The Quality of Counseling

• The Case of Gary: Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself? by Jim Pretzer, 8/1/97
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    • Some therapies work, others don't, some we are not sure about by Paul Salkovskis, 9/15/97
      
      

The quality is, in turn comprised of many facets. The training and experience of the counselor are, of course, vital elements. But even more vital is the manner in which the counselor uses this training and experience. Too many counselors use their expertise as a podium from which they pontificate "cures" and cliches. We refer to clients as "our clients". But it is important to bear in mind that they are not "ours". They are responsible for their own growth. The counselor is merely the facilitator who provides needed information and support to make this job of growing less difficult. This means that we reflect the information that the clients give- both their conscious information, and that which they provide on an unconscious level. We are there to provide suggestions for alternative behavior and, likewise, suggestions of methods for the achievment of success. I believe that one size does not fit all. We must fit the method of counseling to the problem rather than having some multi-ingredient generic available that may be of some help to many, and no help to any. I consider myself an "Eclectic Therapist".

• Elements That Influence by Ginger Schenck, 7/15/98