Psychodynamic Counselling in Action - Coursework Example

? HNC Counselling My Graded F1M 34 My TABLE OF CONTENTS I. COVER PAGE II. TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………2 III. PLANNING…………………………………………….3 IV. DEVELOPING…………………………………………5 V. EVALUATION………………………………………….7 VI. LIST OF SOURCES (BIBLIOGRAPHY)……………11 Word Count: 2,250 (9 pages) III. PLANNING (750 words) Analysis of the case study and the identification of the key issues. (150) The main problem is Fritz seems to be somewhat of an underachiever. He is giving up because his business is not going well, and now it is threatening to break up his whole family. Additionally, he has communication issues with his wife, not really knowing how to express himself well or share his feelings about what he wants to do with the business, when he should ideally let her know what he is thinking—especially wanting to make such a big life decision about selling the business and moving out of the city. Anna is right to want to have a divorce, as Fritz is being unreasonable. Further, he is not taking his parenting responsibilities seriously, and this is also a concern. Fritz, therefore, has three main problems: communicating with Anna, decision-making, and taking an active role in the development of his childrens’ upbringing. He needs work on these issues. Explanation of the theory. (250 words) The theories introduced here are humanistic theory and psychodynamic theory, with Egan’s three-stage model as a way of understanding the theory. Humanistic theory is a very common theory which helps people understand one way to counsel others. “Many models of group work and organizational development have drawn heavily on humanistic theory” (Strawbridge, Woolfe, & Dryden, 2009, 142). Humanistic theory also has another name. The humanistic approach is also called “person-centred counselling” (Singh, 2007, pp. 29). Psychodynamic theory is a bit different. Typically, “.psychodynamic practitioners…are trained [to observe]…fragments of behaviour…” (Howard, 2009, pp. 21). Psychodynamic theory focuses on focusing on behaviors that will help the counsellor listen and relate more effectively to his or her client. There are “…verbal and nonverbal behaviours that enhance effective listening and communication” (Rennie, 1998, pp. 32). Psychodynamic counsellors notice behaviours and try to adapt these behaviours into more socially acceptable reactions. In the course of psychodynamic counselling, “…some behavioural patterns, and some feelings are unconscious [and the client may not be made aware of these until they are mentioned]” (Jacobs, 2004, pp. 101). Gerard Egan of Loyola University in Chicago developed a three-stage model, where the counselled individual must realize the present (“Where am I?”), the preferred (“Where do I want to be?”) and strategies for the future (“How do I get where I want to be?”). “Egan’s three-stage model can serve as a useful and practical map in counselling and a means of bringing structure to the process of counselling” (Burnard, 2005, pp. 127). Completion date and milestones. (65 words) The completion date for Fritz should be based on what he can do in how much time. Perhaps he should be given a finite date, a few months, in which to fix at least two of his problems—the communication issue with Ann and his inability to express himself well. The problem with Harry should be resolved sooner; Fritz should be encouraged to discipline him. Ethical principles in counselling. (100 words) In counselling, it’s important that the client’s boundaries are respected and that, obviously, one would not call Anna in order to let her know details of the counselling sessions unless Fritz allowed it. It would also be uncouth to offer parenting advice, tips, or admonitions, or otherwise tell Fritz outright how to run his life or manage his marriage. Those actions would be outside the ethical principles of counselling. In this vein, it is important for the counsellor to maintain an emotional distance from the person being counselled—in this case, Fritz. This helps because it’s only fair to Fritz. Boundary issues. (185 words) In therapy, it’s important that the counsellor maintain psychological and physical distance from his or her client. Any type of physical interaction is strictly forbidden, unless perhaps the counsellor feels led to give the client an innocuous hug. However, it is not recommended, because the client could form affection towards the counsellor which is unwarranted. It would definitely be problematic for Fritz if his wife found out that he was getting more attached to his counsellor than he would be toward her; also, Anna might become jealous of the emotional intimacy developed in the counselling session. This is normal, but just another reason that one must try to maintain professional boundaries as much as possible and to only consider overstepping that boundary in order to make an exception—such as, possibly, giving the client a hug if he is having a bad day and his family is not being supportive. The counsellor should definitely think twice before making such a move, and then think about it again. If one hugs a client, it should be short and made clear that this is a one-time occurrence. IV. DEVELOPING (600 words) Choice of Theory and Why Model Was Chosen. (150) These theories were chosen because it is thought that they were most efficient, as well as centred around the actual person who is being counselled. Humanistic theory centers on the person, and psychodynamic counselling is attuned to the patients quirks and little problems that make up his personality. It is hoped that these theories, in combination with having the client think in terms of past, present, and future—will help the client think more deeply about his situation and what he has done to get there, and where he needs to get to change from present to future—a transition, if one will. Egan’s model was chosen because it seemed to be able to effectively provide a pattern which Fritz’s life could follow. If he could just follow this path and stick to it as a counselled individual, he would probably have a modicum of success if he just tried. Monitoring Progress, Adherence, and Contingency Plans. (320) Fritz’s progress should be monitored aggressively. If he is not making progress in treatment, the course of treatment should possibly be revised. Contingency plans may include referring him to a psychiatrist for a psychiatric evaluation if counselling is not an effective measure, or just not simply effective enough. The individual counsellor will have to decide whether this is a viable option for him—which it may very well be if Fritz becomes irascible or unmanageable in treatment, turning his own anger on the counsellor. Thus, it is very important that Fritz’s adherence to his treatment program is considered as a serious target and goal to reach. Fritz, however, must take responsibility for his own actions. He is a grown man, and no one should have to remind him of that—however, for whatever reason, the counsellor must somehow bring Fritz to recognize that he does indeed have responsibilities as a man that he can just not renege on now, being a parent and a husband, who comprises one-half of a marriage. Fritz must be reminded, perhaps, that marriage is a team effort and that he cannot just make major life decisions willy-nilly