20190706021331self x
Please read the attached document and provide a detailed response to each comments. Attached file is for further instructions.
Self-care is very important to those that work in helping professionals. It can be easy to be over-worked by doing “too much work” while working with others. What does it mean to do “too much work” as a counselor in a counseling session? How will you guard against doing “too much” work in future sessions?
It affects most counselors, psychotherapists or mental health workers at some point in their careers. It manifests primarily as emotional exhaustion, “emotional fatigue” or “emotional overload.” Counselors engage in self-care activities to maintain and promote their own emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to best meet their professional responsibilities. Regardless of whether self-care is deemed vital to counselors by their governing associations, it’s also essential for personal well-being! After listening to the trauma or stressors of client after client, it’s tough not to feel fatigued by the emotional baggage they carry (and figuratively drop at your feet). It’s necessary to find outlets to relieve any anxieties or feelings you absorb from your clientele, so that you don’t develop compassion fatigue, or begin to feel burned out. For counselors to be at their best – and provide the best care to their clients – it’s imperative they take care of themselves first.
Ways for counselors to not do too much work in regards to their clients is to not take on responsibility for fixing the client and their issues. Whether the clients issues get completely address or not, counselors must understand it’s ok if they don’t completely help the client into a better mental state of mind. I will definitely pay attention to the signs that indicate I’m getting easily frustrated by my clients. At that point I will engage with others outside of my professions and do things not related to my job like travelling, extra-curricular actives or taking time to unwind alone.
https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/self-care-important-mental-health-practitioners/
My response:
Good evening Tamera
As mentioned burnout is a means of “too much work” in the counseling profession. When the counselor is not adequately prepared, he or she may be vulnerable to early disappointment, agony and burnout due to unrealistic expectations of their client. “Too much work” can also be the counselor assumes responsibility for the clients’ lack of progress. This means, I believe, the client is not taking responsibility for his/her treatment, resulting in the counselor taking on the responsibility of the clients’ treatment process. Therefore, the counselor taking on too much responsibility may at times experience the clients’ stress as their own. It is important for the counselor to recognize the signs when they occur. Such signs could be those of irritability and emotional exhaustion, feelings of isolation…, and drastic changes in their (the counselors) behavior. Burnout/too much work as suggested by Corey, Corey, Corey and Callanan (2014), too much work is associated with absence of boundaries with the counselor client, taking a client on to their case load in which they have not been trained.
In order for the counselor to guard against burnout he/she should be in touch with themselves. The professional counselor, I believe, that is not aware of self, what cause them stress, do not take time for themselves and lack knowledge about their cultural person is apt to be bias toward their clients and different situations. This may lead to a lack in cross-cultural counseling, as well not being able to treat the client with dignity, and respect.
To guard against over work/”too much work, I will take time to re-evaluate myself and what is happening. I will also seek the help of my supervisor or possibly outside therapy. I like going to the park. Doing something relaxing will help with not getting overwhelmed and flustered. Self-awareness will allow me to beware of the signs when they appear. In turn, I am able to connect with my client regarding their background, values, morals and ethical heritage. This will result in a positive and ethical counseling experience; which will lead to better counseling outcomes.
Reference
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., Corey, C., & Callanan, P. (2014). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (9th ed.). Independence, KY: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 9781285464671. Available from http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/cengage/2014/issues-and-ethics-in-the-helping-professions_ebook_9e.php
My response:
Good evening Patricia
In just starting into the real world experiences of working with clients that do have real issues. It is so important for you the counsloer to do things to make sure your own mental health is a good place to help others. If you do get over worked or start letting your clients issues effect you then your not giving the proper help to a client. Taking on to many clients at once and even working with clients that are not a good fit for you and you for them can overwork a counsloer. In reading through a journal it states the fact that “ At the start of therapy and as part of informed consent, describe to the client exactly how you work and what kind of psychotherapy you do. If the client appears to feel uncomfortable, explore further and, if warranted, refer to a colleague who may be better suited to this individual. “( Pope Ph.D. ABPP, & Keith-Spiegel, Ph.D, 2008) It is so important that the counselor uses this tool so that the best possible help is given to the client. By having the right boundaries with clients is key because you don’t want to over help or get to close to a client due to the fact they are not your friends they are someone in need of help. For me a way to not get overstressed by others is going running and then seeing my own counselor. I also make sure that I mediate twice a day to clear my head space. While doing other self care things such as makeup and being present.
Reference
Pope, Ph.D., ABPP, K. S., & Keith-Spiegel, Ph.D, P. (2008). Practical Approach to Boundaries in Psychotherapy: Making Decisions, Bypassing Blunders, & Mending Fences. Retrieved from http://kspope.com/ethics/boundary.php
My response:
Good evening Lauren
Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free:
Turnitin Report
Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
