Look At What Is Counselling Psychology Essay

Look At What Is Counselling Psychology Essay Counselling in the broad sense of the term is simply expressing your ideas about how someone can improve their situation. Human beings are always faced with issues that involve a degree of anxiety. An obstacle or challenge is presented by poor choices or circumstances, and a decision must be made about how to approach the issue in order to reduce the tension and restore hope. Everyone becomes a counsellor for themselves or for others whenever the challenge is presented or arises. Counselling is a principled relationship characterised by the application of one or more psychological theories and a recognised set of communication skills, modified by experience, intuition and other interpersonal factors. It may be of very brief or long duration, take place in an organisational or private practice setting and may or may not overlap with practical, medical and other matters of personal welfare. It is both a distinctive activity undertaken by people agreeing to occupy the roles of counsellor and client. The goal in learning counselling skills is to present ideas in a way that is intentional and that can be predicted to improve a situation faced by the person. (Daniel Keeran, 2012). 2. Making clients feel safe in a counselling session The main focus of Person Centred counselling is in creating a therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client.   The client needs to be able to talk about whatever they need to, share their intimate thoughts and explore sometimes difficult feelings.   For this the client needs to feel able to fully trust the counsellor; they need to  feel safe, supported and that they will not be judged. The  counsellor works at creating the right environment in which a client feels able to look at  themselves and develop a greater understanding of their own thoughts, feelings and meanings. The counsellor is not there to analyse the client or give them advice, but instead to be alongside them, supporting them and helping them to explore their own issues, with the belief that the client with come to find their own answers. Paying attention to meeting, greeting and seating For counselling to be effective, the counsellor needs to work at building a relationship for equals especially in the early stages where the counsellor might be feeling vulnerable and insecure. Also considering that the client is meeting the counsellor on unfamiliar territory.i.e. The counsellors consulting room. Striving to keep the room neutral is a positive step the counsellors can take in order to keep the equality gap i.e. free from personal belongings such as books and family photographs. (Daniel Kareen, 2010) Greeting the client can be fairly informal especially greeting clients with their first names, it can make clients feel comfortable and accepted and introducing yourself by your first name can break down the barriers. If the client does not feel comfortable, the counsellor can ask the client how they would like to be addressed. BUILDING SAFETY Be aware of helping the client feel safe in counselling If a client is very resistant, not willing to talk, what hes telling us nine times out of ten is that he doesnt feel safe enough to talk about whatever he needs to talk about. And so Ill say to him, I wonder if you feel safe enough in this setting to talk about the things that you need to talk about? There are also people who say they didnt think of anything worth talking about. They didnt think anyone wanted to listen because theyve had a history of nobody listening. You can make a reflection of that. You could say, So maybe youre saying that what you have to say is not worth talking about, or you feel other people dont care about what you have to say? Id want to hear more about that. Id say, Say more about that. Where is that coming from? Whats that about? So reflect that back to them and keep the process going:Talk more about that. If you have a client who is aware of counselling skills you may engage her in lighter conversation, something thats easier to talk about, something safer. That may be feeding into the defence, though. Its saving her from the difficulty. So what I may be willing to say is, Maybe youre feeling a little uncomfortable about talking about this right now? Is that accurate? (Candy P. Feeler R. Rocco C, 2003) 3. Characteristics of an effective counsellor Good counsellors are emotionally stable Effective therapists have resolved (or at least are aware of) their own emotional issues. Theyre able to handle the stress of helping others deal with psychological disorders, without letting their own issues cause problems. Good counsellors are Introspective and Self-Aware Effective therapists are aware of how their own culture, education, socioeconomic status, values, and religious beliefs affect their practice and interaction with patients. To have a successful career in psychology, a psychologist must set aside his or her own personal beliefs when working with patients. Good counsellors Need Strong Interpersonal Skills Effective therapists are comfortable working with different types of people from all walks of life! A psychologist can have introverted personality traits and still have a successful career in psychology. Good written and verbal communication skills are part of strong interpersonal skills. Good counsellors are Tolerant and Open-Minded Effective therapists are open to new research (that may challenge previously held beliefs in psychology) and new ways of thinking. A good psychologist must also accept clients who cant or wont work on their psychological disorders or issues. Good psychologists also ensure their clients feel comfortable and safe as theyre confiding their deepest secrets and most embarrassing problems. A psychologist also has to inspire trust in the process of therapy. Good counsellors are Patient Effective therapists understand that significant