Will There Be a Couch?What to Expect From Counseling

PresenterDwight Bain

Dwight Bain is a trusted professional with over 25 years of experience in solving problems. He is a nationally certified

counselor with more than 37,000 hours of clinical experience, a professional communicator, and a certified life coach. He specializes in motivating corporate teams

by coaching business leaders to successfully grow stronger with strategic change. He has spoken to more than 3,000 groups since 1976 and was recognized by Toastmasters International as one of the best public

speakers in Florida. Bain is a certified corporate trainer by the Fred Pryor & Career Track personal development companies and a professional member of the National Speakers Association. Dwight Bain has spent decades

developing strategic ways to successfully master change, manage pressure, and motivate people.

Learning Objectives

By the end of today’s session, you should be able to:

• Discuss some of the myths and realities of counseling

• Identify different types of therapy and counselors

• Understand what to expect in a counseling session

• Discuss tips for selecting a counselor

Quote

“What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”

~Plutarch

Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/quotes

Poll

Which of these words best describes your current opinion toward counseling?

A. Positive

B. Negative

C. Neutral

Myths and Realities of Counseling

Myth #1 : Counseling is only for people with serious mental health issues.

Reality : Not true! Many people attend counseling when they come to a point in their lives when nothing seems to be seriously wrong, but they don’t know which way to turn next . Some people access counseling when they are simply struggling with a specific situation or concern in their life. Others use it as a means of personal or professional development .

Myths and Realities of Counseling cont’d

Myth #2 : Only weak people who can’t cope with life seek counseling.

Reality : The opposite is actually true! Sometimes life throws you a curveball that you can find difficult to manage on your own. It takes inner strength to acknowledge that you could benefit from addressing it in counseling . It also takes self-awareness to recognize this and courage to be willing to proactively deal with the challenges you are facing.

Myths and Realities of Counseling cont’d

Myth #3 : Counseling is only for serious problems.

Reality : While counseling can help people facing serious issues, counseling is also available for assistance with everyday issues such as stress, anxiety, or work-life balance . You don’t have to wait until things spiral out of control before seeking support – counseling can help nip things in the bud before things become too serious.

Myths and Realities of Counseling cont’d

Myth #4 : How can a stranger possibly help?

Reality : Discussing your concerns with an impartial professional is one of the reasons that counseling is so effective. Counselors have the training and skills to provide you with unbiased insights and support , which may help you speak more openly about your situation without fear of being judged or criticized. This can free you up to make the decision that’s right for you. Counseling can often give you a fresh perspective.

Myths and Realities of Counseling cont’d

Myth #5 : I’ve tried counseling before and it doesn’t work.

Reality : There are a number of reasons that may have led you to believe this but as long as you are open to the counseling process, you can have a different and more positive experience this time around . On rare occasions, the fit between a person and a counselor might not be right.

Definitions

Counseling : “professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes.”Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counseling

Therapy : “literally means ‘curing, healing’…among psychologists, the term may refer specifically to psychotherapy or ‘talk therapy'.”Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Therapy and http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=therapy&searchmode=none

Types of Counselors

• Psychologist

• Social Worker

• Counselor

• Marriage and family therapist

• Psychiatrists

Types of Psychotherapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) = beliefs

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) = behaviors

• Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapies = unconscious

• Acceptance and commitment therapy = adapt and cope

Types of Psychotherapy cont’d

• Supportive psychotherapy = stress/challenges

• Interpersonal therapy = relationships

• Support groups = peers

Poll

Based on the different types of therapy discussed, which one do you think you or a loved one might be

most interested in?

A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (beliefs)

B. Dialectical behavior therapy (behaviors)

C. Psychodynamic and psychoanalysis therapies (unconscious)

D. Acceptance and commitment therapy (adapt and cope)

E. Supportive psychotherapy (stress/challenges)

F. Interpersonal therapy (relationships)

G. Support groups (peers)

Therapy Formats

• Individual

• Couples

• Family

• Group

Expectations

• Why are you here?

• Personal history and current situation

• Current symptoms

• Goals

• Confidentiality

• Number of sessions

• Length of sessions

Selecting the “Right” Therapist

• Experience

• Licensing

• Types of treatments

• Gut instinct

Remember that the therapist cannot change you; you must engage to change your outcome!

Who Pays for the Therapy?

• Insurance

• Self-payment (includes low-cost community agencies)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (short-term)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employer paid program

• No copayments

• Friends and family may also be eligible

• Short-term model

• Contact EAP directly for a referral

Take Action!

“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.”

~Charles Swindoll

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2013/05/28/inspirational-quotes/

Thank you!

Questions?

Please complete the short online evaluation after exiting from this webinar.

Works CitedDuckworth, K., M.D. & Feedman, J., M.D. Treatment and services. (2012, July).

Retrieved March 11, 2014, from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=About_Treatments_and_Supports&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=10510

Mayo Clinic Staff. What you can expect. (2013, January 5). Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20013335

Ainsworth, M. How to choose a competent counselor. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2014, from http://www.metanoia.org/choose/gethelp13.htm

Smith, M. M.A. & Segal, J. Ph.D. Finding a therapist who can help you heal. (2014, February). Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/psychotherapy_therapist_counseling.htm

Bressert, S. What to expect in your first counseling session. (2006). Retrieved March 11, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-to-expect-in-your-first-counseling-session/000116