Introduction
Integrative approach to counseling is the use of certain combinations and aspects of various schools of thoughts in promoting wellness of individuals. In this paper we are going to discussion the key concepts of integrative counseling, understanding the roles of counselors, their therapeutic goals on what they want to achieve and how they are going to do it, their ways of addressing issues of cultural diversity, central techniques that are likely to be employed and relationship issues to be considered. Major reason for choosing integrative theory is because it will help me know and understand y client better due to the unlimited interaction.
Key concepts of approaching integrative counseling
The key concept of my approach to integrative counseling is by ensuring that I understand the origin of the problem that individual is going through. By doing this I will be able to offer a good solution to the problem since am able to understand what had caused the problem in the first place. The problem might have been influenced by environmental factors like where they live, their surroundings and people they associate with and can also be influenced by internal factors like their emotions which are caused by something terrible happening to them like the death of a family member, losing a job and others. By getting all this factors am able to offer a good and lasting solution to the problem.
In order to ensure a good way of addressing the issue I have to set a good working environment which is quiet and devoid of any disturbances which ensures that the client is more relaxed and at ease hence they are more open and can talk without fear. If it is an issue that is affecting the person emotionally I have to ensure I approach the subject without being judgemental and understand what they are going through by ensuring that I try to put myself in their situation and understand what they are going through.
Have to find a solution to the problem. This can be found by ensuring that I understand the problem of my client so that I can be able to give a better and lasting solution to the problem at hand. If the problem my client is going through is influenced by internal factors like an abusive spouse I have to emphasize on the importance of good communication between them so as to get to the root of the problem and find a solution at the same time.
Roles of a counselor
The views of my role as a counselor are making sure that am a good listener. This is through being attentive and not interrupting the client as they talk because by being a good listener the client gains confidence and they are at ease because they realize that they are getting all the attention hence trusting me and becoming more open about their problem.
Have to create a good relationship with the client because by doing so they are able to trust me with their problems. They will see me as a friend they can talk to rather than a counselor who is just doing their work. I also have to create a good working atmosphere which is conducive and not in a noisy environment which diverts the attention of both the client and the counselor. A good working environment helps to relax the client as its safe and creates a feeling of respect and understanding.
As a good counselor I should ensure the problem that am helping the client with is not affected by the past experiences they underwent instead I should be able to deal with the problem at hand because all problems are not the same and they require different approach and solutions. By doing this am more mindful of their feelings and able to seek a more optimistic and untroubled future for them.
As a good counselor I should device ways and activities that can help in releasing the tension by creating simple relaxation methods like the client choosing to sit where they are more comfortable, offering them a cup of coffee or tea or ensuring that I put a more a comfortable couch which they can sit and relax.
Therapeutic goals and how to decide on them
The goals of my counseling is to ensure that the clients change their way of thinking because it’s a main contributor to most of life’s problems and will do this by imparting positive thinking in them and encouraging them to involve in positive activities.
I will also ensure that the clients know their worthy human beings and encourage them to make positive choices in life which affects them positively. Also impart healthy coping skills in them in that they are able to deal with most of the situations that they find themselves in whether good or bad. As a counselor my goal is to ensure that l understand my client’s cultural background and beliefs pattern so as to understand them better as this also helps in creating a good therapeutic relationship between each other.
This also helps in encouraging the clients to change their belief patterns despite the fact that they might be struggling with feelings of inequality. It encourages me to understand the family set up of the client, their relationship with other family members and how they influence them in their day to day activities. Help the client to overcome obstacles and make good choices in life and live a life they have always wanted.
Relationship issues to consider
As a counselor have to make sure that there is creation of a good relationship with each client by being genuine, respecting them and being concerned about them and creating an environment that is conducive where there is no room for judgments rather it’s supporting and empathizing with them.
Good relationship helps to see things from a client point of view. With this I can also disclose some of my personal information to the client touching on the issue that we are talking about to help them realize that they are not the only ones going through that problem. By doing this I gain their trust and am able to understand them better. I should also consider the victim’s family relations and also the friends. Understanding how he or she is coping with them and how the relationship between them is will help me get a good base for the whole counseling process in order to help the clients according to their expectations and those of the society.
Central techniques to employ
The techniques am likely to use during counseling will entirely depend on the qualities of the said client and their problems, the purpose of the counseling. I have to approach each client from a different angle as each client have different problems and find solutions for each of them.
As a counselor I have to use techniques from previous approaches and use them in the current problem that I am dealing with and this helps to address issues from each client in the form of behavior and emotional perspective. I will use techniques which help clients understand the society’s influence in their lives by encouraging them to work in groups, studying the bible together and also writing journals.
Will use techniques like debating on clients beliefs, giving them assignments to take home, being a role player in the life of the client, getting to learn skills to cope with, changing my clients thinking pattern and comforting beliefs which are faulty. Variety of techniques helps client understand and think about their beliefs and values, help them to behave positively so as to improve their lives and to be able to talk and express their problems and issues affecting their lives.
Addressing issues of cultural diversity
Many clients that I deal with come from different parts of the country with different cultural backgrounds and different beliefs and have to deal with them differently as some want to gain personal enrichment. This can be used in settings like; when counseling a group of client, individuals, couples, family members and intervention of a particular crisis.
Have to work with a diverse clientele from different cultural backgrounds who have various problems like adjusting to various changes in life which results into being anxious and leaves the client depressed and emotionally drained due to dissatisfaction in life. I have to empathize with them and get to know what they are going through by understanding their feelings and letting them know the meaning of life. I will try and gain the clients trust and allow them to express what they are feeling towards their current situation and get information on their background, views on their spirituality, values and beliefs. Would encourage the clients to be responsible and supportive and show them new ways of behaving and thinking hence giving their life new meaning.
As counselor will devise ways that will help fit my clients despite the pressures they face on their day to day activities. Encourage them to overcome obstacles that they have put on themselves or have been put by other people in their life. Allow my clients to keep notes taken during counseling session so as to help develop their level of confidence and become independent by using them in their everyday life.
In conclusion, to develop good integrated approach to counseling I must apply techniques which help in meeting the client’s needs. As a counselor I have to make sure that am able to deal properly with the issues and problems of client’s by making sure that I am a good listener, understanding their beliefs, values and cultural background. I should be able to find lasting solutions to client’s problems and issues affecting them and in conclusion I should be able to create a good working atmosphere where the client is comfortable and a quiet place and advice clients to take full responsibility of their lives and show them where to begin. My major aim towards achieving my goals is creating a good relationship with the clients and ensuring that I clearly know and understand them both internally and externally.
Works cited
C.Bleuer, Garry R.Walz and Dr Jeanne. Vistas Online. N.B. N.B. 2004. Sunday April 2012
Corey, Gerald. Art of integrative counseling. California: Cengage Learning,2009, 2008.
