Mental Health Counseling

Mental Health CounselingMental Health Counseling
• Counseling is an art and scienceCounseling is an art and science
• It’s a short term, interpersonal,It’s a short term, interpersonal,
theory based, helpingtheory based, helping
profession.profession.
• Aim to resolves developmentalAim to resolves developmental
and situational difficulties.and situational difficulties.
Sunday, February 25, 2018Sunday, February 25, 2018
Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of Counseling. AbosarBook Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of Counseling. Abosar
Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100 ISBN: 978-984-8798-22-5,Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100 ISBN: 978-984-8798-22-5,
Dkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.comDkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.com
1

Mental Health CounselingMental Health Counseling
• Target to basically well functioning,Target to basically well functioning,
psychologically healthy person.psychologically healthy person.
• Counseling helps to bring change inCounseling helps to bring change in
life-life-
• Change in thoughtChange in thought
• Change in emotionChange in emotion
• Change in behaviorChange in behavior
Sunday, February 25, 2018Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials ofBook Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of
Counseling. Abosar Prokashana Sangstha,Counseling. Abosar Prokashana Sangstha,
2

What is not counselingWhat is not counseling
• Counseling is NOT advisingCounseling is NOT advising
• Is NOT Deciding for othersIs NOT Deciding for others
• Is NOT solving others problemIs NOT solving others problem
• Is NOT just suggestionIs NOT just suggestion
• IS NOT sellingIS NOT selling
• Is NOT compellingIs NOT compelling
• IS NOT directingIS NOT directing
• Is NOT giving quick answerIs NOT giving quick answer
Sunday, February 25, 2018Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
Essentials of Counseling. AbosarEssentials of Counseling. Abosar
3

Availing CounselingAvailing Counseling
• Does not mean that person isDoes not mean that person is
mentally ill!mentally ill!
• In fact, counseling is for thoseIn fact, counseling is for those
people who has not any psychoticpeople who has not any psychotic
symptomssymptoms
Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of Counseling. AbosarBook Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of Counseling. Abosar
Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100 ISBN: 978-984-8798-22-Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100 ISBN: 978-984-8798-22-
5, Dkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.com5, Dkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.com4

Goals of counselingGoals of counseling
• Facilitating behavioral changeFacilitating behavioral change
• Enhancing one's coping skillEnhancing one's coping skill
• Promoting decision makingPromoting decision making
• Improving relationshipsImproving relationships
• Facilitating one’s potentialsFacilitating one’s potentials
Sunday, February 25, 2018Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of Counseling. AbosarBook Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of Counseling. Abosar
Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100 ISBN: 978-984-8798-Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100 ISBN: 978-984-8798-
22-5, Dkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.com
5

Special AreasSpecial Areas
• Career counselingCareer counseling
• HIV/AIDS counselingHIV/AIDS counseling
• Industrial/Organizational counselingIndustrial/Organizational counseling
• School counselingSchool counseling
• Drug & Addiction counselingDrug & Addiction counseling
• Family & marriage counselingFamily & marriage counseling
• Feminist counselingFeminist counseling
Sunday, February 25, 2018Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials ofBook Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017). Essentials of
Counseling. Abosar Prokashana Sangstha,Counseling. Abosar Prokashana Sangstha,
6

Forms of CounselingForms of Counseling
7

Ethical considerationEthical consideration
• Counselor’s responsibilityCounselor’s responsibility
• Counselor’s competence,Counselor’s competence,
education & trainingeducation & training
• SupervisionSupervision
• ConsultationConsultation
• Continued educationContinued education
• ConfidentialityConfidentiality
• Social &personal relationshipSocial &personal relationship
• TouchingTouching
• Erotic & sexual contactErotic & sexual contact
8
Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).

