Chapter 8-9
Watch Chapter Videos
Are the sessions you watched similar to what you imagined a
counseling session to be? Why or why not?
The sessions I watched through the Kendall Hunt videos are definitely similar
to what I imagined a counseling session to be. I have gone through
counseling myself in the past, therefore, have a good idea as to what a
counseling session is like. Both of the counselors seemed as if they really
cared for their client and wanted to set clear goals in order for the client to
better themselves. There was definitely mutual respect between the
counselor and client. I noticed that there was definitely a level or trust
developed in the counseling relationship as it seemed both of the clients
were comfortable with the counselor and did not have a problem opening up.
I also liked how the counselor from video 1 gathered information from the
week prior and asked how she was making progress in certain areas of her
life. Both counselors also made it a point to make goals for the clients which
is what I image counseling being like.
From your readings in Chapters 8 and 9, what skills and counselor
characteristics did you notice? Did you notice any demonstration of
a theoretical orientation?
According to Corey, most counselors and therapist use integration of different therapy forms in
order to carry out best practice and integration is likely to increase in the next decade (2020).
Corey talks about something called “technical integration” which is basically choosing the
appropriate treatment techniques for the person and problem (2021). It can be harmful to the
client to solely focus on one type of therapy.
Even more important that the skills and counselor characteristics that each counselor possessed,
it seemed as if both counselors had an authentic and genuine relationship with their client. A
skill that the first counselor possessed, which I liked, is his attentiveness. He would shake his
head when receiving certain information from his client. Both of the counselors seemed to be
genuine and empathetic. When it comes to being Genuine, Romans 12:9 says, “Love must be
sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one
another above yourselves” According to simmons et al, empathy is necessary in order to have a
healthy therapeutic relationship.
It seems as if both counselors had a warm attitude for the most part, although I didn’t really think
that the counselors possessed a spirit filled character. Both counselors were professional. The
second counselor did seem to challenge his client quite a bit. Both
counselors also used skils from the egan model. I also think person centered
therapy was utilized in these sessions. According to Corey, self-directed growth
is key in person centered therapy. ( 2021). The counselor’s attitude rather than their skill in
counseling is vital in person centered therapy. The therapist has to be able to relate to the client
and show genuineness towards the client in order for this method of therapy to be successful.
Another key concept in person centered therapy is that the counselor empowers the client to
analyze their own behaviors and set goals for themselves which was present in the counseling
videos this week.
Which of the counselors would be a good fit for you? If neither, what
would be?
I think the first counselor would be the best fit for me. He seemed to be very
attentive and showed empathy. I thought the second counselor would be too
challenging for me. I felt like he challenged a lot of the clients actions and
what she said which might be a little too much for me.
Ideally, I would really want a counselor who integrates spirituality into the
sessions.
Ask a question(s) about the counseling session/the counselor/how
skills are used/how theory is used.
If I had a chance to talk to the two counselor counselors, I would want to know about the
counselor’s view of integrating different theories and approaches and if the theories they utilize
is dependent upon that specific client and the clients needs. I would also want to know how they
pick a certain theory for a specific client.
References:
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Simmons, R., Lilley, S., & Kuhnley, A.K. (Eds). (2020). Introduction to Counseling: Integration of
Faith, Professional Identity, and Clinical Practice. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt.
Response #!
Hey Jessica,
Thanks so much for your video on professional counseling skills.
I also mentioned in my video the attentiveness that Wayne displayed. You could tell when he
was receiving the information from Stephanie through his body language and him shaking his
head when she was talking.
It seemed like there was really trust present in the counseling relationship with both counselors
and clients because the clients seemed comfortable with the counselors and didn’t have a
problem opening up about different hardships they were experiencing.
Out of all the skills counselors must possess, I believe that being able to listen is the most
important. It seemed like both counselors had no problem with listening and being attentive to
the client.
Unlike you, I think that Wayne would be a better fit for me as a counselor than Dr. Michael. I
don’t know why but Dr. Michael seemed that he would challenge me and my actions a little
more than I would like.
To answer your question, I think person centered therapy would be an appropriate theoretical
orientation for showing empathy with keeping clients goals in mind. According to Corey, person
centered therapy allows counselors to be able to relate to the client and show genuineness
towards the client (2021). Another key concept in person centered therapy is that the counselor
empowers the client to analyze their own behaviors and set goals for themselves
Thanks again for your video post this week.
Response #2
Hey Glenn,
I really appreciated your video post this week on professional counseling skills.
It’s nice to see other people’s point of view and feedback on the two counselors- Wayne and Dr.
Michael. Like you, I have been in counseling myself in the past and these two sessions are pretty
much what I envision a counseling session to be like. I agree with you in that I believe that both
of the counselors had an empathetic understanding. Simmons, Lilley, Kuhnley (2020) talk about
being empathetic and say, “Empathy assists the therapist in truly connecting with the client and
understanding his or her perspective and experiences”. In addition, when it comes to being
empathetic the 1 Peter 3:8 says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind,
sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” I
think that verse is important for us to keep in mind as we become
future counselors
In my video, I also mentioned the importance of being able to listen as a counselor. And this is
something I found both counselors to do well with. Similarly to you, I believe the first counselor
would be the best fit for me. He seemed very genuine and easy to talk to which is something I
would want in a counselor. It was kind of neat in the videos to see the trust that had been
established in both therapeutic relationships, as both clients seemed to open up to the counselors
and were comfortable in their talking.
I also liked your question at the end as it is difficult for me to determine what specific theories
counselors are utilizing in sessions. This could be because many people integrate different
theories and use more than one for each client. According to Corey, most counselors and
therapist use integration of different therapy forms in order to carry out best practice and
integration is likely to increase in the next decade (2020).
Thanks again and hope you have a great weekend. Looking forward to seeing more of your post
as the semester goes on.
References:
100 Bible Verses about Empathy. What Does the Bible Say About Empathy? (n.d.).
https://www.openbible.info/topics/empathy.
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.F
