Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Some assumptions• We value being well-trained and skilled, continuously
improve our theoretical knowledge, and that we see ourselves a life-long learners.
• We strive to conduct ourselves in a professional and ethical manner at all times.
• A committment to excellence in person and practice.
• A good knowledge, understanding, and adherence to the ethical guidelines of PACFA, ACA, CCAA, QCA, (or whichever association you belong to).
• We are Christian counsellors who have a Christian world view, and a Christian view of what it means to be human.
Outline
• Our purpose as Christian counsellors
• Our basis for confidence• A cautiously carefree pursuit of
excellence• Attending to the person of the
counsellor
Skills and knowledge account for 15% of the therapeutic process
The other 85% comprises the person of the counsellor
Research Findings
“It is not the theories and techniques that heal the suffering client, but the human dimension of therapy and the ‘meetings’ that occur between therapist and client as they work together” (Elkins, 2009).
“For therapy to be therapeutic, it is more important for the clinician to understand people than to master specific treatment techniques”(Williams, 1999).
“…the human component is the foundation of our efforts to help others. The improvement of psychotherapy may be best accomplished by learning to improve one’s ability to relate to clients and tailoring that relationship to individual clients “ (Lambert & Barley, 2001).
Research Findings (cont.)
“The kind of person a therapist is remains the most critical factor
affecting the client and promoting change. If practitioners possess wide knowledge, both theoretical
and practical, yet lack human qualities of compassion, caring, good faith, honesty, presence,
realness, and sensitivity, they are more like technicians.”
(Corey, 2013, p 7)
‘one of the most important instruments you have to work with
as a counsellor is yourself as a person… abundant research
indicates the centrality of the person of the counsellor as a
primary factor in successful therapy’ (Corey, 2013, p 18)
Personal Characteristicsof a Counsellor as a Professional
Effective therapists…• Have an identity – know who they are• Respect and appreciate themselves• Are open to change• Make choices that are life-oriented• Are authentic, sincere, and honest• Have a sense of humour• Make mistakes and are willing to admit them• Generally live in the present• Appreciate the influence of culture
Counsellor characteristics (cont)
• Have a sincere interest in the wellbeing of others
• Possess effective personal skills• Become deeply involved in their work and
derive meaning from it• Are passionate• Are able to maintain healthy boundaries
(Corey, 2013, pp 19-20)
Counsellor characteristics (cont)
Genuine interest in others Empathic abilities Personal warmth Self-awareness Tolerance of ambiguity Awareness of values
(Tan, 2011, p 15)
Unique characteristics of Christian Counsellors
o Christ-centeredo Biblically basedo Spirit filled
(Tan, 2011, p 15)
o Appropriation of faitho Integration of psychological & spiritual
experience(Tan, 2001)
A poet writes…
"I am a hole in a flute that the Christ's breath moves through."
--Hafiz
1. Viewing ourselves as instruments, in what area/s could we be more open to growth?
2. What one thing professionally could you do to be more responsive to God?
OUR PURPOSE AS CHRISTIAN COUNSELLORS
OUR BASIS FOR CONFIDENCE
• Knowing where & how we fit
• The work is not the call - work as an opportunity to express
the call
• We are not alone
A CAUTIOUSLY CAREFREE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
•Be alert, listen carefully, diligently put into practice what He has revealed
•Respond quickly to His challenges
•Treat ourselves as we would want to be treated
•Put mistakes right quickly
•Forgive (ourselves and others) as we are forgiven
•Live in and offer to others His undeserved grace
Attending to the Person of the Counsellor
Being a good steward means maintenance of the
exquisite instrumentyou are
BurnoutBurnout among Mental
Health Providers
• 21-67% High levels of burnout
• 54% High emotional exhaustion
• 38% High depersonalization rates
(Morse et al. , 2012)
Compassion Fatigue & Burnout
Compassion Fatigue
•Happens quickly and is often easier to recover from.
•Feeling swamped by others’ trauma and emotional stress, and other similar symptoms to burnout.
“I’m tired of other people’s drama.”
Burnout•Builds subtly over time.
•Feeling overextended, emotionally exhausted, and reduced efficacy.
•Depersonalization (cynicism), depleted, fatigued, apathy, loss of empathy, stuck in a rut, negative, loss of passion.
“I’m not meant for this work.”
Burnout untreated
Increased risk for…
Depression Anxiety
Sleep problems Impaired memory Neck & back pain
Alcohol consumptionRelationship problems
Major contributor to Burnout
Lack of clarity around purpose
A first step “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on
religion? Come to me. Get away with me and
you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how
to take a real rest. Walk with me and
work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of
grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep
company with me and you’ll learn to live
freely and lightly.” Matt 28:11 (The Message)
Supervision as Self-care
Being willing to consult is a sign of professionalism
Regular consultation with colleagues & supervisors
is an ethical obligation
Be 100% instead of giving 100%
In Summary
• Our purpose as Christian counsellors
• Our basis for confidence
• A cautiously carefree pursuit of excellence
• Attending to the person of the counsellor
RefreshmenT
References
Alexander, I. (no date). Integration in the practice of Christian counsellors – behaviour, beliefs and being. Retrieved from http://www.ccaa.net.au/documents/CCAACounsellingIntegration.pdf
Andreula, T.J. (no date). Burnout in Mental Health Professionals. Retrieved from http://pro.psychcentral.com/burnout-in-mental-health-professionals/00771.html
Corey, G. (2013). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (9th ed.). Belmont, CA, USA: Brooks/Cole Cengage.
Corey, G (2010). The Person of the Counsellor, keynote address to the American Counselling Association, Pittsburgh Conference, Sunday 21 March. Retrieved fromhttp://www.slideshare.net/louiebeth/counselor-as-person-and-professionals
Elkins, D. N. (2009). Humanistic psychology: A clinical manifesto. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
Lambert, M. J. & Barley, D. E. (2001). Research summary on the therapeutic relationship and psychotherapy outcome. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 38(4), 357-361. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.38.4.357
Morse, G., Salyers, M. P., Rollins, A. L., Monroe-DeVita, M., & Pfahler, C. (2012). Burnout in Mental Health Services: A Review of the Problem and Its Remediation. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 39(5), 341-352.doi: 10.1007/s10488-011-0352-1
Smith, C. (2015). Burnout Self-Test. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTCS_08.htm
Wampold, B. E. (2001). The great psychotherapy debate: Models, methods, and findings. (Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum).
Tan, S. (2011). Counselling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.