My JobMy Job
• Conducting individual counselingConducting individual counseling
• Conducting group counselingConducting group counseling
• Conducting workshopsConducting workshops
• Conducting Focus Group DiscussionConducting Focus Group Discussion
9

NOTION AND MISCONCEPTION ABOUT COUNSELINGNOTION AND MISCONCEPTION ABOUT COUNSELING
Myth #1: Counseling is only for “crazy
people” or people with
“problems”.
Myth #2: Counselor’s role is to give
“advice.”
Myth #3: Counseling is a last resort.
Myth #4: Counselor does not know me and
can’t help me.
Myth #5: Counselors just sit there, nod,
and stay silent.
Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
Essentials of Counseling. Abosar
10

Myth #6: Counseling takes forever.
Myth #7: Everyone will know I'm seeing a
counselor.
Myth #8: Couples counseling always
makes one person the villain.
Myth #9: Counseling will change who I am
forever.
Myth #10: Therapy is like having a paid
friend.
Myth #11: Therapy will cost a fortune.
11

Myth # 12: Therapists will blame you and
shame you.
Myth #13: Medication is just as effective
as
therapy.
Myth # 14: Therapy is passive.
Myth # 15: Therapy is all happy thoughts.
Myth # 16: There's nothing you can do
about the past.
Myth #17: Therapy will make your painful
problems worse.
12

The fear of having to reveal yourself to otherThe fear of having to reveal yourself to other
people.people.
The fear of having to confess shamefulThe fear of having to confess shameful
behavior.behavior.
The fear of being criticized or made fun of.The fear of being criticized or made fun of.
The fear of being made sicker by other groupThe fear of being made sicker by other group
member's problems or illness.member's problems or illness.
The fear that what is said will be gossipedThe fear that what is said will be gossiped
about to others outside the group, or thatabout to others outside the group, or that
members will discuss you behind your back.members will discuss you behind your back.
Perceived goal incompatibility.Perceived goal incompatibility.
Procedural Misconceptions and FearsProcedural Misconceptions and Fears
13

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and aWhat’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a
psychologist?psychologist?
A psychiatrist has an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) orA psychiatrist has an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) or
DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and has chosen to specializeDO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and has chosen to specialize
in the branch of medicine that focuses on mental healthin the branch of medicine that focuses on mental health
issues. A psychiatrist treats patients by talking with themissues. A psychiatrist treats patients by talking with them
as well as by prescribing medication (if needed).as well as by prescribing medication (if needed).
Psychologists have one of these degrees: PhD (Doctor ofPsychologists have one of these degrees: PhD (Doctor of
Philosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), or EdDPhilosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), or EdD
(Doctor of Education). A psychologist treats patients by(Doctor of Education). A psychologist treats patients by
talking with them but does not prescribe medication. Iftalking with them but does not prescribe medication. If
medication is needed, a psychologist will refer themedication is needed, a psychologist will refer the
patient to an MD such as a psychiatrist, a familypatient to an MD such as a psychiatrist, a family
physician, or another type of MD.physician, or another type of MD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q-1Q-1
14

FAQsFAQs
What's the difference between the terms “What's the difference between the terms “
counseling,” “therapy” and “psychotherapy”?counseling,” “therapy” and “psychotherapy”?
In one sense, there are no differences since theyIn one sense, there are no differences since they
all imply that you talk to a mental healthall imply that you talk to a mental health
professional to help solve various problems inprofessional to help solve various problems in
your life.your life.
In another sense, there is a significant difference.In another sense, there is a significant difference.
I view the term counseling to mean that a short-I view the term counseling to mean that a short-
term and very focused approach is taken towardterm and very focused approach is taken toward
solving the client's problems. I view the termsolving the client's problems. I view the term
psychotherapy to mean that a long-term and morepsychotherapy to mean that a long-term and more
in-depth approach is taken. The term therapy isin-depth approach is taken. The term therapy is
simply an abbreviated version of the termsimply an abbreviated version of the term
psychotherapy.psychotherapy.
Q-2Q-2
15

