelman & Rider, 2009, p.55).

The id is what one is born with and it constantly seeks to avoid pain and to gain pleasure. It is influenced by the sex drive and desire to hurt oneself or another. The ego is only the part that fully controls the conscious and it tries to control the influences of the id while meeting its needs. The superego is shaped by a persons morals that are learned in childhood and they always attempt to persuade the id to do the right thing.

Freud advocated that there exists a finite amount of energy distributed between the id, ego, and superego. For Freud, personality is shaped in five psychosexual stages: oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital, each of which involves psychic conflicts that create the need for defense mechanisms and have lasting effects on personality (Sigelman & Rider, 2009, p.55). Psychological dysfunction occurs when there is an incorrect distribution of that energy.

Freud evaluated various mechanisms, which the ego uses to deal with anxiety and stress. Defense mechanisms are present in all individuals, but dysfunction occurs when one overuses one of the available mechanisms and when one is oblivious to these happenings of the unconscious mind. In therapy, the psychoanalytic therapists focus is to bring the patients unconsciousness into the realm of consciousness.

The therapist can achieve this in the following ways: first, by interpreting the dreams that the client reports. Secondly, through free association (speaking therapy), where the client is allowed to speak freely, while the therapist interprets the resistance and repressions to understand the unconscious. The last is through transference, which involves allowing the patient unknowingly to shift his feelings towards others onto the therapist. By transforming the unconscious into the conscious, the therapist assists the client to make life choices rather than being controlled by the unconscious defense mechanisms.

Of the two theories, Aaron Becks cognitive behavior theory is more attractive, while the psychoanalytic theory is least attractive. The major shortcoming of the psychoanalytic approach is that it lacks a clear focus and takes several years to complete. Cognitive therapy (CT) is insight-focused by emphasizing recognizing and changing negative thoughts and maladaptive beliefs and runs for a shorter period.

CT emphasizes on clients learning to engage in realistic positive thinking, while psychoanalysis emphasizes making the unconscious conscious. CT is focused on present problems (suppressing symptoms) regardless of the clients diagnosis, while psychoanalysis is a process that goes back to the past. Moreover, CT takes an educational approach that aims at resolving the clients most pressing problems and teaching the clients relapse prevention strategies, while psychoanalysis is a lengthy process aimed at self-realization that can lead to better therapy outcomes.

The two theories link because Beck was previously a psychoanalyst; thus, using Freuds psychoanalysis, his understanding, and observations of schema, he developed the CT. additionally, the two therapies emphasize the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. Lastly, the weakness of CT lies in the assumption that the most direct way to change dysfunctional emotions and behaviors is to modify inaccurate and dysfunctional thinking, while there may be other causes that cannot be addressed by this approach.

Current Counseling Approach

Given my personality, spirituality, and skills, I would like to employ an eclectic counseling approach. Studies reveal that eclectic counselors are trained in a wide variety of counseling approaches, thus they rationally and intuitively select an approach based on the needs of their clients (Meier & Davis, 2010). Being a happy and optimistic personality, I would be able to assist different clients using different approaches. For example, some clients or approaches require forming a friendly therapeutic relationship with the client first; thus, this will comfortably suit my personality. Other approaches require one to guide clients positively towards the defined goals, thus acting as an optimistic teacher.

Being a faithful Christian who is liberal, I would be able to embrace various approaches in handling Christians of different denominations and even non-religious people due to my liberal nature; thus, by embracing eclectic counseling, I would be able to serve clients better. Having dealt with various societal issues, NGOs, and entrepreneurship, I would easily adapt to an eclectic approach. Given that I am seeking dual licensure in clinical and school professional counseling, where I will work with people from different backgrounds socially, economically, and culturally, it is necessary to embrace this approach due to the ever-changing clients needs occasioned by this setup.

For example, in handling clients of substance abuse, they require different approaches depending on the individual case. Some clients might have abused hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin, thus, they will require a different approach from an alcoholic.

References

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Day, S.X. (2008). Theory and Design in Counseling and Psychotherapy 2^nd Edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

Hebert, J. D. & Forman, E.M. (2010). Acceptance and Mindfulness in Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Understanding and Applying the New Therapies. NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Meier, S.C. & Davies, S.R. (2010). The Elements of Counseling. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Sigelman, C.K. & Rider, E.A. (2009). Life-span Human Development. Sixth edition. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Group counseling is a practical approach that enables healthcare professionals and counseling specialists to provide adequate information and solutions to individuals, thus allowing them to make informed decisions. Group counseling is an integral part of the psychotherapy interventions provided to individuals with mental health issues and altered cognition, reasoning, and critical thinking to restructure their thinking, feeling, and behavior (Burlingame et al., 2018). To effect the intent of group counseling, counselors need to have higher levels of leadership, management, and communication skills to aid in forming an effective group. The paper reflects on my experience in group processes and leading a group.

I believe storming is the most intimidating stage of the group process; storming is the second stage of group development and is characterized by power struggles among the group members. It occurs following comprehensive orientation in the forming stage. The rationales for my stance include; the loose politeness by members in this stage, incompatibilities in ideologies, views, and perspectives towards the group objectives and measures to accomplish them, and competition for various roles and responsibilities (Cresswell-Yeager, 2020). In this stage, a power struggle arises since it is the beginning stage of the real action of the group. In addition, all the groups activities, roles, and work plans are developed. In the process of making the group work in this stage, struggles and incompatibility would arise that impede its progress unless the leader has effective decision-making and problem-solving skills to alleviate the tension.

Norming is the stage of group process that I believe and feel I am confident in leading. Norming stage is characterized by deep engagement of the group members in the group objectives, and everyone works towards accomplishing the goals within the stipulated time. The rationales for my choice include enhanced cohesion, cooperation, availability of clearly outlined roles and responsibilities of the members, and minimal conflicts (Cresswell-Yeager, 2020). In this stage, the power struggles previously encountered in the storming stage have been effectively addressed, and the group members have developed maximal cohesion and cooperation, thus easy management. In addition, the availability of clearly defined roles and responsibilities limits conflicts and disputes as every group members understand what is expected of them.

I am confident in my ability to lead groups and enable them to accomplish their objectives. The essential abilities that make me sure include practical communication skills such as active listening, openness, and readiness to be corrected. Active listening is a crucial element in being an effective group leader. It enables me to engage all the group members in shared discussions actively and in decision-making, have an efficient information flow, and increase trust with the group members. Openness and readiness to be corrected enable me to be an effective group leader, as they promote cohesion and information sharing, which is the pillar for group performance.

An aspect I need to be more confident in leading groups is higher problem-solving and decision-making skills. Problem-solving and decision-making is my weakness and predisposes me to encounter challenges, mainly when intergroup conflict occurs. Therefore, I must explore and benchmark strategies to develop good problem-solving and decision-making skills. The course has been an interactive and educative one. An important aspect I learned from the course is the significance of having higher soft skills. Soft skills that incorporate communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and interaction skills promote trust and reduce conflicts among individuals.

In summary, group counseling is a practical approach that enables healthcare professionals and counseling specialists to provide adequate information and solutions to individuals, thus allowing them to make informed decisions. Counselors need to develop higher competency skills in communication, leadership, and managerial roles to promote the development of influential groups. Effective communication, administration, and organizational skills aid in minimizing intergroup conflicts and encourage efficiency in working and accomplishing the group objectives.

