Important Questions for IGNOU PGDCFT MSCCFT MCFT004 Exam with Main Points for Answer - Unit 14 Coping with Difficult Situations in Counselling and Family Therapy
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Unit 14 Coping with Difficult Situations in Counselling and Family Therapy
1. What are behaviours considered unethical for counsellors?
The behaviours that are considered unethical for counsellors include:
- Violation of confidentiality.
- Claiming expertise which one does not possess.
- Exceeding one's level of professional competence.
- Negligent practice
- Imposing one's values on a client
- Creating dependency in a client.
- Sexual activity with a client.
- Conflicts of interest, e.g., dual relationships.
- Charging excessive fees.
- Improper advertising.
2. What should the counsellor do when the client asks a personal question to the counsellor?
A counsellor/client relationship is a professional one, not a social one. This may be difficult for the client to understand at first, especially if the counsellor is being warm and caring at the same time. Sometimes the client will know about the counsellor's personal life. It is far better to respond to-a personal question by saying that it is not helpful to the client if the counsellor talks about herself and that is why she or he makes it a rule not to. The client will accept that rule. It is far better than either answering some but not all questions, or, worse, evading the issue which will destroy the honesty of the relationship.
3. As a counsellor, how would you handle a situation if a person who has been subjected to abuse comes and discloses to you?
As a counsellor, you should:
- Find a private place to talk with the client,
- Sit next to the client, not across a table or desk,
- Use language the client understands; ask the client to clarify words you don't understand,
- Express your belief that the client is telling you the truth,
- Reassure the client that it is not his or her fault; and that she or he is not bad and did nothing to deserve this,
- Determine the client's immediate need for safety,
- Let the client know you will do your best to protect and support her or him,
- Tell the client what you will do, and who will be involved in the process, and
- Be kind, caring and reassuring about safety in your presence at all times.
4. When should one go for family therapy?
Family therapy is indicated when a change is desired in the way a family functions. Usually someone comes, or is brought, with particular symptoms or behavioural problems. It is individuals that change, and change in the family system is a result of the changed behaviour of the individuals in it. Intervention in the system, which is the basis of so much family therapy, is not always the best way of promoting change. With this in mind, family therapy can be a powerful treatment when properly used in the right cases.
However, it should only be embarked upon after careful consideration of the relative merits of the full range of available treatments.
Family therapy sbould be considered when:
(1) there is a malfunctioning family group; and,
(2) the problems which therapy is to address are related to the functioning of the family.
It is likely to be of value when the presenting problems concern children or adolescents; when families present complaining that members have problems in relating to each other; and when a family appears to be having difficulty making the changes required to pass from one developmental stage to the next - for example when adolescents start to become more autonomous.
5. What personal attributes of an effective counsellor do you possess? What skills do you need to acquire?
Attributes of effective counsellors include being non-judgemental, supportive, understanding, and skilled in creating a safe environment.
Skills required include reflective listening, which helps clients to gain insight into how they feel about what is happening in their lives. You also need to develop strong communication skills and use different techniques based on the clients needs. You need to be aware of ethical principles and apply those to a variety of situations. You also need to be aware of your own limitations and know when to refer the client elsewhere.
6. What therapist and client factors contribute to the effectiveness of family therapy?
The following therapist factors contribute to effectiveness in family therapy:
- Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance.
- Being skilled in applying various techniques, including reflective relationship techniques.
- Understanding family dynamics and employing methods that facilitate communication between family members.
- The ability to maintain neutrality.
- Being able to manage countertransference and understand how personal reactions might influence the therapeutic process.
- The therapist should adhere to ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and respect for client rights.
The following client factors contribute to effectiveness in family therapy:
- Motivation for change.
- Willingness to actively participate.
- The ability to engage openly in the therapeutic process.
- Commitment to the process of therapy.
- Being able to work towards a joint creation of goals with the therapist.
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