FAQsFAQs
Q-3Q-3 What's the difference between a counselor, therapist,What's the difference between a counselor, therapist,
psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, socialpsychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social
worker, marriage and family therapist, etc.?worker, marriage and family therapist, etc.?
At a basic level, there are no differences in that all ofAt a basic level, there are no differences in that all of
these mental health professionals talk to clients to helpthese mental health professionals talk to clients to help
them solve their problems. At another level, there arethem solve their problems. At another level, there are
significant differences in education and training that cansignificant differences in education and training that can
impact the type of help you receive. For instance,impact the type of help you receive. For instance,
typically the terms therapist, psychotherapist,typically the terms therapist, psychotherapist,
psychologist and psychiatrist denote practitioners with apsychologist and psychiatrist denote practitioners with a
doctoral level of training, while the other terms denotedoctoral level of training, while the other terms denote
practitioners with a master's level of training. But Ipractitioners with a master's level of training. But I
believe that what determines how much a client resolvesbelieve that what determines how much a client resolves
their problems while in treatment lies more within thetheir problems while in treatment lies more within the
client than within the therapist (such as the desire to getclient than within the therapist (such as the desire to get
help and the determination to persevere until the goals ofhelp and the determination to persevere until the goals of
psychotherapy are met).psychotherapy are met).
16

FAQsFAQs
Q-4Q-4 Can't I just talk to someone I know who's a good listenerCan't I just talk to someone I know who's a good listener
and get the same help that I would from a therapist?and get the same help that I would from a therapist?
““No”. The bottom line is that patients want to and need to beNo”. The bottom line is that patients want to and need to be
listened to. They want a therapist who can listen to them inlistened to. They want a therapist who can listen to them in
depth. That is what we offer: We listen to people in depth, overdepth. That is what we offer: We listen to people in depth, over
an extended period of time and with great intensity. We listenan extended period of time and with great intensity. We listen
to what they say and to what they don't say; to what they say into what they say and to what they don't say; to what they say in
words and to what they say through their bodies andwords and to what they say through their bodies and
enactments. And we listen to them by listening to ourselves, toenactments. And we listen to them by listening to ourselves, to
our minds, our reveries, and our own bodily reactions. Weour minds, our reveries, and our own bodily reactions. We
listen to their life stories and to the story that they live with uslisten to their life stories and to the story that they live with us
in the room; their past, their present, and future. We listen toin the room; their past, their present, and future. We listen to
what they already know or can see about themselves, and wewhat they already know or can see about themselves, and we
listen to what they can't see in themselves. We listen tolisten to what they can't see in themselves. We listen to
ourselves listening. Whatever managed care says, andourselves listening. Whatever managed care says, and
whatever drugs are prescribed, and whatever the researchwhatever drugs are prescribed, and whatever the research
findings, people still want to be listened to in depth and alwaysfindings, people still want to be listened to in depth and always
will.will.Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
17

FAQsFAQs
Q-5Q-5
Q-6Q-6
Will my psychologist think I'm weird, crazy orWill my psychologist think I'm weird, crazy or
sick?sick?
In a word, “no”. In fact, I think that anyone whoIn a word, “no”. In fact, I think that anyone who
enters psychotherapy is courageous and to beenters psychotherapy is courageous and to be
respected because they are doing something aboutrespected because they are doing something about
their problems by facing and confronting them.their problems by facing and confronting them.
How long will I be in treatment?How long will I be in treatment?
In general, a circumscribed issue with a shortIn general, a circumscribed issue with a short
history will probably be dealt with fairly quickly, forhistory will probably be dealt with fairly quickly, for
example in 10 to 20 sessions. However, a non-example in 10 to 20 sessions. However, a non-
specific issue with a long history like, "I've neverspecific issue with a long history like, "I've never
really been a happy person," will probably need areally been a happy person," will probably need a
much longer time period to be dealt with, say sixmuch longer time period to be dealt with, say six
months to several years.months to several years.
18