References

Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Yang, C. (2018). Cohesion in group therapy: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 384398. Web.

Cresswell-Yeager, T. (2020). Forming, storming, norming, and performing: Using a semester-long problem-based learning project to apply small-group communication principles. Communication Teacher, 35(2), 155165. Web.

Introduction

All humans have fundamental necessities that vary at different stages in life. For the adolescent, due to the significant social and emotional development occurring, these demands are even more apparent. For such as demographic, belonging entails experiencing a sense of acceptance and harmony with their immediate surrounding and desired goals. This research paper explores four theories of normal development, including Piagets theory of adolescent cognitive development, Bowlbys attachment theory, Banduras social learning theory, and Eriksons psychosocial developmental theory. The aim is to examine recent research believes these theories discuss how they help in the therapy process.

Piagets Theory of Adolescent Cognitive Development

Piagets theory of adolescent cognitive development demonstrates the need for handling adolescents as individuals that can grasp and carefully manage theoretical topics using this new mode of reasoning. The theory acknowledges that the sense of awareness among adolescents justifies the need for eclectic counseling support that inculcates thought discipline (Babakr et al., 2019). The concepts are based on developmental science and understanding of human behavior associated with an adolescent with logical reasoning that can be developed by exploring their innovative capabilities. Piagets theory appreciates that the concept of mind control directly impacts the ability to generate new thoughts, pictures, or conceptions about external things that are not perceptible to the senses Kazi & Galanaki, 2019). In such a case, envisioning can be used in effective counseling intervention as the adolescent has well-developed mental faculties that influence behavior and perception of reality.

The Need for Discipline in Imagination

Piagets theory of adolescent cognitive development provides the basis for developing counseling intervention that explores the power of imagination that develops among the adolescent. Piagets theory acknowledges that human imagination develops at adolescence but is a significant resource often underutilized, especially in a school setting that demands attention (Zatloukal et al., 2019). Studies have demonstrated that schools need to introduce training on developing imagination as a creative tool in the mind (Kruger 2021). Similar research has revealed that imagination plays a critical role in fostering creativity and cultivating the mind (Carvalho et al., 2018). There is a growing fear that people are losing their creativity as their obligations increase. Scientists are learning that engaging in intentional imagination throughout adolescence and maturity may aid in achieving desired outcomes and manifesting aspirations.

Managing Mental Health Issues

One of the most effective applications of Piagets theory is in mental health support among adolescents. An apparent lack of control over ones thoughts is shared among various psychiatric conditions (Sanchez et al., 2022). There are mental health issues that have been directly associated with mind control problems, such as paranoia, acute anxiety, and obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) (FusarPoli et al., 2021). Effectively applying the concepts in thought control might solve common mental health problems among adolescents, such as anxiety and depression (Zatloukal et al., 2019). According to cognitive-behavioral theories, negative assessment of obsessional thinking is critical in its escalation and retention (Carvalho et al., 2018). It recommends that control must be exercised over thoughts that portend possible threats. The need to address such limitation is best understood in conjunction with the science of conciseness related to the desire for personal growth and self-accomplishment.

Bowlbys Attachment Theory

Bowlbys attachment theory also introduces essential concepts applicable in improving the quality of counseling among adolescents. According to Bowlbys maternal deprivation theory, persistent disruption of the bond between newborn and primary caregiver may result in long-term cognitive, social, and emotional issues for the child (Fonagy et al., 2018). Delinquency, diminished intelligence quotient, increased violence, sadness, and psychopathy are all examples of such mental health concerns (Reisz et al., 2018). Affectionless psychopathy is characterized by an inability to demonstrate empathy or compassion for others. These people behave impulsively, with little concern for the repercussions of their conduct, and exhibit no remorse for their antisocial behavior. Bowlbys attachment theory is often defined based on its interpretation of growth related to early childhood experiences.

The Long-term Consequences of Maternal Deprivation

For instance, Bowlbys attachment theory demonstrates the instincts likely to attract a child to their mother, referring to mental health vulnerabilities associated with neglect. Babies are born with a predisposition to exhibit some intrinsic behaviors that aid in establishing closeness and contact with their mother or attachment figure, including crying, smiling, and crawling (Fonagy et al., 2018). At first, these attachment behaviors behave similarly to set activity patterns, and all serve the same purpose. Infants have innate social releaser behaviors such as crying and smiling, which excite adult caregivers. Bowlbys theory recognizes that the newborns remained close to their mothers throughout the human species development, who lived to produce offspring of their own.

Bowlbys attachment theory recommends investigating the upbringing of the vulnerable adolescent to define the appropriate psychological care intervention. The theory highlights the need for a secure attachment type associated with a warm and caring relationship between mother and child. Studies have demonstrated that children and young adults feel loved and cared for and have the capacity to create good connections with individuals in their immediate environment. Bowlby postulated that newborns and mothers acquire a biological need to maintain touch (Fonagy et al., 2018). The basis of the theory is that human characteristics such as closeness seeking are innate and would be triggered by any circumstance that seems to jeopardize achieving proximity, such as detachment, insecurity, or fright. An adolescents behavior should be scrutinized for a possible case of distress from parental neglect as a trigger for abnormal behavior and the varied views about their reality.

The Varied Views about Reality

Bowlbys attachment theory also recommends that individual variations in views about the nature of qualities be considered in developing effective counseling intervention. Bowlby hypothesized that the dread of strangers is a necessary survival strategy ingrained into nature (Reiszet al., 2018). Similar studies have shown that individual variations in reality views begin in preschool and are modified throughout time by signals received from various sources, including parents, instructors, and society (Kruger 2021). The direction in which parents praise their children is critical as it defines the mental models necessary to make a proper judgment (Carvalho et al., 2018). Studies have shown that young children who get praised for their effort rather than aptitude are more likely to develop confidence and motivation years later (Zatloukal et al., 2019). As a counselor, some of the responsibilities would include public sensitization of society-level moral standards and their impact on the perception of reality among adolescents.

Banduras Social Learning Theory

Banduras social learning theory introduces the concept of immediate environment affecting the psychosocial behavior of the adolescent demographic. The theory also postulates that the adolescent population depends on observation and training for intellectual and social growth (Y1lmaz et al., 2019). In such a case, the power of human awareness to reflect cognitive activities and control over-functioning in social and academic settings is significant. While most people can achieve sufficient levels of cognitive control in most situations, the capacity to manage ones attention and thoughts are far from flawless (FusarPoli et al., 2021). The adolescent population is not likely to have developed levels of awareness that many naturally awaken essential mind tools such as imagination. Counseling the adolescent population should recognize the need to develop focus and imagination as faculties of the mind that can positively change the perception of reality.

Handling children at home and learning institutions also helps define their behavior and sense of security that directly defines their psychological stability at adolescence. Banduras social learning theory demonstrates that anxious or ambivalent children tend to mistrust caretakers, and this uncertainty often results in their world being examined with apprehension rather than enjoyment. Similar studies have referred the adolescent as a vulnerable demographic that would likely seek acceptance from their peers and are constantly on the lookout for signs of abandonment (Y1lmaz et al., 2019). Children who grow in an anxious-ambivalent environment can continue their impaired perception into adolescence and frequently feel neglected by their relationships while unable to communicate love and connectedness.

