Becoming An Efficient Mental Health Counselor

Becoming An competent psychological Health Counselor cordial zip fastenerousness is a good subject with m whatsoever passe-partouts incorporated. Primarily, a psychic tumesceness sea captain is aerated with the travail of offering profits which ultimately improve a soulfulnesss psychic wellness or encompass any kind of psychogenic distemper. different lords exist in the affable health sector psychiatrists, clinical fond workers, clinical psychologists and psychological health counselors. Although such(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) practitioners cover the same illnesses, conditions and disorders dealt with by these overlords, depend on the perceived scope of their skills. Some psychical health professed(prenominal)s help in the enhancement of consanguinitys while others ar charged with the right of treating specific mental illnesses. Different laws guiding the mental health duty, program line and training accorded to the captain apportion the scope which a mental health professional is to undertake.This document examines the plans which I chassist incorporate to be descend an efficacious mental health counselor. Modalities to materialize the honourable issues which form the core bum on code of ethics under ACA go forth withal be addressed. Insights into genial change and its effectiveness in the mental health assiduity leave be tackled as well. A comparison between a practicing mental health practitioner and my views leave alone be tabled so lead class discussions on professional individuation element.Literature reviewDuties of a Mental Health counselorMental health focus is a psycho-educational champaign which came into being in the 1970s. Mental Health counselors (MHCs) be charged with the task of providing mental health direction especially to the patients by incorporating dynamic and holistic approaches which are indeed strength establish. The MHCs occupy excellent educational energy and knowhow , having achieved this through and through varied experience in guidance. While other professionals in the mental health docket are excellent in treating mental health illness, the MHCs direct been grounded in counsel with emphasis in such areas as emergenceal scheme. More often than non the MHC collects data alert in identifying the mental, behavioural as well as emotional disorders and problems touch on a particular knob thereby coming up with modalities to treat the patient (Palmo, 1999). Thus the MHC does not entirely treat a patients disfunction on matters regarding self-importance awareness, universal body offbeat as well as personal growth but also is concerned with an someones entire surround which plays a major theatrical role in making him or her completely healthy. MHCs can frankincense be described as a cadre of professionals tasked to offer counseling services in mental health centers, learning institutions as well as in hospitals and clinics.The success and logical implication of this profession cannot be underemphasized. Through the utilization of psycho-educational approach during the counseling process, legal community of mental illness is emphasized and achieved by the MHCs. Instead of medical case a holistic approach based on developmental theory is utilized. Many respective(prenominal), families as well as groups cook largely benefitted from MHCs through sermon of mental disorders as well as emotional imbalances corresponding depression, suicidal impulses, substance addiction, grief as well as self esteem issues awaiting them (Crespi Stier, 1997).Developing Professional identity as a MHCWhen dis mystify the background in identifying the MHC, several(prenominal)(prenominal) incidentors come into play since particular professional as well as scientific aspects from the educational, psychological as well as counseling disciplines are intentd by the mental health counselors. Through the usage of these interdiscipli nary attributes, a holistic procedure of promoting health lifestyle and in particular preserving as well as restoring mental health in an individual is achieved. As I establish my professional identity, I intend to handling systemic and personal perspectives to bring to fiscal aid the contextual attributes and allures present in a persons life which ultimately conduct to mental health illnesses (Palmo, 1999). In undertake my tasks, I will be more concerned on facilitating total mental-wellness on my customers regardless of the fact that they are suffering from developmental struggles of clinical pathology. Concentrating on the strengths achieved from undertaking several synthesized domains of a knob will sour this move easy to implement.Thus, during my physical exertion as a MHC my focus will not be to regain mental illness in a client, rather I will be seeking to improve the general mental health of individuals through preventing the repeat of such illnesses. Through coll aboration with other mental health professionals and working in community settings, I will no mistrust improve my effectiveness especially when working with clients who have had a skimp in interdisciplinary teams. In order to remain vital and workable in this highly competitive industry, I intend to be antiphonal to the market guides by being flexible in service provision amid changing mental health industry. When confronted with a psychopathology case, I intend to use the guiding philosophy of this profession which aims at restoring the development of mental health in an individual instead of searching for slipway to cure the mental illness. Assisting clients to adequately adapt to the challenges associated with mental illness will also come in handy in enabling me forge my personal identity in this profession (Seiler Messina, 2002).Ethical normalsIn the mental health counseling profession five major ethical principles have been advanced to act as major ethical guidelines. A s such the ethical guidelines do not primarily address all the issues which confront a MHC in the course of undertaking various tasks. Its through wide evaluation of the ethical guidelines that assists professionals when confronted with an issue which requires clarification. In this counseling profession, five principles have been advanced autonomy, beneficence, fidelity, non-malfeasance and justice. Consistent understanding of these ethical principles helps in making it realizable for an individual to better function in this profession. Below is a precise account of how I intend to implement these ethical principles during my practice as a MHC.AutonomyThis principle is largely concerned with the moral handicraft of a counselor to encourage a client practice their independency in regards to decision making procedures. It is the responsibility of a counselor