Therapeutic Communication 2
Assignment for a Reflection Paper on Therapeutic Communication
Counselors work with a variety of clients who have a range of problems. A counselor
must, however, always remember the ethical lessons they have learnt. When working with
clients, these abilities must be applied. Counselors might not acquire all the necessary skills at
first, but with additional study and practice, they will get more knowledge. Additionally, the
counselor can always suggest another expert in the field if they are unable to assist the client. A
counselor can enhance their abilities by drawing from their experiences, mistakes, and triumphs,
claim France & Weikel (2020).
Acknowledging your client's value as a human being, whatever their behavior, is
regarded as friendly. The client can go toward healing when the counselor shows them affection
(France & Weikel, 2020). By developing their interpersonal skills, the counselor might help their
client envision an alternative, more promising solution to the issue at hand. The counselor can
connect with the client more deeply and on their level when they apply their interpersonal skills.
Empathy is frequently misinterpreted and overlooked. Support, reflection, and concentration are
three ways to conceptualize empathy (Stewart, Zediker & Saskia, 2012).
A counselor shows concern and care for their client when they are attending to their
needs. The counselor wants to support the client in overcoming obstacles and achieving their
objectives. To help their clients get over their challenges, counselors can also help them reflect
on past and present experiences (Petersen, 2015). Counselors should always be aware of their
clients' challenges, goals, and strengths while they are listening to them. Counselors have a duty
to give their patients a secure environment. Counselors should also explain to their clients what
they are beginning to comprehend so that everyone is on the same page. Therapists who describe
their patients demonstrate their kindness, sincerity, and compassion (Petersen, 2015).
Therapeutic Communication 3
I think this is the field I was meant to be in. It comes naturally to me to be friendly and
sympathetic to other people. I can put myself in their position and experience their feelings. In
my opinion, empathy is a talent that not everyone possesses. When a counselor shows warmth to
a client, they are recognizing that person for what it is—a human being seeking assistance in a
situation they are unable to resolve on their own. Naturally, if the client is under court order,
warmth may be able to assist them in emerging from denial, identifying the true issue they are
facing, and figuring out how to resolve it (France & Weikel, 2020).
It involves not passing judgment on the client's behavior and instead viewing them as
fellow humans (France & Weikel, 2020). Jeremiah 31:4 states that "you, Virgin Israel, shall be
rebuilt and built up anew. Once more, you will grab your Tambourine and head outside to join
the happy dancers (Jeremiah 31:4). This verse highlights the counselor's fixation on the client's
actions while yet providing warmth and emphasizing the client's reconstruction (France &
Weikel, 2020).
As a Success Coach, I have a great deal of empathy for my students and want to see them
reach their full potential. I can be very emotional at times because I do not want them to fail.
Sometimes I am irate with them because they do not put out the necessary effort or consistency
to finish the task. Though I am aware that I am unable to help them, I genuinely care about their
general well-being and well-being. Since every person has a backstory, I consider them rather
than passing judgment on their actions because that is all that their behavior represents.
Petersen (2015) asserts that if a client sobs, pay attention to them even though they are
crying. What does the client's tears mean? This demonstrates to the counselor that the tears
represent the client's pain and/or desire for change (Petersen, 2015). Additionally, a counselor
does not necessarily need to speak to a client who is acting angry to calm them down. There are
Therapeutic Communication 4
things you can do to make the client feel warm and kind. Giving the client some space or just
offering them a tissue to wipe their face are two examples of this from the counselor. It should be
the counselor's responsibility to ensure that the client feels secure enough to express any
concerns, worries, or embarrassment. Encouraging the client to feel comfortable enough to
express their concerns, worries, and/or humiliation should be the counselor's main goal. Thinking
of the word "warmth," I see a setting where I feel secure and at ease. I believe the individual and
the counsel they are offering.
Communication can take the shape of empathy. Counselors that possess empathy can
comprehend their clients' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In addition to listening well, the
counselor should interact with the client to let them know you are paying attention. A client
discussing something joyful and exciting with their counselor would be an example. "You seem
excited about winning the game; you did an impressive job, I know for a fact I couldn't have
done what you did, golf is just not my game," the counselor could reply (France & Weikel,
2020). The client got the sense from those remarks that the counselor was paying attention to
them and that you were interested in their thoughts and feelings.
To help us have the courage and discernment necessary to assist our clients, Christian
counselors should likewise call upon God for assistance (Petersen, 2015). To better understand
their clients, counselors should connect with them in a variety of methods, according to Petersen
(2015). Petersen, 2015. Additionally covers the topic of how a client should support a mourning
client. Regarding death, I think I handle it quite well. It is my opinion that the client does not
always need to hear from the counselor throughout that period. At times, they must simply listen
to their clients and let them express their suffering (Petersen, 2015).
Therapeutic Communication 5
Genuineness, in the words of France & Weikel (2014), is when a person means exactly
what they say. Sincere counselors are unable to merely utter the first thought that occurs to them.
They must continue to be honest with both themselves and their clients. Instead of repeating
clichéd stages regarding one's thoughts or emotions, one should use what they already know to
their unique manner (France & Weikel, 2014). I do find it difficult in this area because I always
strive to practice things as closely as possible to the text. I need some time to access my creative
side and transform it into a client-friendly style that is unique to me.
My family, friends, and coworkers all attest to the fact that I am a trustworthy and
accountable person. Although I occasionally lose my temper, I am also open-minded. I try to
perceive things in their broadest context, but occasionally this approach can backfire. It is
obvious and sincere, but it might not be for everyone. I am also getting better at taking
constructive feedback. I should be kinder to myself because I am a very harsh critic of myself
(Carbonell, 2008). A Christian counselor ought to be kind, understanding, and sincere. With the
use of these abilities, counselors will be able to build rapport with their clients, accept them as
human beings, and provide them the space to express their feelings. Counselors can improve
their client interactions by employing these techniques (France & Weikel, 2014).
Conclusion
Genuine, empathetic, and friendly counselors are an essential component of the
therapeutic communication puzzle. The client cooperates more in counseling as a result.
Additionally, it has been shown to quicken the client's improvement. These three modes of
communication enhance client pleasure and understanding. While knowledge and skills are being
imparted, both parties are actively involved. These three abilities also give counseling structure
and have the power to influence the client's reaction to it (France & Weikel, 2020).
Therapeutic Communication 6
References
Carbonell, M. (2008). How to solve the people puzzle: Understanding personality patterns [e-
book] (Bundle). Uniquely You Resources.
France, K. & Weikel, K. (2014) Helping skills for human service workers: Building relationships
and encouraging productive change (3rd ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas
Publisher Inc.
Holy Bible: NIV: New International Version. (1973). Christian Media Bibles.
Peterson, J. (2015). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating and connecting in relationships
(2nd ed.). Portland, OR: Petersen Publications.
Stewart, J., Zediker, K., & Witteborn, S. (2012). Chapter 5: Inhaling: Perceiving and
listening.
In John Stewart (Ed.), Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education English Standard Version Bible. (2016). ESV Online.
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