Banduras social learning theory also elaborates on the tendency for adolescents to learn from each other and the adult population in their immediate environment. Studies on the application of the theory made observations that adolescents and young adults pay attention to the conduct of some of these people in their environment depending on their behavior models (Gagnon 2018). The adolescent may eventually mimic the observed behavior, eventually developing into a habit. Similar studies have proven these insights noting that adolescents and young adults may do so regardless of whether the conduct is considered gender suitable. Still, several mechanisms increase the likelihood that the individual would duplicate the behavior that the dominating culture considers proper for its gender. Research has also shown that adolescents are more likely to emulate the conduct of individuals of the same gender. Therefore, counseling intervention should involve cognizance of the environment in which the individual grew up to offer effective psychological therapy.

Eriksons Psychosocial Developmental Theory

Finally, Eriksons theory in psychosocial development reinforces the need to believe that the adolescent experience builds on the previous stages and lays the groundwork for subsequent developmental periods. Erikson felt that humans encounter a conflict that acts as a turning point in their development at each stage. According to Erikson, these conflicts are concentrated on either growing or failing to develop a psychological trait (Kaiser 2020). Erikson argued that a feeling of competence stimulates behavior and action necessary as a motivating factor in ones feeling of self-accomplishment. Each stage of Eriksons theory is devoted to developing competence in a particular area of life. If the stage is managed well, the individual will have a feeling of mastery, which is sometimes referred to as ego strength or ego quality. If the stage is badly handled, the individual will emerge with an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy in that area of growth.

Eriksons theory in psychosocial development emphasizes that counseling support should investigate the trends of growth for the adolescent and identify areas that might have negatively impacted their esteem. In this setting, both physical and cognitive development can be investigated as the process through which individuals observe, think, and comprehend their reality due to the combination of genetic and learned elements (FusarPoli et al., 2021). Cognitive development encompasses a variety of domains, including information processing, intellect, reasoning, language development, and memory. Eriksons theory recognizes the need for direct mentorship from teachers among the adolescent population who have experienced setbacks in their previous growth stages.

The Role of Teachers in Adolescent Care

In Eriksons theory in psychosocial development, positive and negative criticism affects childrens perspectives, depending on whether the feedback is directed at the individual or the process. According to research on various feedback forms, children who get person-centered praise develop more fixed mindsets and exhibit maladaptive reactions to failure than those who receive process-centered praise (FusarPoli et al., 2021). Culture may have a small but significant influence on the prevalence of certain attitudes (Kruger 2021). The current pedagogy emphasizes paying little attention to the need to cultivate the art of focused thinking that is not necessarily limited by the material world. Piagets theory concepts can help define the best counseling intervention based on the various world views among the adolescent.

Conclusion

Mental health management among adolescents is a critical aspect of psychiatric care. There is an apparent need for practical application of the theories considering the impact of improving counseling care quality among adolescents. Piagets theory of adolescent cognitive development provides a basis for mental care intervention that explores the imaginative capacity of the individual. Bowlbys attachment theory focuses on the desire for care and connection among children and adolescents, providing insights on care in cases of parental neglect. Banduras social learning theory connects the immediate environment of the individual and their behavior through observation. Finally, Eriksons psychosocial developmental theory provides guidance on proper counseling care based on the individuals difficulties in their previous states of development. These theories have direct application to effective counseling intervention among the adolescent.

References

Babakr, Z. H., Mohamedamin, P., & Kakamad, K. (2019). Piagets cognitive developmental theory: Critical review. Education Quarterly Reviews, 2(3), 517-524. Web.

Carvalho, M., Matos, M. G., & Anjos, M. H. (2018). Cognitive-behavioural coaching: Applications to health and personal development contexts. EC Psychology and Psychiatry, 7(3), 119-129. Web.

Fonagy, P., Luyten, P., Allison, E., & Campbell, C. (2018). Reconciling psychoanalytic ideas with attachment theory. Guilford Press. 2(1) 1-19. Web.

FusarPoli, P., Correll, C. U., Arango, C., Berk, M., Patel, V., & Ioannidis, J. P. (2021). Preventive psychiatry: A blueprint for improving the mental health of young people. World Psychiatry, 20(2), 200-221. Web.

Gagnon, A. (2018). Extending social learning theory to explain victimization among gang and ex-gang offenders. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative criminology, 62(13), 4124-4141. Web.

Kaiser, E. (2020). Violence on street children: Looking through Eriksons psychosocial development theory. Journal of Health and Social Sciences, 5(1), 45-52.

Kazi, S., & Galanaki, E. (2019). Piagetian theory of cognitive development. The Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Development, 2(3) 1-11. Web.

Kruger, F. P. (2021). The meaningful act of remembrance. In International Academy of Practical Theology. Conference Series. 2(1), 165-172.

Reisz, S., Duschinsky, R., & Siegel, D. J. (2018). Disorganized attachment and defense: exploring John Bowlbys unpublished reflections. Attachment & Human Development, 20(2), 107-134. Web.

Sanchez, A. L., Jent, J., Aggarwal, N. K., Chavira, D., Coxe, S., Garcia, D.,& & Comer, J. S. (2022). Person-centered cultural assessment can improve child mental health service engagement and outcomes. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 51(1), 1-22. Web.

Y1lmaz, M., Y1lmaz, U., & Y1lmaz, E. N. D. (2019). The relation between social learning and visual culture. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 11(4), 421-427. Web.

Zatloukal, L., }ákovský, D., & Bezdí
ková, E. (2019). Utilizing metaphors in solution-focused therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy, 41(1), 24-36. Web.

Introduction

Child counseling is concerned with assisting children in making sense of what is going on in their minds, bodies, and lives in a way that they can comprehend. Many of the issues these children confront are similar to those that adults face on a daily basis. The purpose of child therapy, on the other hand, is to break difficulties down into manageable chunks so that children may better comprehend and cope with them. Working with children, particularly those with diagnoses such as Oppositional Defiant Disease, may be difficult, requiring the counselor to comprehend all facets of the disorder as well as the most successful approaches for working with children.

Characteristics of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder is a social condition when a child has overt tendencies that have persisted for at least six months. At least one of the following behaviors will be displayed by a child with this disorder: loss of control, repeated temper tantrums, animosity, refusal to follow the rules, agitating others, blaming others, hatred, resentment, visits, and repeated noncompliance with guardians, parental figures, and educators. The behavior of a child diagnosed with this illness illustrates risky, rebellious, and defiant behaviors directed against adults or other power figures and manifested by agitated and fractious dispositions in addition to aggressive and damaging behaviors (Willis, 2018). While all children may display some defiance during their formative years, ODD patients will exhibit such behaviors more frequently than those who do not have ODD. These youngsters do not simply do things to provoke conflict or to annoy others around them; they also frequently accuse others of doing things.

The symptoms of this disorder have to appear for at least six months and the interactions where these symptoms are observed have to include children that are not siblings. These symptoms are not applicable in sibling interactions. In seven of the eight symptom classifications, the phrase often emphasizes the likelihood of the symptoms occurring in children. Children with oppositional defiant disorder experience symptoms such as losing their temper, quickly being irritated or touchy, and resentful or angry. When discussing the sixth-month rule for defiant disorder, a distinction is made when the child is 5. Dr Grande states that if a child is under age 5 (Geldard et al., 2019), the symptoms must appear most days within six months for them to be diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder. The child can be diagnosed with ODD when their behavior of disobeying, arguing, or talking back to adults goes beyond what is considered usual for the childs age and lasts more than six months.