periods of time can pass before clients are able to make changes in life. To have a successful career in psychology, a psychologist must be able to communicate this patience to their clients and their clients families! Good counsellors are Ethical, Moral, and Law-Abiding Effective therapists understand the ethics in working with patients, and know the importance of keeping client sessions confidential. Psychologists must understand the difference between ethics and morals A psychologist must also understand and work within the state or provincial laws and regulations that control the industry. To have a successful career in psychology, a psychologist has to work within the boundaries of the law. Good counsellors Believe in Continuing Education Effective therapists are always learning about new findings in psychological research and new ways to communicate with and help clients. The best psychologists are always brushing up on their own therapeutic skills and people skills; theyre also constantly expanding their knowledge base. Some of these personality and other traits of good psychologists are innate, but most can be learned and developed over time. Individuals who go into a psychology career with many of these personality traits will often find they excel in the field. Good counsellors are Compassionate and Caring Effective therapists are compassionate and can empathize with a clients pain, psychological issues, and other difficulties without judging or making the client feel worse about the problem. (Laurie Pawlikkienlen, 2009) 4. Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy Congruence are the counsellors or therapists conditions needed to facilitate change. Without these conditions being present a healing relationship cannot form 4.1Understanding unconditional positive regard Besides empathy and congruence, unconditional positive regard is one of the most important core conditions in person-centred counselling. All trained counsellors must therefore be able to demonstrate an understanding of this attribute confidently. Unconditional positive regard requires that a counsellor suspends any form of personal judgment, and accepts the client, regardless of the content of any disclosure they may have made. A judgment is made in a very short amount of time, and overcoming this instant reaction can be difficult for many people. A counsellor however, has undergone specific counselling skills training and is able to provide this unconditional form of therapeutic support. During one-to-one counselling a client is able to freely express his/her emotions, feelings and thoughts, in a safe, totally confidential environment. They are free to explore all thoughts without having to maintain any level of behaviour, and are acceptably able to do so without any fear of condemnation or reject from the counsellor. 4.2Understanding congruence It could be called genuineness, realness, or congruence. The more the therapist is himself or herself in the relationship, putting up no professional front or personal facade, the greater is the likelihood that the client will change and grow in a constructive manner. This means that the therapist is openly being the feelings and attitudes that are flowing within at the moment. Thus, there is a close matching, or congruence, between what is being experienced at the gut level, what is present in awareness, and what is expressed to the client. Once the client is treated as an equal communication will start. If the therapist comes across as an authority or an expert the client will start to tailor their answers to suit this 4.3 There is also empathic understanding. This means that the therapist senses accurately the feelings and personal meanings that the client is experiencing and communicates this understanding to the client. When functioning best, the therapist is so much inside the private world of the other that he or she can clarify not only the meanings of which the client is aware but even those just below the level of awareness. This kind of sensitive, active listening is exceedingly rare in our lives. We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know. Empathy or empathic understanding is the next core condition. This is where the therapist picks up on the feelings of the client and reflects this back to the client. This is the process where the therapist can act as a support to the client by making them feel as if the therapist is there experiencing their array of emotions. (The counsellors guide, 2010) 5. Importance of self care for the counsellor Stress Management / Relaxation Techniques An important step in  avoiding burnout is having an awareness of helpful ways to manage stress and exercise counsellor self-care. Know yourself It is important to acknowledge when you feel overwhelmed or distressed. As a professional, it is necessary for you to pay attention to your personal behaviours, body rhythm and physical health. Be aware of the differences between stress and burnout and when you should become concerned. If you are unsure about what you are experiencing,  click on the  link below for a self-assessment to help you determine whether your behaviours and emotions meet the criteria for compassion fatigue.  