A Support Group had been advertised on the display board of the local Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre in the City where the Counsellor had been seeing each of the members for private counselling prior to the start of the programme. Ten clients enrolled in the group but by 7:15pm only 5 of the ten […]
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Intervention in Case Planning
Counsellors are often directly involved in the intervention phase of case planning. A counsellor may in fact be a service provider that a case manager utilises as part of their case plan. This post, however, is not focused on direct, personal interventions (although that is generally the core work of the counsellor), it is focused […]
- September 28, 2009
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- Counselling Theory & Process
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Evaluation and Feedback in Supervision
There are two fundamental evaluation dilemmas for the clinical supervisor. Firstly, as a therapist, the clinical supervisor has highly developed skills in providing a non-judgemental, non-directive, and supportive environment for their clients. The supervisory relationship, however, is based on evaluation and direction – something that can feel uncomfortable for the skilled therapist. Additionally, as an […]
- September 24, 2009
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- Counselling Theory & Process, Supervision
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Solution-focused Technique: Presupposing Change
When clients are focused on changing the negative aspects (or problems) in their lives, positive changes can often be overlooked, minimised or discounted due to the ongoing presence of the problem. The solution focused approach challenges counsellors to be attentive to positive changes (however small) that occur in their clients’ lives. Questions that presuppose change […]
- September 14, 2009
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- Counselling Theory & Process, Counselling Therapies
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What is Burnout?
Burnout is a syndrome which occurs due to prolonged emotional strain of dealing extensively with other human beings, particularly in helper and recipient relationships. Burnout is categorised as a type of stress. Unlike normal workplace stress which predominately affects individuals physically, burnout affects individuals emotionally. The term burnout was introduced in the 1970’s, and although […]
- September 10, 2009
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- Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management, Workplace Issues
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Developing Respect for the Counselling Client
If not the most important feature of professional counselling, “respect for the client” is definitely high up on the priority list. Geldard and Geldard (2005) explain that regardless of who the client is, and regardless of their behaviour, the client has come to the counsellor for assistance and deserves to be treated as a person […]
- September 8, 2009
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- 137579
- Counselling Theory & Process
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Counselling Case Study: Using REBT
Thomas is a 33 year old married man, who has recently become a father. He explains that he feels his self-esteem has been gradually deteriorating ever since he was married. He says that he can’t find reasons to enjoy life with his wife due to feelings of inadequacy as a husband. In his new role […]
- September 7, 2009
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- Case Studies, Relationship & Families
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Eleven Ways to Become a Better Counsellor
What can counsellors do to become better professionals, and ultimately help improve the quality of life of their clients? In this post, we explore 11 ways – both direct and indirect – that counsellors can boost their practical skills and expertise. #1 Work on Your Microskills Counselling Microskills include Focusing, Encouragers, Paraphrasing and Summarising, Questioning, […]
- September 2, 2009
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- Career Development, Counselling Theory & Process, Personal Effectiveness, Private Practice
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Counselling Dilemma: Two Separate Clients Crossing Paths
You have been retained by a company to counsel a member of staff who is currently on stress leave from her job. During the first session with this person you discover that her immediate supervisor is a private client who has been coming to you for counselling for some time. The staff member tells you […]
- August 26, 2009
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- 13689
- Counselling Dilemmas
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Dealing Effectively with Loneliness
Loneliness is such a subjective concept and what really is important here is the degree to which loneliness is affecting one’s life and/or a family’s life where relevant. What age is the person, because life goals and needs are often quite different for different age groups and for people with different priorities at different stages […]
- August 24, 2009
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- Ageing Issues, Counselling Theory & Process, Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management
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Loneliness, Depression and Negative Thinking Patterns
In the previous post we explored some aspects of both loneliness and depression. The causes of each often have their basic roots in the way that modern life has progressed, particularly where ways of protecting oneself against being alone, feeling down and worthless and so on have been eroded. Isolation from others (geographic, social, emotional), […]
- August 20, 2009
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- 7815
- Ageing Issues, Clinical Mental Health, Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management
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Loneliness: Risk and Protective Factors
According to Michael Flood’s report (2005) titled ‘Loneliness in Australia’, the following facts are relevant about loneliness: Men of all ages are more likely to suffer from loneliness; Among men between the ages of 25-44 and who live alone, they report significantly lower levels of support and friendship than men who live with others. Interestingly […]
- August 18, 2009
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- Ageing Issues, Clinical Mental Health, Stress Management
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Overcoming Problems with Step Children
We have previously talked about preventative measures such as scheduling family meetings, formulating rules and rituals, and how to discipline and communicate with our children and step-children. But what happens when we have done all these things, and problems still occur? Sometimes the route of all evil can be jealousy. There are many players in […]
- August 14, 2009
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- Children & Adolescents, Loss & Grief, Relationship & Families
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Building Relationships with Step Children
One of the most common reasons for not-so-good step-family relationships is lack of communication. It is important to include the children in family processes such as formulating rules and new rituals. This is a great start! The next thing to do is to encourage communication. Talking is the best way to strengthen relationships, understand emotions […]
- August 13, 2009
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- Children & Adolescents, Relationship & Families
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Discipline with Step Children
As a step-parent, sooner or later you will be reminded by your step-child that you are not their parent. One very important item to discuss between your partner and yourself is “who disciplines who?” In coming to a decision on discipline it is helpful to look at nuclear families who equally share this role. In […]
- August 10, 2009
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- Children & Adolescents, Relationship & Families
- Read More