Diagnosing Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Children with ODD face a higher risk of other mental health diagnoses. It appears as a pattern of persistently impolite, pessimistic, belligerent, and rebellious behavior toward authority officials. However, it might be challenging to distinguish normatively appropriate but harmful behavior at first. The DSM-5 measures for the diagnosis of an ODD show an example of behavior that includes at least four manifestations from any of these classifications  irrational and peevish temperament; pugnacious and defiant conduct; or perniciousness; occurs with any event one person who isnt kin; causes significant problems at work, school, or home; occurs all alone; as opposed to being a significant part of the progression of another psychological well-being issue.

DSM-5 measures for the conclusion of ODD incorporate both enthusiastic and conduct indications and include an irate and perverse state of mind, regularly losing temper, frequently tricky or effortlessly irritated by others, and frequently furious and angry. Factious and defiant conduct: regularly contends with grown-ups or individuals in power, frequently effectively resists or wont consent to grown-ups solicitations or rules, regularly purposely bothers individuals, and frequently criticizes others for their mix-ups or troublemaking (Henderson & Thompson, 2015). Perniciousness: is frequently angry or noxious and has demonstrated resentful or malicious conduct twice in the previous half-year.

Therapeutic Techniques in Counseling Children With ODD

Anger management therapy is one of the therapeutic techniques that may be beneficial in the treatment of ODD. Children who struggle with emotional regulation are also prone to losing control of their rage (Geldard et al., 2019). Relaxation methods, goal planning, effective problem solving, identifying triggers, and understanding consequences may all be taught via anger management. Play therapy, in particular, is a successful treatment for counseling youngsters. While ODD may affect adults, it is most typically diagnosed in youngsters. Young children may struggle to comprehend and express their feelings. Play therapy provides an alternate solution. Children can deal with their emotions, comprehend their behavior, and develop new coping strategies via playing (Henderson & Thompson,2015). Art projects, games, and toy army battles can all be used to begin counseling. The kids can be encouraged to write, draw, and talk about their experiences in different foster families, and these memories can be conveyed via many ways of presentation, such as puppet shows, plays with everyone in the room, and stories with army men. As a result of learning to recognize and understand his feelings, the childs rage becomes more controlled.

Family counseling helps family members of an ODD child how to cope with issues and communicate more effectively. Parent-child interaction therapy is a sort of therapy that helps parents and children communicate more effectively while building good parenting skills (Daley et al., 2018). According to several research, this can help the home life of children with ODD (Geldard et al., 2019). Another strategy, known as collaborative problem solving, can assist children and parents in working together to overcome ODD-related issues.

ODD often manifests in children toward the end of preschool or the beginning of primary school. It may sometimes manifest during adolescence. A child with ODD may have periods of satisfaction and compliance with rules followed by complete collapses. Guardians of children with ODD are always alert for new situations (Daley et al., 2018). These events strain the relationships within the family. Due to their propensity for hissy fits and violence, children with ODD occasionally form lifelong friendships. Making connections requires effort, and children who are bullied and falsely accused frequently are reluctant to put in the time.

Conclusion

ODD is a serious childhood problem that the counselor must be able to properly address since it raises the chance of future drug misuse, legal challenges, relationship problems, and job problems in both adolescence and adulthood. It can disrupt school activities, cause chronic family tension, and make children with ODD feel confused, irritated, and furious. ODD can be effectively treated with the appropriate technique. Through a range of individual treatments, the therapist may assist people with ODD in controlling their impulses, understanding their emotions, and developing productive and meaningful relationships.

References

Barker, C., & de Lugt, J. (2022). A review of evidence based practices to support students with oppositional defiant disorder in classroom settings. International Journal of Special Education (IJSE), 37(1), 85-98. Web.

Daley, L. P., Miller, R. B., Bean, R. A., & Oka, M. (2018). Family system play therapy: An integrative approach. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 46(5), 421-436.

Geldard, K., Geldard, D., & Foo, R. Y. (2019). Counselling adolescents: The proactive approach for young people. Sage.

Henderson, D. A., & Thompson, C. L. (2015). Counseling children. Cengage Learning.

Willis, D. (2018). Malevolent nurture. In Malevolent Nurture. Cornell University Press.

Introduction

Licensed professional counselors are an important part of the healthcare team. Their skills are vital in ensuring that the populations mental health issues are addressed in the most effective way possible. This paper will begin by reviewing an institution primarily focused on the delivery of mental health services. The elements of professional counseling will then be evaluated and discussed in detail, after which the managed care requirements will be assessed. The final section will include a reflection on the counseling profession and the various elements required for success. Mental health is an essential determinant of an individuals quality of life. It is critical to ensure that services are availed to those in need at the earliest opportunity to alleviate suffering and improve outcomes.

The Organization

The Sheppard Pratt Outpatient Mental Health Center

The Sheppard Pratt Outpatient Mental Health Center is located in Baltimore, where it effectively addresses the populations mental health needs. The organization offers a wide variety of mental health services in a central location. This ensures that all members of the community can get help as needed. In addition to its dedication to charity, Sheppard Pratt encourages diversity and cares for the people in the community it serves.

The organization has stayed true to its core values since it was founded. Since 1853, Sheppard Pratt has led the way in changing its clients lives (Sheppard Pratt, 2021a). The institutions mission is to improve the populations quality of life by effectively addressing their mental health, special education, addiction, and community support needs. With regard to its values, the organization has remained committed to its Quaker heritage. As such, key values such as community, integrity, peace, simplicity, and equality inform the institutions guiding principles (Sheppard Pratt, 2021a). Sheppard Pratts core values include meeting the peoples needs by dedicating efforts towards the preservation of health and the improvement of their clients quality of life. In addition, the organization is focused on identifying effective ways to serve its patients while employing the highest standards of professionalism. Finally, Sheppard Pratt is dedicated to respecting each and every individuals human dignity.

Sheppard Pratt was founded on specific guiding principles that have facilitated the satisfaction of its clients. The first is the delivery of quality services by meeting professional standards and tirelessly working to better every aspect of their work (Sheppard Pratt, 2021a). The second is empowerment, where the promotion of staff and client autonomy are prioritized. The organization also prioritizes integrity, where every activity is conducted in an honest and ethical manner. Sheppard Pratt also prioritizes innovation through the application of the latest scientific advancements to improve service delivery and community, where deliberate steps have been taken to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health services.

Services

Sheppard Pratt offers a wide variety of services tailored for individuals of all ages. The organization cares for children, young adults, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. It helps its clients treat mental health and concurrent disorders in a bid to improve their quality of life. A majority of the individuals who seek services from the institutions are often undergoing life changes, behavioral challenges, relationship problems, or mental illness.

The services at the institution are designed to address specific needs. These include psychiatric assessment and diagnosis for individuals presenting with symptoms and family, group, or individual therapy for patients with specific behavioral or mental illnesses. Sheppard Pratt also offers medical management services, marital and couple counseling, play therapy, and family psychoeducation (Sheppard Pratt, 2021b). It is vital to note that the organization also runs drug and alcohol support groups where individuals are educated on substance abuse.

Sheppard Pratt is keen to identify patient needs and evaluate its services and programs. Through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and its Local Review Research Committee (LRRC), the institution oversees research activities aimed at improving service delivery within its premises. It is vital to note that the IRB and the LRRC meet on a regular basis to evaluate research applications submitted by members of staff or interested parties. In addition, the institutions board of trustees ensures that the institutions services meet patient needs and improve the quality of their lives. It ensures that the guidelines proposed to govern the humane treatment of the mentally ill are enforced. The board also evaluates specific programs by assessing performance and incident reports.