The  test can be taken at anytime, and  the data collected will determine how at risk you are for burnout as well as measure whether your feelings about helping others have changed. It is a good idea to complete some form of assessment periodically to ensure you maintain your balance and care for yourself  in order to provide  excellent care for your clients. Resting The adult human body requires between 7 to 8 hours of rest for robust health. Sleep deprivation affects the mind and body and can increase stress levels, moodiness and irritation and  negatively impact  mental alertness and physical energy. At the end of the day, it is essential to find ways to relax and let go. Establish a routine before going to bed and make sure to get enough Deep Sleep, allowing for brain rejuvenation. If not enough Deep Sleep is accomplished the body will compensate by shortening other sleep cycles, including the REM cycle. If this cycle is shortened, the brain does not have an opportunity to process and integrate emotions, memories and stress from that day, leaving you emotionally deprived. Eating Well Good nutrition fuels the body and provides the building blocks that help a person handle the stresses of everyday life. Counselling requires considerable physical and mental energy; consuming foods such as fruits and vegetables will ensure you are functioning at the highest level of fitness. With a busy schedule, short lunches, paper work and counselling sessions it is easy to skip meals, eat unhealthy meals or snacks and over-consume caffeinated beverages. These things add little nutritional value, if any, to personal well being. The goal is to consume a balanced diet, eating foods from each food group, drinking lots of water and eating  three balanced meals a day, along with healthy snacks. By eating the proper foods the body is able to restore lost vitamins, minerals and nutrients, an essential part of maintaining your overall health. Exercising Exercising improves individual physical fitness and mental well being.   During exercise endorphins are released, decreasing stress levels and improving endurance, health, mental clarity and fitness. It is suggested that  individuals spend 30 minutes a day doing some form of moderate exercise.  Activities such as taking a walk, jogging, riding a bike, swimming or aerobic classes and weight training improve physical fitness and increase energy levels.   In addition to the physical benefits, exercise has also  been proven to stimulate memory. Relaxing and Renewing On occasion it is crucial to do something for yourself. As a counselling professional, you spend your time caring for others. It is vital to remember you must also care for yourself. This can be accomplished by participating in exercises such as yoga, prayer, meditation, Tai chi and reflective writing. These techniques allow you to escape from the busy world and become one with your soul, giving you time to recharge your spirit. Personal Counselling Having others to share your thoughts and feelings with can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Supervisors and colleagues can provide advice and support through difficult circumstances. It is recommended that helping professionals seek professional counselling, as you will continually face subjects or situations which will require you to address unresolved feelings and emotions.   Reflecting Think about your life, what is important and what is not. A person rarely gets everything they want. Be careful not to dwell in negativity. The mind is powerful. The more negative our thoughts about things, the more our actions become negative  or more reflective of those thoughts. We behave as we think. Learn to live a joyful life, doing your best and let the rest take care of itself!   Strive to do well in all things and be thankful. It is important to remember things could be a whole lot worst, no one is perfect, and as long as there is life, there is another chance.  There are a number of exercises that can be used throughout the day to allow you to stop and reflect on things.  A good way to prepare your mind and body for reflection is learning deep breathing exercises and listening to soft music. Time Management Use the time you have wisely. It is critical to use a calendar and prioritize those things in your life that must be done. Remember, no one can do everything and no matter how hard you try you will never be able to make everyone in your life happy. Commit only to those things you feel passionate about and learn to say no to things that do not fit into your plans and priorities. Organize your day, but remain flexible. No matter what our plans include, things will  occur to change  those plans.  Being prepared to make necessary adjustments lessens the pressure you may feel. Humour Laugh until it hurts. It is difficult to be sad and happy at the same time. Laughter releases endorphins, which are responsible for  improving your mood  and helping you to relax. Learn to laugh at yourself and find humour in life stressors. Do not take things so seriously that you miss out on the beauty of laughter and the opportunity to see things through a different lens. On occasion, engage in an amusing comedy show or film and always keep a book of good jokes on hand. (Steven, C, 2004)

Sentence Completion Tests

SENTENCE COMPLETION TEST: INTRODUCTION: Herman Von Ebbinghaus is generally credited with developing the first sentence completion test in 1897 . Sentence completion tests are a class of semi-structured projective techniques. A sentence completion test form may be relatively short, such as those used to assess responses to advertisements, or much longer, such as those used to assess personality. A long sentence completion test is the Forer Sentence Completion Test, which has 100 stems. The responses are believed to provide indications of attitudes, beliefs, motivations, or other mental states.There is debate over whether or not sentence completion tests elicit responses from conscious thought rather than unconscious states. This debate would affect whether sentence completion tests can be strictly categorized as projective tests. In recent decades, sentence completion tests have increased in usage, in part because they are easy to develop and easy to administer. Another reason for the increased usage of sentence completion tests are because they uncover conflicted attitudes.The uses of sentence completion tests include personality analysis, clinical applications, attitude assessment, achievement motivation, and measurement of other constructs. They are used in several disciplines, including psychology, management, education, and marketing. Sentence