Psych 103 - Session 3 Counselling + Personal Development (Counselling Foundations)

PSYC103 Counselling Foundations

Assignment Overview

  • Assignment 1: Personal development in counselling.

  • Focus on the Gestalt theory and the Johari window model.

Preparation for Assignment

  • Review the assignment brief in Canvas.

  • Complete Vlogs 1-3; may require thought and reflection.

  • Engage with exercises from lectures/seminars for personal reflection.

Reflections on Learning

  • Last Week Reflection: Consider an image or cartoon depicting counselling.

  • This Week Reflection: Use a metaphor for Egan’s three-stage model and its significance for counsellors.

Objectives of the Session

  • Explore the role of personal development in counselling.

  • Examine the impact of personal values and beliefs.

  • Discuss ethical and personal moral qualities.

  • Introduce the Johari window model as a reflection tool.

Key Concepts and Statements

  • Quote by McLeod (2009): "To be 'good enough'..." Discusses the challenges and expectations of what it means to be a competent helper in counselling.

  • Personal Development in Counselling: Essential for self-awareness and effective practice; crucial to understand one’s biases and judgments that may affect client interactions.

Personal Development in Training

Group Exploration

  • Personal development groups are key for trainees to discuss not only scheduled topics but also personal concerns and experiences, facilitating trust and support.

Historical Context

  • Psychoanalysis highlighted the importance of personal analysis; contemporary training often recommends but does not require personal counselling.

Journaling

  • Journals assist in reflecting on personal growth; valuable for continued development post-qualification.

Gestalt Psychology

Overview

  • Humanistic approach focusing on awareness in the present moment; emphasizes self-awareness as central to all counselling models.

Gestalt Concepts

  • Definition of Gestalt: A pattern or whole, experiencing life as a series of complete experiences.

  • Self-Awareness in Gestalt: Problems arise when needs are unaddressed or awareness is denied.

Ethical Framework (BACP, 2018)

Core Areas of Ethics

  1. Values: Include respect for diversity, integrity, and promoting well-being.

  2. Principles: Emphasis on non-maleficence, justice, autonomy, and beneficence.

  3. Personal Moral Qualities: Fairness, humility, integrity, and empathy are crucial for the counsellor's development.

Activities for Self-Reflection

  • What Makes a Good Counsellor?: Consider personal qualities, skills, and training.

  • Importance Ranking: Rank essential qualities in a counsellor as a potential client and discuss reasoning.

  • Role of Personal Development: Identify where personal development contributes to these aspects.

The Johari Window Model

Introduction

  • Developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Igham in 1955, illustrating aspects of self-awareness and interpersonal relationships.

Components of the Johari Window

  1. Open Self: Known to self and others.

  2. Blind Self: Known to others, not to self.

  3. Hidden Self: Known to self, not to others.

  4. Unknown Self: Unknown to both self and others.

Application in Counselling

  • Importance of understanding personal development in training for empathy and attunement in client relationships.

Summary of Learning Outcomes

  • Self-awareness is critical in counselling practice, underpinning ethical standards and the therapeutic relationship.

  • Self-awareness also enriches the client’s experience during counselling sessions.