Professionals

Sheppard Pratt applies a top-down approach when making decisions regarding its daily operations. The organizations top leaders are the president and CEO, the CFO who doubles as the vice president, the chief medical officer, the chief nursing officer, and the chief operations officer. Below the aforementioned leaders are directors such as the director of research programs, the director in charge of the center for eating disorders, and the director of residential services. It is vital to note that decisions affecting the entire organization are made from the top down. However, decisions regarding daily organizational functioning are made at the departmental level with strict observance of outlined policy. The board of directors is tasked with outlining policies that help guide decisions and facilitate conflict resolution. The executive board and trustees are expected to facilitate the judicious use of the organizations scarce resources.

The institution employs a multidisciplinary team to effectively address patient needs. Other members of staff include social workers, clinical supervisors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. These individuals specialize in specific areas of mental health and are part of teams designed to deliver holistic care to patients. It is worth noting that program coordinators, managers, and directors ensure that the staff has access to the resources they need to facilitate effective service delivery.

Sheppard Pratt is funded by a variety of sources within the United States. For instance, it receives grants from foundations and non-profit organizations. The Stanley Medical Research Institute donated a total of 573857 dollars to the organization for neurovirology studies in December 2019 (Cause IQ, 2021). The institution also receives funding from the federal government. For instance, the Education Department donated 307698 dollars to the institution in a program aimed to facilitate education research and development (Cause IQ, 2021). The aforementioned organizations are critical because they provide the resources Sheppard Pratt uses to deliver essential mental health services to the community. The organization engages with Medicare, Maryland Medicaid, and other major insurance companies such as Kaiser, United Healthcare, Aetna, and CareFirst. It is vital to note that there is significant variation between policies which affects the services delivered to specific clients.

The members of staff at Sheppard Pratt have numerous opportunities for professional and personal development. There are a variety of training and education opportunities at the institution. For instance, it runs a psychiatric residency program and a post-doctoral trauma fellowship for medical and post-doctoral students. In addition, there is a continuing education program that offers opportunities for professionals to sharpen their skills and use evidence-based techniques in their practice. Through their weekly lecture series, the institution is able to disseminate knowledge on various mental health topics. Interested members of staff can engage in the programs to improve their skills in the workplace.

The Professional Counselor

Licensed Professional Counselor

A licensed professional counselor is a person trained to work with patients in a clinical setting to address social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Clay works as s mental health service provider, and he primarily evaluates people for mental health disorders and prescribes treatment. He is engaged in the Sheppard Pratt Outpatient Mental Clinic and is covered by managed care institutions which make his services affordable. Clay spends the bulk of his time engaging in talk therapy. He addresses the needs of married couples in a bid to strengthen their relationship and create a suitable environment for children.

A typical day at the outpatient center involves a variety of activities. Clay notes that he usually sees an average of four patients every day. Most of his clients seek assessments for mental health conditions, psychotherapy services, and crisis management. In addition, he consults with organizations to facilitate change management, buyouts, and other challenging situations. The administrative services he commonly engages in include organizing mental health programs and facilitating community outreach.

Challenges

The counseling profession is often challenging, given the severity of issues professionals aim to address. For instance, managing reluctant patients is difficult because they lack insight and are unwilling to divulge details that would aid in their treatment. It is vital to note that personal views may sometimes impact the quality of care offered to a patient. Licensed professional counselors sometimes struggle to set boundaries for relationships with their clients. While patients often become dependent on their counselors, the feeling is sometimes reciprocated, leading to an unhealthy therapeutic relationship.

Benefits

There are many benefits to being a licensed professional counselor. For instance, there is a significant degree of fulfillment that comes from helping families thrive and aiding in the recovery of an individual from a behavioral or mental disorder. Licensed counselors can apply some of the skills they use in practice to overcome personal challenges. In addition, interacting with patients helps broaden their perspectives as they get exposed to a variety of viewpoints in their therapeutic relationships.

Skills and Knowledge

Successful licensed professional counselors apply specific skills in their practice. It is essential to demonstrate empathy which allows for the formation of a beneficial therapeutic relationship. In addition, practicing active listening allows the counselor to understand the clients situation, which is essential for effective treatment. It is important to develop effective communication skills to facilitate the seamless exchange of information. Counselors must learn to set boundaries to ensure that the interaction remains professional, which is essential for effective recovery. S. P. Clay (personal communication, June 11, 2021). Counselors must possess the knowledge to offer quality services to their clientele. For instance, they must understand the mechanics of mental disorders and be aware of the various effects of commonly used medications. They must also be aware of the available therapeutic options and the most effective ways of applying them to specific cases (Burns & Cruikshanks, 2017). A heightened degree of knowledge and skills is essential for the delivery of quality services.

Similarities and Differences

Working in a multidisciplinary team is often intriguing to a number of professionals. In the field of counseling, psychiatrists often offer similar services to patients afflicted by behavioral or mental disorders. Both professional fields encourage the diagnosis and treatment of the identified illnesses using identical techniques and interventions. However, differences arise when invasive techniques are applied in the treatment process. S. P. Clay (personal communication, June 11, 2021). Licensed professional counselors are primarily focused on talk therapy as opposed to other interventions such as electroconvulsive treatments.

Unexpected Duties

While the counseling profession often deals with patients and their families, certain roles often come as a surprise. For instance, Clay did not expect that he would be required to help organizations implement change policies or guide employees through buyouts and mergers. In addition, the requirement to manage financial documents and business records was rather unexpected. He assumed that his role would be limited to talking to patients about the challenges they faced in their lives.

Preventing Burnout

It is essential to prevent burnout in view of the fact that it is associated with reduced productivity. The most efficacious interventions for the prevention of burnout include maintaining a healthy work-life balance by setting limits and understanding personal limits. It is essential to implement and apply a holistic self-care routine that incorporates aspects of social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. It is essential to identify and use various sources of support to ensure that burnout is identified and addressed effectively. It is vital to point out that Clay uses the Maryland Medicaid insurance panel to cater to his patients needs.

Managed Care

United Healthcare

Requirements

The United Healthcare managed care company is lactated in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company outlines specific credentialing requirements for professionals interested in joining its team of providers. First, it is necessary to provide a practitioner degree and details of medical education. In addition, interested individuals must have completed a residency in the designated specialty.

Forms/Materials needed

Providers must present current state certification and licenses. It is vital to note that no temporary licenses are accepted (United Healthcare, 2021). The company also requires that providers present a five-year work history, and any gaps longer than six months must be explained (United Healthcare, 2021). Applicants must also provide a statement of work limitations, sanctions, and license history. United Healthcare also requires interested professionals to provide a W-9 form and a list of hospital staff privileges (United Healthcare, 2021). In addition, they must provide proof of malpractice insurance and comprehensive malpractice history.

Other

Facilities interested in joining United Healthcare must adhere to a raft of measures. For instance, each facility must provide comprehensive liability insurance, malpractice cover, and proof of Medicare and Medicaid program eligibility. In addition, appropriate accreditation from relevant agencies must be provided. Finally, each interested facility must provide proof of Centers for Medicaid and Medicare certification. It is vital to note that the company does not provide a specific list of available positions to be filled. In addition, it does not outline specific specialty areas that it is seeking.

