This is done to give the readers an introductory knowledge in the field of counseling. Stages in the Counseling Process (Radhika Soundararajan Evaluation of the Process (Swami Paramarthananda Saraswati) 186 An Indigenous Model of Counseling 187.
WHAT IS COUNSELING?
It is no longer easy to apply past truths to the problems of the present and the future. Ironically, we long for the simple life of yesteryear, while clinging to the comforts of today's world.
DEFINITIONS OF COUNSELING
The counselor merely helps to release the individual's intellectual function which is hidden behind his/her emotional distress. Awareness of the intensity of the problem depending on how uncomfortable it makes one feel.
COMMON PROBLEMS FOR WHICH PEOPLE SEEK COUNSELING
SCOPE OF COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGISTS
Counselors work with individuals, groups, families, and systems facing situational and long-term problems.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF COUNSELING
History traces the roots of the profession to educational and career guidance, the mental health movement, and the rise of psychotherapy. This was the beginning of the mental health movement which had a beneficial effect on guidance and counselling.
SPOTLIGHT ON NEED FOR INDIGENOUS MODELS OF COUNSELING
Matters of the Heart and Matters of the Mind: Exploring the History, Theories, Research, and Practice of Multicultural Counseling. Two of the largest and most popular fields in psychology are clinical psychology and counseling psychology.
WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Counseling programs, similar to clinical psychology programs, usually teach the various theories of psychotherapy; however, training and supervision in the practice of psychotherapy is not normally part of the training for counselling, i.e. they are not an academic requirement. It is the view of some practitioners that while psychotherapy tends to involve a complex change in basic character and often works with unconscious conflicts, counseling tends to be more limited and concerned with the immediate situation.
THE COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY DIVIDE
Counseling and psychotherapy also differ in terms of the degree of adjustment or maladjustment in the client. Counseling and psychotherapy are similar in that they both use an eclectic approach.
THE BIRTH OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
He argues that the nature of the relationship, which is considered fundamental in counseling and psychotherapy, is identical. In the 19th century, phrenology (literally having the head examined), physiognomy (the study of the shape of the face) and mesmerism (designed to relieve a person of psychological problems through the use of magnets) spiritual healing (something like the modern concept of positive visualization), were some of the therapies practiced.
DIFFERENT FACETS OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
Members of the group can meet once a week and share personal problems they are facing. The rise of the World Wide Web (www) and the Internet put computing access in the hands of the everyday user (Granello, 2000).
THE DIFFERENT THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS
This usually long-term therapy is accomplished by the therapist asking questions and suggesting experiments, which increase awareness and sensitivity to the many parts of the client's total self. No Single Thread: Psychological Health in Family Systems, Brunner/Mazel, New York (study by the Timberlawn Foundation, Dallas, Texas) (http://www.covenant-counseling.com/marriagefamilytherapy).
MENTAL HEALTHCARE MOVEMENT IN INDIA
The results of the initial effort supported the ability to provide basic health care through general health services. These experiments in integrating mental health care with general health care were used in formulating the National Mental Health Program for India (National Mental Health Program for India, 1982).
COUNSELING AND THE INDIAN SCENARIO
Again, the breakdown of the joint family system has a major impact on the role and status of these elderly people in society. The supervisor's value structures are thus of a decisive nature, and the supervisor must work from his own value structure, which may not be similar to that of the supervisors.
CULTURE AND COUNSELING
Thus, an ethnographic perspective such as the inclusion of mental health in the area of primary care, establishing awareness of such mental health problems and focusing on cultural and social components of illness and interactions with the community, health workers, local leaders, village administrative systems, and non-governmental organizations can help mobilize resources for optimal health care (Chowdhury et al., 2001). Keeping such cultural factors in mind, Indian mental health counselors must learn to adapt their Western training to the Indian environment.
TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Transpersonal psychology is known as the "fourth force" in psychology, meaning that it is at the forefront of the field of psychological study. This was quickly followed by the founding of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology (ATP) in 1972.
DIMENSIONS OF SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO THERAPY
Training programs should include discussion of how to work with values as part of the therapeutic process. Incorporating spirituality into counselor training programs Recent surveys of the general public and counseling professionals indicate the universal importance of spirituality in the lives of all individuals (Myers and Williards, 2003).
INAPPROPRIATENESS OF ADHERING TO WESTERN APPROACHES
The real root of suffering is the loss of meaning and purpose in life, he says.
INDIGENOUS MODELS OF COUNSELING
People who sought these services participated in the temple's daily activities, such as cleaning the courtyard and watering the plants in the temple garden. One of the oldest systems of medicine, Ayurveda, has its origins in the 6th century BC.
EASTERN APPROACH TO COUNSELING: A COMBINATION OF THERAPY AND LIFE COACHING
Counseling in developing countries: Turkey and India as examples', Journal of Mental Health Counselling, Vol. Srinivasa Murthy R, The Economics of Mental Health Care in Developing Countries, in International Review of Psychiatry, Vol 2.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
The concern, implicit in the current emphasis on pathology and psychotherapy, is the assumption that service providers do not need to be trained in the strategies to prevent mental illness, and that if they are taught to understand the nature and treatment of psychopathology, they will will be able to develop effective strategies for the prevention of psychopathology. It is therefore essential for counselors to develop an understanding of these natural progressions in an individual's life.
COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
The period of life from early childhood to adulthood includes stages and characteristics of physical and motor, social and emotional, language and cognitive development from early childhood to young adulthood; development theories, their characteristics and their limitations; and developmental issues of particular importance during the various stages of human growth and development. Special educational needs for children include characteristics of students with special educational needs (eg, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, mental disabilities, physical disabilities); learning characteristics and educational needs.
THEORIES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Is the data on human development an accurate reflection of development for all times and in all places (universal), or is development so situation-specific that it is impossible to generalize across time and place. The leading theorists associated with the Mechanistic Worldview are the proponents of the learning theory (also referred to as stimulus-response theory, behavioral theory and social learning theory).
THEORIES FROM THE MECHANISTIC WORLDVIEW PERSPECTIVE
Negative reinforcement: After the response, the negative reinforcer is removed, increasing the frequency of the response. After the response, the positive reinforcer is removed, which weakens the frequency of the response.
THEORIES FROM THE ORGANISMIC WORLDVIEW PERSPECTIVE
Ego: This part of the personality develops as the child interacts more and more with the world. A part of the ego is able to act independently of the id and superego.
THEORIES FROM THE CONTEXTUALISTIC WORLDVIEW PERSPECTIVE
Vygotsky explored the role of culture and interpersonal communication in child development. Each function in a child's cultural development occurs twice: ..first between people (interpsychological) and then within the child (intrapsychological)”.
THE INDIAN FOCUS: PHILOSOPHY OF INDIAN COUNSELING
During the third stage, the person gives up all his worldly possessions, positions and designs to put into practice the highest scriptural teaching - the search for the. This is because instead of searching for that identity within ourselves - the journey within - we want our society, culture, relationships and perceptions to solve our crisis.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CAREERS IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
There are many considerations one must take into account when training to be a counselor, and educators must focus on them when training students to venture into and succeed in this very important profession.
PREPARATION OF COUNSELORS
Knowledge of human development, both the normal and the abnormal. Understanding the theories of counseling and personality. Knowledge of and sensitivity to social, cultural and ethnic issues Knowledge of ethical and legal aspects of counselling.
QUALIFICATIONS OF COUNSELORS
The master's degree in counselor education is now considered entry-level preparation for credentialing as a professional, while not so long ago a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or social services was considered sufficient to secure a job in healthcare to set. (and this is still the case in some rural areas). The master's degree is essentially the basis for a national certification or state licensure as a counselor.
COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION
There are government-approved professional certification organizations for counseling and a host of specializations within the counseling profession. The two leading certification organizations for the counseling profession are the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
SELECTION AND TRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
He should be sensitive to the situation around him and the needs of people, but above all he should be honest and genuine. Therefore, the primary obligation of the profession is to provide professional knowledge and experience to achieve the desired results for clients.
COUNSELOR SUPERVISION
The supervisor should be informed of the intended structure and format of the training sessions. Process issues examine how the supervisee is using counseling skills; communication is being transmitted.
CHOOSING A GRADUATE PROGRAM
Prior to the initial supervisor training session, a meeting with the supervisor is required to provide an overview of the supervisor training sessions. The primary purpose of supervision is to improve the competence and counseling skills of the counselor being supervised.
THE COUNSELOR
PHILOSOPHY AND ATTITUDE OF A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
A counselor must focus on understanding these perceptions and understanding the meaning of the client's behavior. The counselor must be willing to spend time and energy assisting the client.
PERSONALITY OF EFFECTIVE COUNSELORS
Counselors are able to understand and deal with complex ethical issues and with deeply troubled individuals. Counselors are both friendly and positive in their dealings with others; they are good listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their problems.
SKILLS OF A COUNSELOR
Establishing psychological "contact" with different parts of the counselee's self (where such boundaries have already been symbolized by the counselee). Developing an ability to stay close to the counselee's expression where it matters (for example, in the case of a counselor whose place of evaluation is very external).
VALUES IN COUNSELING
These goals should reflect the clinician's understanding of the client's culture and value system. The counselor should go with the client's flow and then try to help make changes.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR A COUNSELOR
He or she must work for the advancement of the profession and strive at all times and in all situations to advance his or her interests. Usually, some responsibilities and most life situations are compatible with each other.
THE COUNSELEE
THE COUNSELEE CHARACTERISTICS AND VARIABLES
CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL COUNSELEE
COUNSELEE EXPECTATIONS
COUNSELEE PERCEPTIONS
The counselor's personal qualities are as important to the counseling process as his professional qualities. The client's expectations and perception of counseling and the counselor determine the difficulty value of the counseling process.
ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN THE PROCESS OF COUNSELING
The Johari window can be used as a heuristic exercise to improve understanding between individuals within a team or group. The Johari Window is a communication model that can be used to improve understanding between individuals.
STAGES IN THE COUNSELING PROCESS (Radhika Soundararajan, 2010)