to accept a client be autonomous and act in consonance to their values (Beck, 1999). I will thus happen upon my clients understand the implications of the decisions they are about to make and how such decisions will be perceived in the society they are living in. I will also make sure that the clients understand the possible clash which their chosen activity will condition to other segments in the society. In case a client wishes to source support from such networks as religious or religious leaders or from family and friends, then I will agree to it as enlisting the help and involvement of other flock is vital in ensuring mental health in an individual. A client has the freedom to narrow when to quit a counseling session thus I should not coerce them to remain when indeed they want to leave. I will also delay that I stand adequate information on the attainment of the counseling process. I will also pay particular tart interest to underage children and people whose mental handicap is high. This is vital in preventing them make decisions homogeneously to cause wound to themselves or othe r people.NonmaleficencePrimarily, this ethical principle whitethorn be regarded as the most critical in the mental health counseling field. It entails engaging in activities which will not cause any harm to the client. In my practice as a MHC, I will be careful not to engage in any activity seeming to cause intended or not anticipated harm to my clients (Crespi Stier, 1997). Sexual, emotional as well as financial exploitation are some of activities which would largely cause harm to my clients. Purporting to be serve in some areas which I am not, possess endangerment to my clients. This is especially so when a counselor claims to be qualified professionally in areas he is not. Truthful representation of my qualifications vital in discussion mental health challenges is great. The competence of a counselor is determined by educational competence. I will also not undertake to provide services to the clients when intoxicated, sick or when the personal circumstances surrounding myse lf may elicit a wrong prescription. Since it is my ethical responsibility to mitigate any danger posed to a client, holding an insurance policy would be handy in assisting in such eventualities which would require restitution imputable to the harm and damage ca utilise on any client.Abandonment of clients before cessation of a counseling session is likely to cause massive harm to a client. As such I will terminate my session as provided for under AMHCA ethical run acrossations. Thus proper arrangements need be put in place incase interruptions are inevitable like during vacations or illnesses. It is good to refer the client to another(prenominal) MHC who will draw out with the therapy. Incase a MHC terminates hisher practice, the stipulated procedure to transfer the clients file and information need be followed. This helps in alleviating any form of danger which would be caused to a client when immediate withdrawal of the counseling services is instituted. Engaging or condoning s exual harassment is not allowed for MHCs because of the harm caused to the clients. Thus instances of sexual solicitation, wrong physical advances or verbal conduct likely to harm my clients will not be undertaken at all. Such advances are not only offensive but they also create a hostile environment where efficient counseling and therapy session cannot be undertaken. Other peoples actions can cause considerable damage to my clients. Thus it is my duty to question such activities likely to cause considerable damage to an individual under my care.BeneficenceThis principle in mental health counseling refers to the counselors responsibility to positively bewitch the wellbeing of a client. Thus, the MHCs are required to proactively do good to people thereby preventing occurrence of any form of harm to a client (Seiler Messina, 2002). In upholding this principle in my practice, I will largely be involved in acts of mercy, charity as well as kindness. With mania and genuine altruism my diagnosis and counseling will be geared towards complete healing of the clients. Acting for the benefit of others will guide me in putting in place activities which will ultimately contribute to the general wellbeing of the clients. By preventing as well as removing possible pernicious setups, I will al ways help my clients discover and further the interests which they consider important as well as legitimate. This principle will come in handy especially when dealing with clients struggling with suicidal thoughts. My role as a MHC will be to intervene by providing the requirement therapy which will ultimately save the life of the client. Placing the client in a protective environment where the welfare of the client will not be compromised will be vital in saving the life of such clients.JusticeThis principle involves treating similar people with equal magnitude. A form of fairness must therefore exist when dealing with the patients (Beck, 1999). Clients presenting similar menta l conditions need be accorded the same treatment. In my practice, I will ensure that I do not exhibit any form of biasness. The come of money charged for the counseling sessions will be the same thus I will not exploit my clients on such basis as when they seem like they are from a better social group. I will also tackle the needs of each client as everyone has a right to receiving counseling sessions regardless of their social orientation.faithfulnessThis principle largely involves a client possessing notions of loyalty and faithfulness to the MHCs. It is important that a client is confident about the competence of the counselor as such a move ultimately makes a lasting descent to be created (Messina, 1999). In effecting this principle, I will ensure that I do not fail to fulfill the laid down obligations which I have with my clients. In addition, engaging in activities likely to threaten the therapeutic relationship existing between me and my clients will not be undertaken. Bein g ethnic sensitive when solving the clients problem will greatly assist in building lasting relationships with the clients. When diagnosing mental disorders present in a client, use of appropriate diagnosis manners which are efficient is no uncertainty important. Under this will employ DSM-IV for diagnostic purposes. Before undertaking any assessment, I will ensure that I receive consent from the clients and exempt to them the nature and purpose of the test undertaken.Organizations to joinSeveral organizations which cater for the welfare of MHCs have been formed. The American MHCs have formed an intimacy (i.e. AMHCA) where critical impact is accorded to the American citizens through giving insights on the mental health counselors