Integrative Perspectives. Self-Reflection--An Important Process for the Therapist

Journal of Creativity in Mental Health

Stech

Douglas

et al. 2010

Self-reflection, creativity, and experiential education are effective teaching strategies for counselor educators. Understanding and conceptualizing client cases can feel overwhelming for counselors-in-training. This article describes how the process of case conceptualization can be enhanced through the use of film. A case example is provided of how one student was able to creatively conceptualize a client through the use of film. The student's creation-The Addiction Web-is a serendipitous and visual diagram illustrating a comprehensive and compassionate understanding of a client with complex addiction issues.

Section: Theory and Case Conceptualization Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Theory and Case Conceptualization Developmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing Case Conceptualization Through Film: The Addiction Web

Journal of Creativity in Mental Health

Stech

Douglas

et al. 2010

“…Several authors have suggested writing as a powerful strategy for processing difficult experiences and emotions (Gladding, 2007;La Torre, 2005). We feel that it is well suited for counselors who are restricted by professional parameters from processing the difficulties they experience at work with their personal support network.…”

Section: Writing For Wellnessmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Journaling, a personal form of expressive writing, deepens self-reflection, introspection, and provides "clarity regarding issues, concerns, conflicts, and confusions" (Lent, 2009, p. 69). Journal writing invites self-reflection, opening the door to greater self-awareness, and thus promotes professional and personal growth (Gladding, 1987;Griffith & Frieden, 2000;La Torre, 2005;Milling, 2007;Mio & Barker-Hackett, 2003;Pittman, 2005;Watt et al, 2009). Although often presented as a useful intervention for clients and students, counselors can use writing as a method for emotional regulation and self-care.…”

Section: Writing For Wellnessmentioning

confidence: 98%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Breathing Words Slowly: Creative Writing and Counselor Self-Care—The Writing Workout

Morgan

Morris

et al. 2010

WCMH

Professional counselors work daily with compassion and connection, yet must also manage trauma and pain. Clients' stories of loneliness, fear, abuse, and anger frequently fill the landscape of a counselor's work. Counselors may experience burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma by failing to recognize and adequately address the negative emotions and thoughts they may unintentionally carry from their work. By prioritizing and attending to self-awareness and self-care, counselors maintain their clinical efficacy and personal well-being. This article presents creative writing as a valuable self-care technique, offers a writing structure for counselors to use, and includes two brief illustrations of creative writing that promote self-care.Spring comes with its flowers, autumn with the moon, summer with breezes, winter with snow; when useless things don't stick in the mind, that is your best season.

Falling From Grace: Understanding an Ethical Sanctioning Experience

Douglas

2012

Counseling and Values

Although an ethical sanction is viewed as an incredibly stressful event for professional counselors, the experience of being sanctioned is not well known. This article provides an overview of the sanctioning process, a discussion of professional silence, and a case example of a sanctioning experience for a counselor. The sanctioning experience is described in a 3-stage response sequence and is illustrated with journal entries from a sanctioned counselor. Response interventions for each stage are suggested, and implications for the counseling profession are offered.