completion measures have also been incorporated into non-projective applications, such as intelligence tests, language comprehension, and language and cognitive development tests DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST: Sacks sentence completion test is a semi structured test consisting of 60 incomplete phrases/sentences, ex. my mother’ or when I see the boss coming, I ‘ The test typically provide respondents with beginnings of sentences, referred to as â€Å"stems,† and respondents then complete the sentences in ways that are meaningful to them. As a semi -structured test , it is expected to provide valuable info rmation about subject’s interpersonal relations with others as well as attitude towards self and others. ADMINISTRATION AND INSTRUCTIONS : The subject was invited into a room free of noise and disturbance and was made to sit comfortably.The test instructions and purpose of the test were explained and all her anxieties and questions regarding test were clarifies before administering the test. The instructions for the test have been printed on the answer sheet which was provided to the subject. The instructions include: â€Å"You will find below a number of incomplete sentences. Write quickly in the blank space the first idea that comes to your mind to complete each statement. Answer rapidly†. SCORING: The questions in the questionnaire are divided into four areas such as family areas, sex area, interpersonal relationships and self concept.Each main area is again further sub divided , basing on the attitude towards certain people like attitude towards father, mother, fam ily etc. and fears etc. The different questions in the questionnaire have been related to one of the main areas. Each questions was then analyzed qualitatively and a positive or negative attitude was recorded and interpreted. INTERPRETATION: 1)Attitude towards family: The person’s profile indicates that she has relatively positive and good attitude towards her mother whereas relatively negative attitude towards her father.She wants her father to be a little more caring and responsible. Her attitude towards the family is also positive. 2)attitude towards sex: The person has a positive attitude towards women in general and towards heterosexual relationships. 3) Interpersonal relationships: She has a slightly negative attitude towards superiors at work place and school. She knows her responsibilities and has a caring attitude towards the people at work. The person has good interpersonal relationships with colleagues or friends at work or school. The person was also found to have many fears. She has a fear of driving, spirits, and heights.At times she is even compelled to do against her wishes because of the fear associated. 4)self concept: The person is also guilty of some mistakes in the past for which she feels responsible . She has a positive attitude and belief towards her abilities. She has a good positive attitude and hope for the future. She wants to prove herself in future. OVERALL THE PRESON HAS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD FAMILY EXCEPT TOWARDS HER FATHER AND HAS A POSTIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE AND SELF AND HER FUTURE FAMILY COUSELING IN THE SPECIFIC AREA MAY HELP HER TO PERFORM BETTER IN HER FUTURE.

The Obomsawin Is A Canadian Film Maker Who Is Well Known...

Alanis Obomsawin is a Canadian film maker who is well known for directing numerous documentaries on the plights of the Indigenous people. Alanis Obomsawin was born August 31, 1932 outside of Lebanon in New Hampshire but raised in Quebec. Obomsawin is a member of the Abenaki Nation but left there when she was just a baby â€Å"returned with her family to the Odanak reserve near Sorel, Quà ©bec, at the age of six months. Her father was a guide and a medicine maker, and her mother ran a boarding house.† (historica) Alanis lived happily on the reserve â€Å"She recalls those times as beautiful because of the colors of the brilliant ash wood splints used in making baskets, the smell of the sweet grass in everyone s homes, and the fond memories of beloved relatives.† (collections) until the age of 9 when her parents decided it was time to move and packed the family up and moved to Trois-Rivià ¨res, located only 48 kilometres from their Reserve. According to the articles thi s was a difficult move for Obomsawin and adjusting to being the only native child was to be a struggle. As Alioff and Levine are quoted in the Celebrating Women s Achievements â€Å"as she was the only Native child at school and was not fluent in French or English. As well, she experienced prejudice and racism on a daily basis and was regularly beaten up by her schoolmates. In history classes she was forced to listen to teachings about martyred priests being tortured to death by Indians.† (collections) Obomsawin struggled

Abraham Lincoln s Emancipation Proclamation - 2278 Words

Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most successful and influential documents in America’s history and throughout the world. Slavery in America had been a substantial part of its history since the early 1600’s and would eventually lead to be a very controversial topic throughout the country. It was an issue that divided the nation momentously into one of the bloodiest wars in world history where even further history would be made through the final abolition of slavery. The effects from the most imperative milestones would be everlasting and even to this day discrimination and segregation are still being felt. Abraham Lincoln is the most respected and significant President of the United States and through the Proclamation, its effects and its influences turned the course of American history forever. Various key events had led to the famous Abraham Lincoln Emancipation and it all essentially started as a demand to free slaves from Confederacy states. Slavery began in 1619 in Virginia when European settlers landed on its