Maggie, a counsellor, saw a client in the morning who related how his doctor had just given him a diagnosis of cancer, necessitating cutting out some cancerous tissue. Her client, Arnold, was dismayed about the diagnosis. “But at least,” he confided to Maggie, “I don’t have to have that horrible colostomy bag like some people […]
Mindsets
Shame, Guilt, Humiliation, and Embarrassment
Shame, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment are painful and universal human experiences; the terms are often used interchangeably and do overlap, but are different from one another. Owing to differences in culture, religion, ethics, and personal standards, we experience them differently to even similar others in our social sphere, and certainly to people in other cultures. […]
- May 29, 2018
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- 28390
- Counselling Theory & Process
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Adapting to Different Client Mindsets
When communicating with clients, flexibility and responsiveness are two of the most beneficial skills a counsellor can have. Different mindsets and emotional states require a particular approach; and the counsellor’s ability to adjust to a client’s needs normally dictates the outcome of that relationship. In order to better exemplify the diversity of mindsets which clients […]
- May 22, 2009
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- 18226
- Counselling Theory & Process
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Coping Effectively with Change: Carla’s Case Study
Carla is a 37 year old woman who works as a manager in a large engineering firm. She is married with two children a boy aged 10 (Carlos) and girl aged 8 (Anna). Her husband Rodrigo is great with the kids and very devoted and loving to Carla but he has recently been laid off […]
- February 8, 2008
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- 3463
- Lifespan Development, Relationship & Families, Stress Management
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Effective Options to Cope with Change
Experience and the literature inform us that transitions or changes in life are inevitable and you can fight them, flee from them or preferably accept that you need to prepare for and adapt to the changes in some way. Having confidence in being able to plan for and adapt to change, by having skills and […]
- February 5, 2008
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- 3251
- Lifespan Development, Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management, Wellness
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Ineffective Options to Cope with Change
It is a bit difficult to define ineffective options simply because it is easier to describe those situations where people have ineffective options to react to change. Nonetheless some ineffective options may include: Denying that a change is occurring; Not being aware of one’s environment – of change that is emerging over time; Not planning […]
- February 4, 2008
- 1
- 2821
- Lifespan Development, Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management, Wellness
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Change: Understanding Feelings and Emotions
Obviously there may be many different feelings and emotions that a person could experience depending on the situation or circumstances. One person may fear change whilst another may revel in it and enjoy the challenges. A child about to enter early adolescence may also have a sense of fear or anxiety about what changes to […]
- January 29, 2008
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- 7668
- Clinical Mental Health, Lifespan Development, Stress Management
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Positive Aspects of Change
People often avoid change; opting for predictability and control, rather than the more stoic, flowing style of embracing life’s challenges. But life is a dynamic balance of negatives and positives, and focusing on the positive aspects of change can be the difference between growing under duress and thriving in any environment, or experiencing continuing stress […]
- January 24, 2008
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- 91504
- Lifespan Development, Personal Effectiveness, Wellness
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