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Counselor as Person and Professional. Small Group Exercise:.
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Small Group Exercise: • Get into groups of three and complete the sentence “I want to become a human service worker/chemical dependency counselor because _____________.” If you have more than one reason, which is the most important? Are your reasons similar to other group members? How can your reasons make you an effective helper? How might they become problematic?
Personal/Professional Issues Include: • Helper needs versus client needs (The all knowing and powerful “OZ”) • Unresolved Personal Issues • Transference • Counter transference • Stress • Burnout/Rustout • Help for the Helper
Signs of Countertransference: • Inability to “let go” of the client. • Assuming responsibility for client success and failure. • Personalizing clients’ reactions. • Rescuing/enabling/ “Professional Codependency.” • Fostering client dependency. • Indulging in romantic fantasies.
Burnout • State of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal satisfaction that is experienced by professionals whose work involves helping others with their problems. (Freudenberger, Maslach, and Jackson) • 75% of counselors report some degree of burnout
Burnout characterized by: • Physical and emotional exhaustion • Responding negatively towards others • Decreased satisfaction with oneself and one’s accomplishments
Symptoms of burnout include: • Too much celebration when client cancels • Cynical view towards one’s profession • Daydreams and escapist fantasies • Loss of spontaneity and vigor in counseling sessions • Falling behind in paper work • Substance abuse
Symptoms : • Lethargy and lack of enthusiasm • Diminished activities and social life • Reluctance to explore causes and solutions for one’s burnout
Coping to prevent burnout/rusting out • Admit it is a problem • Take responsibility for addressing • Explore causal factors:> unresolved personal issues (unrealistic expectations) • > client factors (suicide, hostile clients)> workplace factors ( job overload)
Coping to prevent burnout/rusting out • Sense of humor • Take a vacation (real or imagined) • Know your limits • Be active in professional organizations • Find meaning in life outside of job • Support groups • Therapy • Avoid taking responsibility for others • Serenity Prayer • HALT