Elements That Influence

• The Case of Gary: Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself? by Jim Pretzer, 8/1/97
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    • The Quality of Counseling by Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D., 7/11/98
      
      

The quality of counseling is very much a combination of factors. Some of which are knowledge and experience in different "theories". The quality of the counselor is perhaps more readily assessed by their own personal growth and self attitude. One can KNOW a lot and FUNCTION very poorly. The knowledge obtained through courses, books, workshops etc. is of little value if the therapist can not translate it into use. The ability to translate the information into use is sometimes hindered by the therapist's own issues, bias, preconceived schemas, etc. The interesting point is HOW do we become eclectic? If you view being eclectic as a conscious decision to use a variety of approaches, picking those best suited to the needs of the client, etc. Direction still needs to be determined so one does not end up with a hodge podge of interventions that do not fully address the problem. On the other hand it is harder to be eclectic than one might believe. First the therapist's own belief system will function somewhat as a screening device. It is impossible to believe and to implement everything. Much of what we accept will be based on our own life experiences, personal therapy and the approach used, etc. Second one can not know and do everything to a competent degree. While I believe it is certainly valuable to pick and choose, there is a limit to being able to do so. When is it more effective to be an "expert" in an approach or a few approaches then to know a little about a lot? In addition I find it interesting to note in my studies that professors proclaim to be offering a broad view of theory, when in fact it is usually quite obvious that they have favorite theories. So even though they state that everyone must pick and choose for themselves they are in fact shaping and modeling others to follow the same paths.

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