FAQsFAQs
Q-7Q-7 Will I be sent off to a mental hospitalWill I be sent off to a mental hospital
against my will?against my will?
No, this does not happen to most people.No, this does not happen to most people.
There are very few instances that wouldThere are very few instances that would
dictate hospitalization, namely, only whendictate hospitalization, namely, only when
safety issues are a concern. Out of thesafety issues are a concern. Out of the
general population, only a very smallgeneral population, only a very small
percentage ever need to be hospitalizedpercentage ever need to be hospitalized
for psychological reasons and even fewerfor psychological reasons and even fewer
are taken against their will (Again, theseare taken against their will (Again, these
few have to threaten harm to themselvesfew have to threaten harm to themselves
or someone else.).or someone else.).Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
19

FAQsFAQs
Q-8Q-8 Am I a failure if I go to a psychologist?Am I a failure if I go to a psychologist?
No, I do not believe this to be true. However, the answerNo, I do not believe this to be true. However, the answer
depends upon who you listen to. Unfortunately, many independs upon who you listen to. Unfortunately, many in
our society still view a visit to a psychologist as a signour society still view a visit to a psychologist as a sign
of some inherent weakness or deficiency in the person.of some inherent weakness or deficiency in the person.
The good news is that many others are seeing this viewThe good news is that many others are seeing this view
as outdated and even foolish.as outdated and even foolish.
I suggest that consulting a psychologist be viewed theI suggest that consulting a psychologist be viewed the
same as when one visits another professional, forsame as when one visits another professional, for
example, a physician. While on the one hand we couldexample, a physician. While on the one hand we could
say someone has a physical weakness if they get the flusay someone has a physical weakness if they get the flu
and have to visit their physician, on the other hand weand have to visit their physician, on the other hand we
could say that person is wise to seek the help of acould say that person is wise to seek the help of a
trained professional. I believe it is the same for antrained professional. I believe it is the same for an
emotional or behavioral problem, that is, it is wise (notemotional or behavioral problem, that is, it is wise (not
weak) to seek professional help.weak) to seek professional help.Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
20

FAQsFAQs
Q-9Q-9 Can't I just read a book, attend a supportCan't I just read a book, attend a support
group, etc. and get the help I need?group, etc. and get the help I need?
You certainly can try that, but you may haveYou certainly can try that, but you may have
already tried several of those methods. From myalready tried several of those methods. From my
experience, most of my clients have already triedexperience, most of my clients have already tried
several avenues to deal with their problem by theseveral avenues to deal with their problem by the
time they come in for psychotherapy. In fact, thetime they come in for psychotherapy. In fact, the
problem I hear over and over is that the self-helpproblem I hear over and over is that the self-help
book, seminar, support group, etc. that wasbook, seminar, support group, etc. that was
utilized was not specific enough to the client'sutilized was not specific enough to the client's
particular situation. In psychotherapy, problemsparticular situation. In psychotherapy, problems
and the application of solutions to thoseand the application of solutions to those
problems can be discussed in great detail.problems can be discussed in great detail.
21

FAQsFAQs
Q-10Q-10 Can't I just put my problems behind me, move onCan't I just put my problems behind me, move on
and hope for the best next time?and hope for the best next time?
You can certainly try that but it often doesn't work if weYou can certainly try that but it often doesn't work if we
are honest with ourselves. And in fact, the more we dealare honest with ourselves. And in fact, the more we deal
with life in that manner the more difficult it usuallywith life in that manner the more difficult it usually
becomes to move on after each successivebecomes to move on after each successive
disappointment, frustration, or conflict. I think this isdisappointment, frustration, or conflict. I think this is
because each issue or situation that isn't dealt withbecause each issue or situation that isn't dealt with
appropriately accumulates with other prior unresolvedappropriately accumulates with other prior unresolved
issues. Then when too many issues accumulate, theissues. Then when too many issues accumulate, the
overflow comes out in the form of symptoms like stress,overflow comes out in the form of symptoms like stress,
anxiety, depression, irritability, lack of focus, stomachanxiety, depression, irritability, lack of focus, stomach
upset, headaches, muscle tightness, and the like. It isupset, headaches, muscle tightness, and the like. It is
akin to a container that becomes too full and spills overakin to a container that becomes too full and spills over
if not monitored.if not monitored.
22

