Counseling Exam 1

Motivations for entering a helping profession

Common reasons include the need to make an impact, reciprocate, care for others, resolve personal issues, feel needed, gain recognition, provide answers, and gain control.

Pitfalls of wanting to 'make an impact'

Feelings of inadequacy when clients do not change and frustration when advice is ignored.

Risks of the 'helper' role

Includes over-focusing on others while neglecting self-care and experiencing burnout from constant helping.

Importance of self-care for counselors

Helps maintain personal well-being, prevents emotional exhaustion, and enables better support for clients.

Impact of financial motivation on therapy quality

Can lead to prioritizing money over client well-being, taking on too many clients, and becoming detached from client concerns.

Misconception about giving advice in counseling

Counselors should help clients find their own answers instead of providing direct solutions.

Key traits of an 'ideal helper'

Includes self-awareness, strong interpersonal skills, commitment to lifelong learning, cultural competence, and genuine care for clients.

Predictor of therapy success

The quality of the therapeutic relationship.

What to do if a therapist dislikes a client

Consider referring them to another professional and ensure personal biases do not interfere with therapy.

Understanding vulnerabilities for counselors

Prevents personal struggles from interfering with client care and reduces countertransference.

Benefit of therapy for therapists

Increases self-awareness, helps process unresolved issues, and provides a model for client experiences.

Definition of countertransference

When a therapist's personal issues affect their responses to a client.

Definition of transference

When a client projects unresolved feelings onto the therapist.

Setting healthy boundaries as a therapist

Involves avoiding over-involvement in clients' lives and engaging in self-care practices.

Impact of personal values on therapy

Influences therapist responses, affects the client-therapist relationship, and can lead to bias if not managed.

Definition of ethical bracketing

Separating personal values from professional responsibilities.

When to share personal values in therapy

Only if it is therapeutically beneficial for the client.

Why imposing values on clients is unethical

The therapeutic process focuses on the client's growth, not the therapist's beliefs.

Why referral due to value conflict is unethical

It is discrimination unless based on a lack of competency.

Examples of privileged vs. marginalized groups

Privileged: White individuals, college-educated; Marginalized: Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities.

Removal of 'homosexuality' from the DSM

It was wrongly classified as a mental disorder until 1973.

Erikson’s psychosocial theory

A model of human development across the lifespan with key psychological conflicts at each stage.

Primary conflict in adolescence according to Erikson

Identity vs. Role Confusion: Finding a sense of self.

Conflict in middle adulthood according to Erikson

Generativity vs. Stagnation: Leaving a legacy vs. feeling unfulfilled.

Final conflict in Erikson’s model

Integrity vs. Despair: Reflecting on one’s life with satisfaction or regret.

Key elements of a healthy family

Includes open communication, emotional support, and flexibility in rules.

Definition of a dysfunctional family

Characterized by rigid control, poor communication, and fear-based parenting.

Impact of family rules on identity development

Influence self-esteem, shape conflict resolution skills, and affect relationships in adulthood.

Impact of family secrets

Can create confusion about roles, foster mistrust, and lead to unresolved emotional struggles.

Influence of cultural values on therapy

Shape client expectations, comfort level in discussing emotions, and beliefs about mental health.

Importance of gender role awareness for therapists

Helps understand client struggles with identity and reduces biases in therapy.

Definition of physician-assisted death

Legal in 10 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C.

Ethical guidelines in end-of-life counseling

Include respecting client autonomy and ensuring decisions align with their values.

Ethical concerns in abortion counseling

Counselors must remain neutral and provide clients with full information for informed decisions.

Importance of awareness of personal sexual values for counselors

Personal biases may affect discussions on topics like casual sex, contraception, and monogamy.