profession. The tie beam assists its members to develop their career owing to the many informative seminars and workshops organized by the association. This ultimately translates into improved service delivery to the clients thereby raising the boiler suit standards of the profession. This association is also working to improve the fruition accorded to the MHCs by by chance improving the perception of the members of public regarding the practice. By being a member of this association, my success in this field will ultimately be heighten as vital tools and programs like continuing education and mentor programs are available in this association. Through availing practical resources to the members, the association expands learning and promotes the overall practice of the professionals under this field (Beck, 1999).American Counseling association (ACA) is another body I intend to join. This association has put in place several aspects which are dedicated to promoting the general growth and development of the counseling profession. This ultimately translates into better service delivery to the clients who seek counseling services. This association which was formed in fiscal 1952 represents counselors in all practice settings. I wi ll develop my skills and build on my knowledge base referable to the leadership training, advocacy services availed to the members. I may also bug out a chance to continue with my education. Since this association largely represents the interests of counselors and according to the federal official agencies this profession is no doubt developing.National board for the certified counselors (i.e. NBCC) is a counselors accreditation body which I intend to join as well. The association aims at maintaining a certification program geared towards identifying the counselors who have studied and obtained some form of certification. Since a register of the qualified counselors is maintained, this helps in doing-away with quacks from the practice. It is beneficial to members since counselors who replete the professions standards are recognized. Through this membership, I will obtain client referrals thereby boosting my experience and number of clients whom I handle.Incorporating social chang e in counselingSocial change is generally exhibited due to shifts in social organise and relations which were evident in the society. Behavior modification especially for individuals with mental health incorporates such aspects as physical and mental coercion, psychotherapy as well as brain washing in order to make the patient recover and gain more control over their life. When MHCs use behavior modification techniques when counseling individuals with mental health conditions and those with disabling mental conditions considerable aspects of improvement are witnessed. Systematic desensitization which is the mostly used technique in incorporating social change assists the MHCs to offer therapy to individuals with disturbances which have diagnosable sources. For instance when a client has extreme fear for the closed places this method works perfectly well. According to a professional MHC that I had a chance to interview, he suggested that Biofeedback is the most effective method of using when treating ill minds. Information regarding a problem affecting a person is precondition to the therapist who then monitors it through the use of a mechanical device. delectable rewards may then be provided to the client so as to influence positive behavior (Seiler Messina, 2002). By constantly monitoring the information devoted, a therapist is able to develop a treatment technique which will work best for a particular client. It is also easy to use especially in different settings. The MHCs first decide on what an individual can do in order to remodel the problem. A treatment program is then devised so as to change the mental condition. befitting record keeping is vital in order to monitor the gain ground of the client and in case the chosen methodology proves ineffective the MHC is certain to discontinue its usage.Discussions on professional identityHaving held several discussions with my fellow classmates of issues regarding professional identity of MHCs importan t information was realized. Since professional identity incorporates the various ways in which and individual seeks to incorporate the statuses and roles he is undertaking and experience acquired when undertaking mental health counseling ,a coherent image of the individual is realized. Since professional identity is shaped by the principles that we choose to know and the manner in which we choose to know them, then every MHC should choose the kind of identity he will uphold. It is the identity chosen which determines the kind of people chosen to interact with. Through participation in the activities and affairs of the mental health counselors profession, a practitioner is able to build on their professional identity since mutual engagement as well as shared repertory is achieved (Messina, 1999). Affiliation to professional organizations helps to build on vital connectedness based shared histories as well as experiences of the MHCs which ultimately shape the professional identity of individuals in this field. People develop their professional identity as a result of the identities they uphold with the people in a given profession. Since a significant need to distinguish between the MHCs from other counseling professionals like social workers, psychiatrist as well as absorb practitioners joining the MHCs associations will greatly assist in forging the professional identity of these professionals.ConclusionMHCs have masters level qualifications in counseling and the profession is based on theory and practical orientation of behavioral sciences. In order to fully qualify to be a qualified MHC then at least 60 credit hours must be dedicated to achieving specific coursework as well as supervised experience. Mental health counseling is no doubt amongst the youngest human service profession which was greatly popularized in the 1970s by the professions who were seeking for visibility and recognition in this discipline. The distinguishing aspect of this profession lies in the use of multifaceted aspects of an individual in order to restore or better still substantiate the mental health of an individual. Thus the MHC contributes significantly in enhancing the vitality and vigor of a persons mental health thereby completely sustaining the general wellbeing and soundness of a person. Unlike a major misconception that mental health counseling enables a person suffering from a mental illness to better cope with their situation, MHCs employ holistic attributes geared towards preventing a person from being incapacitated by a mental condition (Crespi Stier, 1997).