The Elements of Good Counseling
Counseling is a psychological specialty and is used by many as a way to process their emotions and deal with their issues. These issues can come in any form, from personal to sociological and political. The goal is to work on these issues and overcome them with the confidence that will help to deal with and process any future issues. But the process of establishing a healthy counseling environment is not something naturally given, but must be earned. Regardless if you are a counselor, a client, or someone interested in being either a psychologist, counselor, or even a social worker, knowing the key elements of counseling is crucial to getting the most out of the counseling process in psychology.
What is the Dialogue Between Counselor and Client?
To start, the basic concept of counseling is a relationship between a counselor and a patient. This relationship has to be one built on trust and a mutual understanding of why and what the client wants to get out of counseling. A client needs to trust that the counselor is there to be a confidant, someone who won’t reveal their secrets and will help them explore these secrets. A counselor needs to also trust a client, and realize that a client is potentially nervous and even afraid to reveal their true feelings. Such an act of bravery should be appreciated and recognized. While establishing trust with a client will not be established overnight, a counselor should show a desire to understand and patience to allow the client to take as long as they need to get comfortable in the counseling environment. This is the first key element in counseling, and only when dialogue between counselor and client is established can you start the process of healing.
How do you Change a Client’s Basic Perspective?
Once you have established trust, you can continue to the next essential element of the counseling process: helping the client to look at their lives through the lens of somebody else. Of course, this can only be done after the patient’s feelings have been validated, but many situations can be looked at from different perspectives. By doing this you can potentially help a client gain awareness of their thoughts, especially the thoughts that are contributing to negative emotions. Having a nuanced understanding of a situation not just helps them detach from negative thoughts, but can also help them develop a sense of independence and control over their emotions. This type of control can lead to significant improvements in health both physical and mental.
Why is it Important to Set Time Aside During the Counseling Process?
A key element of counseling, especially after you have established a partnership with the significant other, is to set aside time to talk about heavier subjects. Many times a client will want to share their thoughts and feelings and will dance around a certain topic, unaware of how to smoothly arrive and disclose their emotions to a counselor. The counseling process in psychology should smoothly lead them toward these tough questions. Being a good counselor is making sure a client is emotionally ready to talk about their feelings, but also making sure that the client knows they are ready to listen and give you a deeper understanding of these emotions.
Where Can You Learn More About The Essential Elements of the Counseling Process?
While being a good counselor, psychologist, or even a social worker requires a lifetime of learning, it starts off with a solid foundation one only finds in academia. Have you ever wanted to help somebody and change their life for the better? At ICSW, getting a master’s in clinical counseling and psychotherapy isn’t just a dream, we make it your reality. Taught with a dedicated faculty of veterans in the clinical world, ICSW of Chicago values social justice, diversity, and compassionate practice. Learn more about the ICSW graduate school experience today.