The Helping Profession

Chapter 1

What are some situations where you seek for help and advice?

A woman talks to the hairdresser about her marriage. A man has a casual conversation about his financial losses while exercising in the gym. A couple seeks the advice of their ustaz regarding their children. A child talks to her teacher about a big bruise in his leg. Your own examples?

Professional helpers

Identification with a professional organization Use of an ethical code and standards of practice Acknowledgement of an accrediting body that governs training, credentialing and licensing practice

What is helping?

Ahmad

Susi

Discussion

Helpee: What if Ahmad doesnt want to be helped? Helper: Intention vs. need to be helpful Skills: The best intentions without training Settings: What are some settings or conditions you would find helpful? What do you think of people who need help?

What professional helpers do

Help clients explore and identify life concerns and issues Help clients identify and pursue culturally relevant expectations, wishes, and goals Help clients identify, assess, implement culturally relevant strategies for change Help clients identify and assess results and plan for self-directed change in the clients own environment Counseling is a type of helping

What is counseling?

Counselling is NOT about

Hypnotising people Influencing people to do what you want (eg. buy a product) Solving problems for other people Becoming a hero by rescuing people ?

What is counseling?

Counseling is, first and foremost, a relationship that allows for the time and space for the following:

Permission to speak Respect for difference Trustworthiness Affirmation (McLeod, 2007)

What is counselling? A definition

Making a space to talk it through
- McLeod (2007, p. 3)

What is counselling? Making

Making a space to talk it through Make a space = be intentional Counselling does not just happen out of the blue you have to make it happen

What is counselling? A space

Making a space to talk it through A space to talk = a time that is out of your ordinary schedule and concerns You need to carve out that space so that you can

Step back Reflect on your life

What is counselling? To talk

Making a space to talk it through To talk = Counselling is about talking When we talk, we make meaning out of things; we understand things better

What is counselling? It
Making a space to talk it through

It = the issue that the client would like to talk about We can help by clarifying what it is about. Usually, being able to understand what it is all about helps the client to begin solving the problem.

What is counselling? Through

Making a space to talk it through

Through = Discuss all aspects of the problem Working through a problem means understanding it, and trying to solve it. Solving the problem has to come from the client, not the counselor. Sometimes, simply talking it through is enough for the client.

Counseling settings

School (www.ascanationalmodel.org) College (http://www.yorku.ca/careers/cyberguide) Community Religious Industrial and employment Health care and rehab

Discussion

Which setting are you most interested in? Why?

Counselor qualities and skills

1. 2. 3. 4.

Virtue/goodness Cultural competence skills Awareness and mindfulness Resiliency

1. Virtue/goodness

Are you kind? Are you just? Do you put yourself first or your client first? Where do you draw the line? How do you resolve differences in opinion?

2. Cultural competence skills

Diversity - description Multiculturalism evaluation of Power Privilege and share power with those who have less power, empowering others Social justice www.counselorsforsocialjustice.org

2. Cultural competence skills: what you can do

1.

2.
3.

4.

Awareness of your own cultural heritage and its impact on the counseling relationship Immerse in cultures different from your own Be responsible in finding out and learning about different cultures Awareness of your own biases and prejudices

3. Mindfulness

Good counselors are neurally integrated Meditate and think through stuff

4. Resiliency (=stamina)
1. 2. 3. 4.

Strengths-based perspective Resilient counselors are able to Use active, proactive approach to challenges and issues See pain and frustration in a positive manner half-full cup Make decisions based on own character virtue, integrity, courage Identify and use protective factors in environment

Training and credentials

1.

2. 3.

Graduation from an accredited program get a degree Certified get a title Licensed get and title AND legal practice

Discussion

Why would you like to become a helper? Possible sources of influence:

Family of origin Life experiences Role models Personal qualities Needs and motivations Love for social justice Culture and environment