Fundamentals of Counseling - Everyone has Biases

Counseling as a professional occupation encompasses so many different facets of life that range from positive to negative, from young to adult and across all spectrums of learning. How is it then that the profession can be so available, so helpful and so integrated in society when so much is required of the counselor themselves? The fundamentals of the counseling profession, as explained by Corey (2009) are important although what appears to be most important is how “our own genuineness can have a significant effect on our relationship with our clients” (p. 18).

Some of the most interesting explorations of the human mind have occurred during the last 150 years and the growth of counseling theories, applications and processes have developed along with these explorations. From Freud’s psychoanalytic theory to the post modernism to the feminist approach there is certainly a path for any counselor to explore his or her own method for helping. The profession itself is a field filled with research, some good and some not so good, that aims to help legitimize the study and practice of mental health therapy without the use of psychotropic drugs.

This body of work is voluminous in nature and continues to grow as attempts to connect therapies with outcomes are sought. However, what is most apparent about the counseling profession is that there is no one size fits all approach to counseling and there perhaps never will be. Counselors would be smart to provide integrative approaches that combine the best of the theories they connect and agree with. Fundamentals of Counseling has provided an exceptional basis from which a counselor could begin to explore his or her own orientation of belief systems or even, if they choose, pursue a career in something more research based as opposed to direct counseling.

“Everyone has biases, but being unaware of the biased attitudes we hold is an obstacle to client care. It takes a concerted effort and vigilance to monitor our biases, attitudes, and values so that they do not interfere with establishing and maintaining successful counseling relationships” (Corey, 2009, p. 25).

As a concept, spirituality in counseling is a difficult concept to work with. With so many different religions, viewpoints and belief systems it becomes hard for the counselor to ensure that they are providing an inclusive environment, one that encompasses the whole person. Counselors should not attempt to put their own viewpoints on others (Corey, 2009) although the very nature of talking and providing guidance is at times in very much odds with this idea. To be able to answer clients questions about morals and ethics immediately calls into question the counselors own so it is important that he or she tread lightly and be very aware of how they might impact them.

As society grows to become more complex, more intricate and people live longer lives, the need for professional counselors will continue to grow. Learning how to help those in society navigate the waters for a high tech low touch existence, it becomes the work of the counselor to assist when problems arise that they cannot handle. Being well versed in a multitude of disciplines, staying current on trends and research and being true to one’s self will result in a great counselor. Being a great counselor is not just about knowing the theories and applications but it is important to be an exceptional listener. There are many facets which make counseling as a profession complicated and unwieldy so it is wise for those who are interested in entering into the field to be well informed and very confident in their own mind. If someone is not courageous enough to be cognizant of their own mindset how could they help another with theirs?

References

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.