5.1 Why is identifying the “real story” important for effective counseling?

5.1 Why is identifying the “real story” important for effective counseling? What difficulties could occur if you do not focus your counseling on the “real story?” Explain how you would handle a client who states he is feeling hopeless and helpless. How would you assess for suicidality? If the client only has fleeting thoughts but no plan, what strategies might you employ?

This discussion question meets the following CACREP Standard: 2.F.5.l. Suicide prevention models and strategies.

5.2 Read and complete the “Reframing Practice Exercise.” How did the exercise go? What did you learn from it and how will this impact your counseling practice?

6.1 What are some strategies you can use to help clients envision different possibilities? Choose a counseling theory you are considering using and explain how it could be used to help the client see different perspectives. How might a client’s developmental stage impact the treatment plan?

This discussion question meets the following CACREP Standard: 2.F.5.n. Processes for aiding students in developing a personal model of counseling

6.2 Read and complete the “Creating Possibilities Practice Session.” How did the practice session go? What went well? What could have been better? What did you learn from the process that will help with your counseling practice?

7.1 What can you do as a counselor to help clients develop the support that they need to continue the progress they have made in therapy?

This discussion question meets the following CACREP Standard: 2.F.5.k. Strategies to promote client understanding of and access to a variety of community-based resources.

7.2 Read and complete the “Action Planning Practice Exercise.” What did you learn from the exercise? What problems might you encounter in carrying out this action plan? How might this apply to your counseling practice?

8.1 You want clients to leave counseling with solutions for the dilemmas that initially brought them to counseling. You also want them to learn resiliency skills that will help them master future challenges. What are some skills or resources that you would like clients to learn in the counseling process? Explain how you might provide education, suggest, or even model these skills.

8.2 Do you think personal counseling should be required for all people practicing psychotherapy? Why or why not?