Kaiser Foundation

Requirements

The company is located in Oakland, California, and it requires professionals to provide relevant previous work experience by giving exact dates. In addition, any information regarding previous or current group practice must be provided (Kaiser Permanente, n.d.).

Forms/Materials needed

In order to get credentialed by the Kaiser Foundation, interested applicants must provide relevant state licenses and certificates, including DEA, where applicable. Applicants are expected to provide documentation highlighting specific professional affiliations and education and training. The Kaiser Foundation also requires potential providers to present proof of liability coverage.

Other

It is vital to note that the institution has not advertised for specific positions, nor has it expressed interest in specific specialty areas.

Reflection

The path to becoming a licensed professional counselor includes specific steps. First, it is essential to complete a doctoral or masters degree from an accredited institution as determined by a governing body in a specific jurisdiction. It is essential to complete an internship program as well as the mandated hours for clinical work under the supervision of a practicing and licensed counselor. In addition, it is essential to pass the National Counselor Exam or its equivalent. It is vital to meet licensure requirements by engaging in continuous medical education and adhering to the code of ethics as outlined by the governing body in the jurisdiction in question.

Becoming a successful licensed professional counselor requires the mastery of specific skills and knowledge. I have learned that empathy is essential because it facilitates the creation of a beneficial therapeutic relationship. Counselors must also practice active listening and be effective communicators. These skills are essential because they allow health practitioners to understand the gravity of their patients problems. Counselors are then in a position to provide the most effective solution for the presented problem. Knowledge is an essential aspect of practice in counseling. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of common mental and behavioral disorders. In addition, it is critical to understand the mechanisms of action of various medications and their associated side effects. This helps the counselor explain the nature of the illness and the potential side effects of the medications they may use to facilitate recovery.

The process of becoming a managed care provider is challenging. This is because of the required paperwork and proof of continued medical education. There are associated costs such as liability insurance and career development through advanced learning. I have also learned that there are varied requirements and credentialing procedures conducted by different managed care companies. It is essential to understand the procedure prior to making an application.

This information-gathering activity has been illuminating in a number of ways. For instance, working as a licensed professional counselor can be fulfilling provided one acquires the skills and knowledge required to succeed. Secondly, it is vital to prepare for uncertainty, given that policy changes continually affect the profession. I foresee some challenges in my future practice. The most important one is the difficulty associated with managing clients in denial. Finding ways of connecting with individuals who believe they are not unwell is potentially complicated. Another challenge that might affect my future practice is the ability to achieve a work-life balance in order to avoid burnout. The complexity of life and the desire to succeed may inevitably lead to a costly imbalance. It is vital to embrace a holistic model that facilitates the achievement of harmony between work and life to ensure that a career in counseling is illustrious and fulfilling.

References

Burns, S., & Cruikshanks, D. R. (2017). Evaluating independently licensed counselors articulation of professional identity using structural coding. The Professional Counselor , 7(2), 185207. Web.

Cause IQ. (2021). Sheppard Pratt health system. Web.

Kaiser Permanente. (n.d.). Northern California: Regional credentialing. Web.

Sheppard Pratt. (2021a). Mission & values. Web.

Sheppard Pratt. (2021b). Outpatient mental health centers. Web.

United Healthcare. (2021). Get credentialed. Web.

I live in the state of Chicago, and in my hometown and in the immediate vicinity, there is no clinic where I could practice. This seems to me an omission of my entire hometown. In my opinion, mental support is one of the main inalienable privileges of a modern person. Concurrent psychology is on par with the development of human consciousness and the improvement of the subtleties of the human psyche. That is why everyone should have the right to prompt and professional psychological assistance.

It is important that a mental health counselor is not exactly the same as a psychiatrist dealing with problems categorized as disorders and diseases. A mental health advisor can also help when a person is simply in a state of crisis or increased mental stress; that is, such an area of work fills a niche that people need. That is why I would like to improve my career as a mental health advisor in order to reach a new professional level. It was to immerse myself in the atmosphere of professional interaction that I received the membership of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society in December 2020. This professional community is able to make my practical activities more visible through the system of recognition, as well as develop my scientific and leadership skills (Chi Sigma Iota, 2021). The reputation of a specialist in my field will allow me to make new professional acquaintances that can be used to implement real big tasks.

My important goal is to organize and manage a private mental counseling office in my hometown. I feel that I can arrange my practice in such a way as to be able to provide people with qualified assistance. In my opinion, the receipt of this kind of service is not the privilege of the secured, but rather the right of every person, regardless of economic condition. Some people simply physically cannot afford to travel to another city in order to receive mental support, which can lead to the development of neuroses and a general deterioration of a private psychological state. My task in the future will be the need to convey to every person that receiving psychological help is not something shameful. People should understand that psychological support exists all over the world precisely because, in the modern world, there is a great demand and a significant need for this type of service.

Reference

Benefits of CSI membership & CSI chapters. (2021). Chi Sigma Iota. Web.

Rarely do people stop to think of mental health unless they are forced by circumstances. In my case mental institution is a topic that always fascinates me because I have been around people who happen to have mental problems, I find them very interesting, and I would love to help them in any way I possibly can.

Mental health institutions are like asylums that are modernized to cater to patients that are psychologically affected or their brains do not function properly causing them to behave in a peculiar manner that is not pleasing or are commonly termed as mad. These institutions take these people as their patients and help in treating or in teaching them ways by which they can live comfortably with normal people. This is very important since the burden is lessened for the families who are responsible for them. Some of the patients are simply just slow in understanding things and require an environment where things are moving at the same pace with them.

The major employees of a mental health institution are the counselors, they are not the only ones but are very important to the institution and they have to be licensed that is, they should have studied for the particular course and be very knowledgeable about it too. They are very important because they find out what is wrong with the patient since they all dont suffer from the same ailment. A mental health counselor provides mental health and substance abuse care to millions of people (American Counseling Association, 2006). Delivering the news to the family members and friends that they might have symptoms of mental illness can be such a huge blow and might cause them to act irrationally. So the counselors are there to advise the patients and family members and to give them hope too this is known as therapy. The counselor should be well experienced in this field as it might be difficult to convince the family members to accept the patient as they are.

The course that I am currently undertaking may be advantageous to me as they are almost in the same line of work. I am currently pursuing MS in Mental Health Counseling. I have already finished a course in clinical psychology studies. Studying Mental Health Counseling has influenced my life in a great manner because I thought it did not involve a lot of energy. I have come to learn it involves almost all my energy that is in the form of ones personality and determination. One may feel compelled to quit at the beginning but I decided to continue for this is my passion. In psychology, I am beginning to understand how a human beings mind works and I think it is very important to know this as a counselor.

I am able to listen to people without judging them and giving them advice, back while I was still in school I was one of the leaders in the guidance and counseling team. This way I was able to help many of the students into helping them make the correct decisions and guiding them too. Responsibility is one of the aspects that came with being a leader in the guidance and counseling, which also helped me a lot later on life. I can also be able to work well under pressure and still produce the desired results.

While undertaking my course in Mental Health Counseling I have been able to develop my abilities such as; being patient with the patients. Patients can be very stubborn and reluctant to do things sometimes they are very rude and one has to be very patient and understanding with them, which I am now very good at. Sometimes I am inclined to deliver devastating news to relatives and friends, at the beginning, this was very difficult for me but in time I mastered the skill and was able even to offer advice and counsel them too, which can be very comforting to them at the moment.

