Dr LeCrone
03-24-2006, 03:01 PM
Last week we discussed the selection of the proper counselor. This week we will examine some kinds of counseling approaches and attempt to answer some questions the average person will have as he begins and seeks treatment.
• Most individuals will be vague about counseling and psychotherapy approaches and will ask: What does treatment consist of and how is it planned?
There are many counseling and psychotherapy approaches, some emphasizing longer term therapy that will help the patient develop insight into his problems. Others emphasize shorter term help in which the patient is expected to take much of the responsibility for his improvement.
Other therapies involve working in groups or utilizing some mechanical means to aid in therapy, such as biofeedback. At other times, hypnosis or relaxation skills are emphasized in treatment.
• Another question is: Can the client choose the treatment? Finding what is best suited for the individuals is dependent on both the counselor or therapist and the client. With the many techniques available, however, the individual has a few options open to him.
Often, a hospital or clinic with intervals practicing together utilizes several of these techniques. The client then has the opportunity to work with the form of counseling best suited to him. Sometimes, two or more of these techniques and procedures can be used together to make the counseling more effective.
• What about physical problems requiring medical diagnosis? Many physical problems such as headaches, stomach problems, insomnia and eating disorders have a psychological basis. These should always be checked by a physician. After the physician rules out any organic or medical reason for the problem, then referral to a professional counselor may be appropriate.
• Does the client need to go to a hospital? In some cases the individual’s problems can best be treated in a hospital setting. More intensive, broader treatments are present in most hospital settings.
• How soon should results be evident? Expecting quick results for most psychological problems is usually unrealistic. One or two visits are rarely sufficient to adequately evaluate and treat more problems. Remember that most problems requiring counseling didn’t develop overnight. Consequently, they can’t be remedied overnight.
• Should I tell my boss or my family? Being open with one’s family and employer when in the process of receiving help is generally the best policy. Admitting that a problem exists to one’s family and employer is often one of the first steps needed in an effective treatment plan. In today’s society, full of psychological stress and strain, most people realize that expecting to get through life without some possible need of counseling is naïve and unrealistic.
Current counseling techniques give individuals and families the opportunity to receive help for problems encountered in today’s fast paced and stressful society. Early recognition of these problems, willingness to seek help, and seeking help before the problem becomes too sever increase the probability that the counseling effort will be short term and relatively inexpensive in terms of both time and money.
Working as a partner with the professional counselor can lead to a healthier and happier outlook in life.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984
• Most individuals will be vague about counseling and psychotherapy approaches and will ask: What does treatment consist of and how is it planned?
There are many counseling and psychotherapy approaches, some emphasizing longer term therapy that will help the patient develop insight into his problems. Others emphasize shorter term help in which the patient is expected to take much of the responsibility for his improvement.
Other therapies involve working in groups or utilizing some mechanical means to aid in therapy, such as biofeedback. At other times, hypnosis or relaxation skills are emphasized in treatment.
• Another question is: Can the client choose the treatment? Finding what is best suited for the individuals is dependent on both the counselor or therapist and the client. With the many techniques available, however, the individual has a few options open to him.
Often, a hospital or clinic with intervals practicing together utilizes several of these techniques. The client then has the opportunity to work with the form of counseling best suited to him. Sometimes, two or more of these techniques and procedures can be used together to make the counseling more effective.
• What about physical problems requiring medical diagnosis? Many physical problems such as headaches, stomach problems, insomnia and eating disorders have a psychological basis. These should always be checked by a physician. After the physician rules out any organic or medical reason for the problem, then referral to a professional counselor may be appropriate.
• Does the client need to go to a hospital? In some cases the individual’s problems can best be treated in a hospital setting. More intensive, broader treatments are present in most hospital settings.
• How soon should results be evident? Expecting quick results for most psychological problems is usually unrealistic. One or two visits are rarely sufficient to adequately evaluate and treat more problems. Remember that most problems requiring counseling didn’t develop overnight. Consequently, they can’t be remedied overnight.
• Should I tell my boss or my family? Being open with one’s family and employer when in the process of receiving help is generally the best policy. Admitting that a problem exists to one’s family and employer is often one of the first steps needed in an effective treatment plan. In today’s society, full of psychological stress and strain, most people realize that expecting to get through life without some possible need of counseling is naïve and unrealistic.
Current counseling techniques give individuals and families the opportunity to receive help for problems encountered in today’s fast paced and stressful society. Early recognition of these problems, willingness to seek help, and seeking help before the problem becomes too sever increase the probability that the counseling effort will be short term and relatively inexpensive in terms of both time and money.
Working as a partner with the professional counselor can lead to a healthier and happier outlook in life.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984