Bshs 312 - Personal Model of Helping

Personal Model of Helping

BSHS 312

May 2, 2012

Personal Model of Helping

There are many models of counseling and I believe that as a counselor my job is to accept the responsibility of helping individuals in need. This paper will discuss my personal model of helping and I will incorporate what my learning experience has been from this course. Next I will discuss how and why I have, at this point in my development, formed these viewpoints. This paper will include my view of the relationship between the clinician and the participant, techniques or approaches to change as well as the kinds of problems that can be addressed by using the model which I have chosen. Then I will address multicultural issues, limitations and strengths of the model, the populations this model can help and my original thoughts. As a human service worker I will find that some issues are simple, and some are complicated, but my dedication to resolving the issue should always remain the same.

My View of Helping Others

My personal model of helping is the Carl Rogers' person centered approach. The person centered approach developed by Carl Rogers' uses the theory which believes therapist should have unconditional positive regard for the client he or she is providing services (Parrott, 2003). I think the therapist's role requires me to make myself available but, to also have set boundaries established since I am in a peculiar relationship. Having respect and being honest is very important. In the same way, I believe it is how the therapist behaves that determines the success or failure of a client and convinces others to participate in a meaningful way (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). These behaviors must be sincere to build and implement an effective therapeutic process with the client (Murphy & Dillon, C. 2003).

Additionally, I believe that it is a difficult task to help a client without viewing them through optimistic eyes because this will help me to not be judgmental as well as to see their positive traits. When people pay close attention to each other or their client's verbal and nonverbal communication it will help them to accurately see and understand what is being said or communicated. Furthermore it leads to the therapist obtaining understanding and being able to support the client in the goals he or she has established. Equally important, is for the client to know that he or she is being heard as well as to know that his or her opinions are valued.

For instance, the way an individual was reared as a child may have an effect on their behavior. These maladaptive behaviors will lead to anger, then to withdrawal and this is not good, because they all prevent him or her from adjusting to the everyday demands of life. However, as the therapist I would not allow him or her to continue to blame their issues on their childhood upbringing but teach them ways to cope and change. Moreover, as a therapist, I would help use positive reinforcement along with role playing help them to see that there are healthier alternatives to taking responsibility and managing their issues.

Relationship between Clinician and Participant

As the therapist, it is necessary and important to have effective interpersonal skills and a requirement to have some type of working agreement with the participant in order to proceed with the work (Murphy & Dillon, 2003). Additionally, in order for me to be effective in my therapeutic relationship, I will need to gather and analyze important information and develop a plan. I have learned that therapy is most effective when there is a trusting relationship between the therapist and the participant. Equally important, privacy is important and legally I will not disclose or share any information without consent. Moreover, building the participants trust, confidence, self-esteem, and promoting a comfortable and safe atmosphere is important to moving forward in a good therapeutic relationship.

I would use the technique of role-playing as a means of assisting the participant in developing his or her individual sense of clarity and understanding. Discussing that there will be failures and successes with the participant will also help. This is a learning process and being open and honest as the clinician is important (Parrott, 2003). Sharing experiences opens the door for new discussion, and it closes the doors that suggest she has all the answers and knowledge (Murphy & Dillon, 2003). Overall, by being direct using Carl Rogers Rational-Emotive Approach would help build a foundation for the relationship with my participant to know when he or she is right or wrong, progressing or regressing as well as to help them maintain stability.

Techniques or Approaches to Change

As a clinician, I would use Rational-Emotive Therapy and cognitive behavior therapy to help the client confront and overcome his or her irrational thinking as soon as possible (Parrott, 2003). While assertive and verbal, I would use persuasion to debate my clients' self-defeating behaviors also. Rational Emotive therapy will help me to teach my client to take responsibility for his or her own actions. In the same way, I would teach my client the value of self-worth and this does not depend on what someone else thinks. Furthermore, I would help them to change their own negative views of others and this would help to become aware and control their own negative emotions towards others (Parrott, 2003).

For example, if my client is having anxiety attacks I would help him or her find the source of this anxiety by righting down what makes him or her angry or sad. I would use role play to get them to talk about what makes them happy or sad until they become comfortable with the issues that triggers these emotions. Additionally, in my efforts to maintain honesty in the therapeutic sessions, I would confront the client and challenge him or her use their logical or rational thinking to help them control and overcome their irrational thoughts and behaviors. Equally important, as the therapist I would also use self-talk and positive thinking to reinforce my client as well as model the desired behaviors in and out of the therapeutic sessions.

The Kinds of Problems That Are Addressed with This Model

The kinds of problems that could be addressed with my personal use of Rational Emotive Therapy to treat clients affected from disorders are anxiety, depression, drug abuse, anger, and stress to