Understanding the Process of Counseling: the Beginning, Middle and End.
By Kim Rose
Have you ever heard the phrase, “If you had a magic wand what would you change?” Sometimes counselors use that phrase to get an idea of a client’s ideal dream, concern, wishes and thoughts. A counselor is a guide to assist clients in the direction they want to go. A support person in a client’s life. The client is the expert of themselves. Change takes time depending on the issues, and can be difficult. Understanding the process of counseling is important.
Counseling is done in a variety of styles and ways. It is having a conversation with a purpose. Counseling has a beginning, middle and end. The beginning is usually where people are somewhat relieved thinking they may get the guidance they need. Sometimes people are nervous at this stage. The counselor, client relationship will be established during this time.
The middle is where all the hard work and action is implemented. This is where many clients can be tempted to dropout of counseling, or they may stay in a stage of contemplating, fearful to move to that action stage where change occurs. There may be setbacks during this stage, but this is ok. It is more important to learn alternative ways of thinking and behaving, and try them on for size.
The ending occurs after the client and counselor believe the client’s goals and objectives are fulfilled. It is important that the client can take what is learned in the counseling session, and implement it outside the session into their world. The ending can be difficult for both counselor and client, but like many relationships it has a purpose. Encouraging the client to embrace who they are, who they have become, and the changes they have made is the reward.
During the counseling process, you’ll be:
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Gaining insight and understanding of yourself.
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Becoming more self-aware of thoughts and behaviors.
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Using what you learn to implement change.
Again, it is imperative that the counselor and the client commit to working hard together to implement real change. This process involves the client’s active participation and full commitment to provide the best benefits overall.
Are you ready? Call Anchorpoint at 412-366-1300 to begin the process of hope and healing or fill out an online intake form here.
Kim Rose is an intern at Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry. She is graduating this spring with a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Waynesburg University.