FAQsFAQs
Q-11Q-11 How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?
One way to answer this question is to continue with theOne way to answer this question is to continue with the
above metaphor, that is, you need to see a psychologistabove metaphor, that is, you need to see a psychologist
when the container gets too full and strategies aimed atwhen the container gets too full and strategies aimed at
helping don't work. For example, you may find thathelping don't work. For example, you may find that
talking to a friend or reading a self-help book doesn'ttalking to a friend or reading a self-help book doesn't
change things for the better. Other indicators that youchange things for the better. Other indicators that you
might want to a see a psychologist include: you knowmight want to a see a psychologist include: you know
the problem is too big or complex to handle easily;the problem is too big or complex to handle easily;
others suggest you need to talk to someone or get help;others suggest you need to talk to someone or get help;
you've tried numerous strategies over the years andyou've tried numerous strategies over the years and
have had some success with the issue but no realhave had some success with the issue but no real
lasting or deep changes have occurred; or, you justlasting or deep changes have occurred; or, you just
don't seem to be reaching your full potential in yourdon't seem to be reaching your full potential in your
marriage, career, friendships, or hobbies.marriage, career, friendships, or hobbies.
23

FAQsFAQs
Q-12Q-12 What can I expect in the first session?What can I expect in the first session?
In the first session, you will be asked to beginIn the first session, you will be asked to begin
talking by responding to the question, “Whattalking by responding to the question, “What
prompted you to call a psychologist?”prompted you to call a psychologist?”
From there I will seek to gain a clear understandingFrom there I will seek to gain a clear understanding
of what issue(s) you want to work on, how and toof what issue(s) you want to work on, how and to
what extent the issue gives you difficulty or concernwhat extent the issue gives you difficulty or concern
on a regular basis, what factors led to theon a regular basis, what factors led to the
development of the issue, and how we can addressdevelopment of the issue, and how we can address
the issue in terms of working toward a solution. Wethe issue in terms of working toward a solution. We
will end the session by discussing how manywill end the session by discussing how many
sessions it is likely to take to attain your goals, assessions it is likely to take to attain your goals, as
well as find a time and day each week to meet on awell as find a time and day each week to meet on a
consistent basis.consistent basis.
24

FAQsFAQs
Q-13Q-13 Will what I say in therapy sessions be keptWill what I say in therapy sessions be kept
private and confidential?private and confidential?
Generally, what you say in therapy sessions willGenerally, what you say in therapy sessions will
be kept confidential. However, there arebe kept confidential. However, there are
circumstances under which exceptions do exist.circumstances under which exceptions do exist.
The following is not a complete list of exceptionsThe following is not a complete list of exceptions
to confidentiality but it does contain a few of theto confidentiality but it does contain a few of the
more common ones –more common ones –
(i)(i)you are a threat to harm yourself or someoneyou are a threat to harm yourself or someone
else;else;
(ii) child abuse or neglect is suspected;(ii) child abuse or neglect is suspected;
(iii) your treatment records are requested by(iii) your treatment records are requested by
subpoena; orsubpoena; or
(iv) to collect payment for services rendered.(iv) to collect payment for services rendered.Sunday, February 25, 2018 Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
25

26

Mental Health Counseling

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Mental Health Counseling

Similar to Mental Health Counseling (20)

More from Curtin University, Perth, Australia

More from Curtin University, Perth, Australia (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Mental Health Counseling

Editor's Notes