without discussing the situations with his wife. That violates trust and it is certain to erode trust in a marriage. Fritz should take immediate action to resolve these problems now while his wife Anna is still in the frame of mind that perhaps these issues can be worked out between them. If she decides to get a divorce, that will split up the whole family, in effect ruining peoples’ lives. It only makes sense that Fritz take action now, and strike while the iron is hot. He should not wait; rather, he should definitely take a stand now and take back his marriage, and reclaim it as his own—and take ownership of his mistakes as well as to reconcile with his wife. Otherwise, he could be estranged. How This Model Helped Develop the Understanding of Theory. (130) Egan’s three-stage model helped the development and the extension of understanding of this theory through contributing the idea that a person being counselled should look at where he was, where he is, and where he wants to go. Of course, where a person has been definitely informs the state in which he sees himself now. Where a person is now will definitely affect his future. If Fritz realizes that his insensitive and callous actions have hurt someone that means something to him, he will correct his mistakes and eventually learn how to live a more socially-adept existence—as well as becoming someone who is in touch with the feelings of other people—realizing that his actions affect everyone around him. This is one of the most important points realized here. V. EVALUATION (900 words) Summary. (125 words) Fritz will most likely have been helped by having been led to go through the three stages developed by Gerard Egan. He has to realize how to communicate with his wife as the main focus would have been this during counselling sessions—because, really, all of his other problems hinge on this issue. If he cannot work out things with his wife, he may be in jeopardy of getting a divorce, which would cause even more problems. Fritz will probably have to be in therapy for a long time beyond his marital problems having been solved. He obvious has a number of social issues he has to work on in therapy. Fritz is not normal, and may need a referral to psychiatric treatment if appropriate. Implementation. (195 words) Implementation is key in Fritz’s case. If he can’t follow through with the course of treatment planned, he may have significantly more problems awaiting him in the future. If he cannot work out things between himself and his wife, his sons may both have more social problems of their own besides Harry just stealing. His sons may turn to use drugs or alcohol in an abusive fashion—which sometimes happens to the children of divorced parents, who use destructive outlets in order to fuel their lives. What Fritz must realize is that so much is at stake for him if he does not continue therapy of some form, and receive treatment for his problems. In order to implement his action plan, Fritz should definitely do some serious thinking about his future and what he wants. Then, and only then, can he decide what to do in terms of therapy and organizing his life. As can be seen, Fritz has difficulties which go beyond just his marriage. He has to rethink the way he thinks about socializing, and make adjustments accordingly. Once he implements treatment, it’s more likely that he will succeed, if he tries treatment. Reflection. (355 words) Fritz is not normal in the sense that he has many problems which are social problems, and it doesn’t sound like he is the most diplomatic person ever. He is a butcher, and it is probably true of Fritz that he needs to get in touch with his feelings and become a more feeling, caring person. One can’t go through life ignoring problems and just writing them off. He needs to face his difficulties in life honestly and attack his issues head-on… otherwise he is never going to get anywhere, in therapy or anywhere else. Fritz’s social awkwardness is apparent in the types of problems that he is having. If he really had more diplomacy in intimate relations, he would discuss all the issues that are pending with his wife. However, because he is socially inept and basically not adept at navigating social and interpersonal communication issues, this is a big problem for him which he must overcome. If Fritz does not become more socially accommodating as a person, this could negatively affect his entire future—including business dealings if he ever indeed wanted to expand his business as he had planned. Further, Fritz must be alerted to the nature of these problems in any case. If the counsellor does not let him know that he has these issues, he could cause a scene in public or embarrass himself further, not really knowing just how badly his bad attitude and indiscriminate behavior affects others. Truly, Fritz must become more socially aware if he is to navigate life with any modicum of success—since interacting people is a touchstone of his business, and is really the centrepiece. It’s important that Fritz is at least aware of his problems so he can begin to work on these issues as soon as possible, preferably immediately. Fritz should receive counselling on a regular basis, at least once a week, in order to start combating these issues and problems which he must work through with a trusted and experienced counsellor. It only makes sense that he should work on these issues as soon as possible in order to avoid problems. New Knowledge. (225 words) The new knowledge learned is that Fritz’s problems are not unique, but that many people do indeed suffer from such difficulties arising in their marriages and successfully overcome them. The theories that have been discussed contribute greatly to the importance of the overall discussion having been proffered here, having illuminated the fact that Fritz must ask himself where he wants to be. But first, he must realize where he is and where he wants to go before he gets there. Of course, this is going to definitely take a great deal on the part of the counsellor to make him actually self-aware and get to the point in therapy where he can take Egan’s three-stage model and apply it to his life so he can not only have success, but self-actualize. This may include indeed opening that chain of businesses that he wanted to do, or venturing on other endeavours, hopefully with the loving support of his wife this time. Hopefully his marital relations will improve to the point where he doesn’t need to continue coming to therapy anymore. However, if Fritz does need some sort of psychiatric help, a referral will have to be made and he may have to be put on prescription medications, depending upon how serious his ailment is. Whatever the problem, it is important that Fritz receives the necessary help. BIBLIOGRAPHY Burnard P (2005). Counselling skills for health professionals. UK: Nelson Thornes. Howard S (2009). Skills in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy. USA: SAGE Publications. Jacobs M (2004). Psychodynamic counselling in action. USA: SAGE Publications. Rennie DL (1998). Person-centred counselling: an experiential approach. Singh (2007). Counselling skills for managers. India: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. Strawbridge S, Woolfe R, and Dryden W (2009). Handbook of counselling psychology. USA: SAGE Publications. Read More