Why Did You Become a Helper? - Learning from Our Mistakes

In Episode 218 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly discuss this week's three topics:

In 'Counselling Foundations', we'll look at the importance of knowing why you want to work in the service of others.

Then in 'Focus on Self', Rory and Ken discuss learning from our mistakes.

And lastly in 'Practice Matters', Rory speaks with Marion Elkin-Greener about counselling clients with addiction.

Why Did You Become a Helper? [starts at 02:07 mins]

Knowing why you've chosen to work in the service of others will help you develop a level of understanding and motivation to do well.

The key points of this section include:

When you have a strong 'why', the 'how' you do things will fall into place.

When it gets hard or lonely, you can look back to your 'why'.

Make sure you're in a position to help others - you're putting yourself in emotional harm's way. You will require emotional robustness.

Self-evaluation - be honest with, and know yourself fully.

Learning from Our Mistakes [starts at 15:33 mins]

Everybody makes mistakes; it's owning up to them and deciding how to move forwards that matters.

The main factors of this discussion are:

Reflexivity - reflect, think over your actions and what you can do better in the future.

Own up to mistakes - this allows you to move past them, most mistakes can often be resolved with an apology.

Most mistakes are made without malice or intention.

We're just human, it's natural to make mistakes.

Counselling Clients with Addiction [starts at 30:31 mins]

This week, Rory speaks with Marion Elkin-Greener on treating clients suffering from addiction.

The key points include:

Working with addictions requires extra training, but the core needs don't change (empathy, positive regard etc.)

There are differences in how you treat each form of addiction e.g. you will treat an alcohol addiction differently from drug addiction.

There is slang you'll have to adapt to and recognise.

It's referred to as treatment - goal centered.

Family therapy - addiction often affects those around the client.

Relapse will be a part of the recovery process - it's important the client is aware of this to help prevent feelings of shame and failure.

Educate clients on other websites etc. that they can go to for additional help and support.

When counselling clients with addiction, it's vital to have an open mind and be non-judgemental.

Links and Resources

Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision

Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide

Counsellor CPD

Counselling Study Resource

Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide

Counselling Tutor Shop

Facebook group

Website

Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner's Guide

Online and Telephone Counselling Course