When one offers their services to people without expecting any payment but from the goodness of your heart, it requires you to have a lot of determination and strength. I would know this for I had once worked in an organization that assisted the clients with registration, resume writing, job searches, veteran benefit information and provision of employment details. Sometimes it was hard having to deal with mature adults who sometimes acted like little children due to frustrations associated with job search. Some of them were just arrogant and rude but after some listening and talking to them, they seemed more calm and at ease with us. It was all worth it because at the end of the initiative, they looked better and it was wonderful knowing I had helped in shaping someones life.

When mental instability strikes a loved one, it changes ones life forever. Four years ago a dear friend of mine was involved in a really nasty accident. Although he recovered from the bruises and broken limbs, he suffered a severe trauma that left him mildly insane. Many visits to the doctors office did not do him much good but instead with time he worsened. At first, it was unacceptable to me to believe that such a misfortune could occur but came to accept it later on. The parents were reluctant to enroll him in a mental institution either out of denial or mere embarrassment. Persistence from relatives and friends finally bore fruit and the parents placed him in a private institution recommended to them by a family doctor. It took quite some time but he started getting better, he could remember peoples names and other little things. This incident changed my life for the better and I wanted to be involved in this process of making peoples lives better.

Although I have always wanted to have a career that involves making other peoples lives better, this incident confirmed to me that being a mental health counselor was something that I had great passion for and it is what I want to invest my time in.

Becoming a licensed mental health counselor is very serious and demanding and one is required to have the needed qualifications. As much as I want to have a bachelors degree in psychology and put it into practice and good use after I finish studying, I also want to have a career as licensed counselor.

The licensing of a mental health counselor is very important as the work itself is delicate and requires many skills. Since it involves patients, the responsibility of their lives will be in your hands one will have to be very qualified to handle this type of work, and one should have the understanding of the work he/she is doing. Hence, licensing will require a lot of consideration and some amount of time, because it is not just given to anybody.

Licensure involves training and the time taken in training varies depending with the state in which one is located. As for me coming from Michigan state I will be required to invest 4000 hours of my time in training(Dilillo, Degue, Cohen & Morgan, 2006) Which I dont mind because after the training I will emerge more experienced. Some states also require one to be observed during training to check whether they are doing as required of them. The observation is mainly done by the experienced staff that works for the institution sometimes those that does not work for the institution but are equally experienced.

In conclusion, I will be willing to devote my time fully into these programs and any other training required if necessary. My greatest passion is in working as a counselor in a mental health institution and work done when there is passion is usually done very well and in the best way possible. I believe I have what it takes to be a good counselor and my skills would be very beneficial to many and I will be helping them.

Reference

Dilillo, D. , Sarah, D. , Lee, M,. & Robert, M. The path to licensure for academic psychologists: How tough is the road. Professional psychology: Research and practice, 37, 567-586. Web.

American Counseling Association. 2006. Who are licensed professional counselors. Web.

Introduction

In many cases, mental health conditions may impede productive communication with others. It may be complicated to stand up for personal rights and express concerns. Individual advocacy for people with mental health issues may resolve the abovementioned problems. There is a wide variety of advocacy techniques with distinct implementations, which may be beneficial under diverse circumstances. First, advocacy may provide necessary support in understanding rights and getting appropriate services. Second, advocacy may encourage patients to speak for themselves. Third, advocates do not depend on social service facilities and hence may provide unbiased help (Teale, 2017). Moreover, in most cases, advocacy is provided for free as a volunteer service. There are four types of advocacy, including independent mental health and capacity advocacies, health service complaints advocacy, and care act advocacy. Even though the quality of advocacy services depends significantly on the particular worker, it is an efficient method of helping people with mental disorders regarding different living matters.

Individual Advocacy

Scenario

Michael is a twelve-year-old boy with an autism spectrum disorder. Michael has severe autism and lives with his father, Steven, in a flat. Due to Michaels condition, routines play a significant role in his well-being, and he is not able to adapt to changing environments fast. In 2017 Steven got flu and hence was not able to look after Michael. Steven decided to take his son to the facility, which had provided caring services to Michael before. Steven wanted to leave his son in the facility for a couple of weeks until he got over the flu. Michael was told that he was going to his usual resting place with familiar support workers. However, the social workers had a difficult night with Michael and suggested moving him to a positive behavior unit. It was also stated that Michael would stay there for two weeks. Unexpected relocation and changing environment worsened Michaels behavior dramatically. Therefore, the facility workers believed that he could not return home due to his deteriorated condition. Steven thought that Michael needed to return home to get better, and the social workers disagreed.

The situation escalated when Michael ran away after several months of being in the facility and was stopped by people outside the unit. Such circumstances complicated the process of returning home, and social workers even considered keeping Michael permanently. Moreover, four deprivation liberty orders were introduced toward Michael. These orders included finding an alternative living place for Michael and the prohibition of returning home.

Advocacy Efforts

Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHA) provide services to help people detained under the Mental Health Act. The advocacy services may collect and analyze data regarding the case in order to support the individual by providing valuable information. Moreover, IMHA may communicate with the facility to better understand the problem. In Michaels case, it may be necessary to introduce help by not only providing recommendations but also by introducing the right claims in the legal field. The primary resource is upholding justice through legal frameworks. Nonetheless, in some cases, mental health advocacy goes beyond the law regulations (Bennetts et al., 2018). The barriers are represented by the unwillingness of the facility workers to cooperate and the risk of losing in court. Steven made a complaint about insufficient advocacy and requested the needed advocacy services. The advocacy worker reached out to the facility and suggested Steven hire a solicitor. Since then, it took several weeks and court hearings to get Michael home and discharge all deprivation liberty of orders.

20/20 Vision Principles

Expanding and promoting our research base is essential to the efficacy of professional counselors and to the public perception of the profession.

Mental health counseling requires a wide variety of skills and competencies. Therefore sufficient knowledge is needed to provide high-quality services and achieve the primary objective of maintaining client welfare. By expanding the research base, valuable data regarding both medical conditions and legislation frameworks may be obtained. I believe that utilizing as much information as possible is beneficial in terms of case assessment and help provision. Such cases may be highly controversial and complicated. Thus both studying scholarly sources and conducting empirical examination may be beneficial.

Focusing on students and prospective students is necessary to ensure the ongoing health of the counseling profession.

In my opinion, the following principle correlates significantly with the previous principle. As I view knowledge and skills as an essential part of mental health counseling, I find both of these principles fundamental. It may not be possible to expand the research base without educating young specialists properly. The perception of the profession also depends considerably on the quality of the provided services, which is maintained by ensuring proper training. Utilizing research databases and encouraging experienced workers to educate students may be the key to ensuring the ongoing health of the counseling profession.

Conclusion

Advocacy is an essential aspect of clinical mental health counseling. It may provide sufficient support for people with a wide variety of problems related to mental health issues. It may be highly beneficial in both medical and legal fields and, to some extent, may serve as an additional source of law enforcement. Conclusively, it may be possible to maintain client welfare in the area by implementing proper advocacy techniques.

References

Bennetts, W., Maylea, C., McKenna, B., & Makregiorgos, H. (2018). The Tricky Dance of Advocacy: A study of non-legal Mental Health Advocacy. International Journal of Mental Health and Capacity Law, 2018(24), 12. Web.

Teale, J. (2017). Independent mental health advocacy: the right to be heard  context, values and good practice. Journal of Mental Health, 26(5), 484484. Web.