shores to colonise the area of Jamestown. Captured Africans were forced into slavery in order to aid in the production of crops for food and particularly, tobacco. Slavery continued to be practiced throughout American colonies through the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Slavery in the North was not as extensive as the South and between 1744-1804 all Northern states illegalized slavery. It seems there was a short period of time when slaveShow MoreRelatedAbraham Lincoln s Emancipation Proclamation859 Words   |  4 PagesThe Emancipation Proclamation Although Abraham Lincoln produced numerous timeless events in the history of the United States of America, perhaps none more effective as the Emancipation Proclamation. The innovative and impactful Emancipation Proclamation consisted of two executive orders issued by President Lincoln. The first order was issued on September 22, 1862 and gave freedom to all slaves in the Confederate States of America that did not return to Union control by January 1, 1863. One hundredRead MoreAbraham Lincoln s Emancipation Proclamation1899 Words   |  8 PagesAbraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared â€Å"all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free†. While it continues to be a symbol of equality and social justice, his legacy has generated a century and a half debate that questions if he was the â€Å"progressive manâ⠂¬  whose death was an â€Å"unspeakable calamity† as Frederick Douglass proclaimed or had heRead MoreThe Emancipation Proclamation By Mr. Harding1259 Words   |  6 PagesThe Emancipation Proclamation has two points of views from highly qualified professors if the Emancipation was to free the slaves or not. The first Professor is Mr. Allen C. Guelzo and the other professor is Vincent Harding. Mr. Allen proposed that Abraham used the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves. However, Mr. Harding used his research and insisted that no the Emancipation Proclamation was not to free the slaves. On the other hand, Mr. Allen makes some well-revised statements, but MrRead MoreThe Legacy Of Abraham Lincoln1036 Words   |  5 PagesEnglish 8 4 December, 2015 Abraham Lincoln Research Paper Rough Draft One of the most revered men in US history was Abraham Lincoln. Everything he did throughout his life helped shape our country. He tirelessly worked to purge the country of slavery. He showed the country the importance of remembering those that died for our freedom. He never thought about himself, he always thought of others. Abraham Lincoln helped change America forever. When you look at Abraham Lincolns childhood you would neverRead MoreEssay on Abraham Lincoln - the Greatest President1069 Words   |  5 PagesAbraham Lincoln There have been forty four U.S. presidents over the past two hundred and twenty years. What president has served the best for our country? None other than Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is the greatest president ever because he did great things such as ending slavery, getting the us through the Civil War, and helped our country a lot. The American Civil War was a war between the Southern states and the Confederate states. Abraham Lincoln was not very prepared for the war militarilyRead MoreLincoln s Impact On The Civil War1542 Words   |  7 PagesAbraham Lincoln Research Paper Who was the Greatest President that ever lived! Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was a very well respected man at an early age. He worked hard most of his life and worked hard in law, and as a president to keep our nation in one during the Civil War. He had the mindset to get where he needed to go. He lived a long and resentful life full of problems that he fixed. Lincoln’s early life, Lincoln enters presidency, Lincoln’s impact on the Civil War as a president, Lincoln’sRead MoreSignificance And Impact Of The Emancipation Proclamation1658 Words   |  7 PagesLuzniak Mr. Deeb U.S. History 1A 5 May, 2015 Significance and Impact of the Emancipation Proclamation Abraham Lincoln once said, A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved - I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. (Lincoln s House-Divided Speech in Springfield, Illinois, June 16, 1858). TheRead MoreLincoln s Impact On The Civil War1564 Words   |  7 Pages Abraham Lincoln Research Paper During the Civil War, was Abraham Lincoln the cause or the cure? Abraham Lincoln, the man that hit right path toward life while earning respect. He worked hard most of his life and at law, and as a president to keep our nation in one during the Civil War. He had the mindset to get where he needed to go. He lived a long and resentful life full of problems that he fixed. Lincoln’s early life, Lincoln enters presidency, Lincoln’s impact on the Civil War as a presidentRead MoreAbraham Lincoln : The President That Held Our Nation Together1017 Words   |  5 PagesAbraham Lincoln Research Paper Abraham Lincoln. The president that held our nation together. Lincoln’s early life. Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County Kentucky, to his parents Thomas Lincoln, and mother Nancy Lincoln. They moved around and eventually settled in the back-woods of Indiana. They lived in a small cabin in the back-country of Indiana. As said by biography.com, â€Å"where the family squatted on public land to scrap out a living in a crudeRead MoreMore Than Just A Five Dollar Bill1429 Words   |  6 Pagesleader. In my opinion the nations best leader is featured on our five dollar bill, Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln truly helped change the United States of America in some of the worst times. With President Abraham Lincoln being such a great leader, it lead him to accomplishing many great things. President Lincoln is often remembered for the laws that he passed. The first law that President Abraham Lincoln passed was the Homestead Act. This Homestead Act was passed to help improve the Western