Counselors who want to do their jobs well need to have a wide range of experience and training under their belts. There are many distinct types of mental health therapy counseling strategies used by professionals in this sector. Depending on the demographics of the people the counselor works with, he or she may employ a variety of approaches. In master’s programs, counselors-in-training gets hands-on instruction and experience working with real clients under the supervision of more experienced counselors.
COUNSELING METHODS FOR THE MENTALLY DISTURBED
A successful counselor is well-versed in both the many theories that governmental health practitioners as well as the various counseling skills and practices. The following four ideas are often discussed in comprehensive online master’s programs in mental health counseling: their history, effect, and applicability.
- Theoretical Psychology
The study of people’s conduct in light of their past experiences is at the heart of the behavioral theory. Animal experiments by B.F. Skinner showed that training may have an impact on behavior, which led him to argue for behavioral theory. A behaviorist can suggest that a person’s aggressive inclinations are a result of physical abuse they had as a youngster.
- Theoretical Concepts
Cognitive theory, on the other hand, looks at how people’s beliefs affect their conduct rather than their deeds. Psychologists and psychiatrists employ talk therapy in professional settings to assist their patients to recognize and correct their negative beliefs. For instance, a client who can express their fear of flying may begin to establish new, stress-reducing cognitive patterns.
- The Humanistic Theory
Many mental health practitioners abandoned conventional behavioral and cognitive ideas after World War II. It is a basic tenet of humanism that humans are inherently decent and long for a sense of agency in their life. Humanistic counselors pay attention to their clients’ innermost thoughts and emotions and then utilize those thoughts and feelings to address the underlying issues.
- Theoretical Integration
An integrated theory incorporates behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic perspectives. Integrative theorists look at a patient’s mental health from many angles, including the patient’s age and life experience, while formulating a treatment plan. Finally, the integrative theory is less concerned with finding a ‘cure’ for mental illness. Professionals, on the other hand, assist their customers in improving as much as possible.
SKILLS THAT ANY COUNSELLOR SHOULD HAVE
- Communication Skills: Clients benefit greatly from having a counselor who can communicate in a manner that guarantees they are aware of what their counselor has to say. In this manner, a client may leave a meeting without feeling stupid and comfortable that the counselor has addressed all with his or her questions.
- It’s All About Listening And Paying Attention: Counselors require more than just the ability to listen and comprehend. Counselors must also show that they care about the client’s well-being throughout a meeting with a client. Eye contact and utilizing proper body language are some of the counseling skills and strategies that may be used in the area of psychiatry as well as in therapy.
In the initial meeting with a counselor, the client may not understand the fundamental cause of his or her difficulties. The counselor must uncover the client’s difficulties and assist the client in determining which are most harmful. In this manner, the counselor and the client may work together to find answers to those concerns.
- Challenging As Well As Validating: Counselors who work in the mental health field must help their clients understand that it’s okay to be unhappy, anxious, furious, or any number of other emotions. In addition, counselors must push clients to do acts or adopt beliefs that run counter to their own, even if they are reluctant to do so. Excellent interpersonal & diplomatic abilities are required for the effective challenge.
- Competencies In A Diverse Population: It is essential for counselors, particularly guidance and school counselors to be able to work with diverse populations. Furthermore, counselors should know how a client’s ethnicity, cultural background, and financial status impact them. As a result, counselors may utilize this information to better understand and win the trust of their clients.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To make the best decision for yourself, you need to find a therapist who really can explain these strategies in further depth. There is a good probability that you will discover a treatment that works for you since these treatments have demonstrated effectiveness in the area of mental health.