Introduction

The Coordinator of counseling performs several interactive roles in meeting the needs of faculty, students, community members as well as administrators. Each group needs the Coordinator of counseling to perform some of the functions described below. It is also imperative to note that the duties of the Coordinator of counseling are very important in advancing the counseling needs of a community college.

Benefits of Coordinator of counseling

To begin with, the Coordinator of counseling has the role of performing the entire counseling program and scale down such programs so as to meet the individual needs of each group. Students will benefit form such programs because the Coordinator of counseling will have designed well to fit their current needs. This is also done in line with the mission and vision statement of the community college so as to ensure that the broad objectives of the institution are met.

The coordinator of counseling also has the duty of managing the counseling resources on behalf of the community college administrators. This is achieved through drawing of budgets as well as procuring supplies for the counseling needs. By so doing, the community college administration is saved a lot of time that would otherwise have been required to perform such tasks.

There are those employees who may equally be required to work in a community college department of counseling. Such employees are hired by the Coordinator of counseling who makes sure that they perform their duties as stipulated in their job descriptions. The termination of duties of the counseling staff can also be done by the Coordinator of counseling. Specific suggestion regarding welfare and promotions of the counseling staff is under the mandate of the Coordinator of counseling and all matters regarding the well being of this counseling faculty are directed to the Coordinator. Additionally, after these employees have been hired, they are supposed to be put on a comprehensive training program by the Coordinator of counseling whose work is to ensure that the hired staff is fit to perform their duties.

There are some instances when students may request certain appeals regarding their learning programs. For example, interfaculty transfer alongside other demanding academic decisions which may bother students is taken care of by the Coordinator of counseling. Moreover, in cases where students are not qualified to take up particular courses in spite of the fact that they are interested, the Coordinator of counseling makes sure that proper guidance is given and the right course programs are delivered as per the petition of the students.

On the same note, students who may find it difficult to choose the right careers which are within their areas of ability and interest are assisted by the Coordinator of counseling. Even as such a piece of academic advice is offered, students often have personal matters which they may have no avenues to discuss. The Coordinator of counseling makes sure that such personal students affairs are given due attention. On the same note, academic advisors who work under the Coordinator of counseling sometimes refer complicated cases to the Coordinator for final deliberations.

Students who intend the university on unique academic programs are usually admitted by the coordinator of counseling. After admission, they put on an exercise that will enable them to b familiar with university rules and practices. This is very important because newly recruited students often find it cumbersome to cope with the new learning environment especially if no proper orientation was given at the beginning of the course.

Competences of Coordinator of counseling

Training seminars and workshops are part and parcel of community college objectives in advancing the needs of counseling staff and student fraternity. The Coordinator of counseling, therefore, organizes for such extra training which in the long run benefits the university faculty and other counseling officials. During the training workshops and seminars, the Coordinator of counseling drafts and designs enough counseling materials and other documents which must be used in the process. The Coordinator also makes sure that the training materials are specifically tailored down to meet the needs of the individual groups for instance students, the faculty, and university administrators.

Further training which may go beyond simple workshops and seminars is also the duty of the Coordinator of counseling. Both students and staff who may be interested in such advanced training such as an internship or scholarship programs will often conduct the Coordinator of counseling for further assistance. The performance of those who advance to internship levels alongside scholarship programs is assessed and evaluated by the Coordinator of counseling. Issues surrounding the overall academic needs and performance of the university are discussed at length with special academic committees. However, there are several instances when all these committees do not attend the submission sessions and it is upon the Coordinator of counseling to represent and air their views. Finally, it is evident that the Coordinator of counseling is a very busy official who should be well versed with the operations of the university. The individual should therefore have a sound academic and experienced background to perform the duty as expected. For this reason, a masters degree within the field of counseling is relevant. The person should also have worked for a period not less than four years so that he or she has the right hands-on experience of the momentous counseling task. Additionally, the Coordinator should have the best knowledge of both the university faculty and students besides being endowed with excellent interpersonal skills as well as public relations skills.

Grief counseling can be performed in a group. Group grief counseling is very effective way to provide emotional support but not really recommended over individual counseling. The group has to be structured. Members in the group enter and leave the group at the same time in a limited time frame in close ended groups and in open ended group, they can enter and leave the group at any time as one fulfills their individual needs. Group is created to offer emotional support to help the survivors of deceased one to fully experience the pain of bereavement and aids in reinvesting their energy to a new folds of life.

A group must consist of at least two member with similar losses to let the members feel they are not alone experiencing such loss. Loss which has happened too recent and multiple losses will overwhelm and make people numb which makes it difficult to participate in groups. Nevertheless loss due to suicide and AIDS may make people in the group anxious. Therefore those are an important factors that needs to be taken into account during prescreening of participants. Group counseling is preferred to a client with normal grief to help in better adaptation to loss.

The leaders need to clearly state the expectations of a group in the very beginning to curb members getting demoralize if their expectations are not being made. Ground rules need to be formed and make sure the members understand it to provide safe environment for all members. The group can be led by mental health professional, bereaved individuals or lay person with professional persons help. Certain behaviors in group are disruptive for the progress of group. For example prioritizing ones loss over others. It creates less safe environment for the members to share their experience of loss. Therefore the leader needs to be competent in handling such disruptive behaviors in the group.

A theme related to grief, the process, and potential resolutions are addressed. Nonetheless individual’s needs are also being addressed as the process proceeds. The session commence with introducing each other and acknowledging their effort. It helps them to get acquaint with the logistics and understanding its goals. They begin to experience the universality of grief process. Members are given an opportunity to give feedbacks and comments on others grief experience. They learn multiple perspectives of grief, its nature and process of grieving. They were also asked to bring the pictures, items and share their memories (positive and negative) in a group. They experience universality of grief experience and foster trust within a group.

There is no specific interventions used like other therapy but leader mostly focus in helping those identifying feelings and sharing through verbally, writing letters or given homework to reflect their own repressed feelings. In a group they discuss those experiences and get feedbacks within the groups. They also discuss about changes in roles due to loss. New identities are being created over time through the feedbacks from other members on their roles, strength and weaknesses. The leader initiates activities such as paper plate exercise to help them form new roles. They share emotions impacted by different roles and counselor brings out the topic of stress and impart information about stress because loss brings stress. Breathing and relaxations exercise are incorporated to cope with stress. Other strategies of coping with concurrent events are discussed in a group.

Discuss about the need of supporting system and helps in identifying the support system. Assess and determine the effectiveness of support system. Help them know that helping others is also an important process of healing. It is important to let them know when the session will ends before it really ends. Give them homework to reflect about the changes and growth brought in self. End the session with the words of appreciation to each member for their great effort in sharing their pain. Let them to fill the evaluation form and if any have unanswered questions, let them tell. If any issues, assess whether it needs to be addressed in group or individual counseling.

References

1. Humphrey, G. M., & Zimpfer, D. G. (2008). Group counseling. Counseling for grief and bereavement ( pp. 80-106 ). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446214800.n5
2. Leick, N., & Davidsen-Nielsen, M. (2005). Crisis intervention and grief therapy in group setting.
3. Healing pain: Attachment, loss and grief therapy (4thed.). ( pp. 76-114) New York, NY: Springer publishing company:
4. Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief counseling: facilitating uncomplicated grief. Grief counseling and grief therapy: a handbook for mental health Practitioner ( pp. 109-119). New York, NY: Routledge publication.