discussion response 52
HI, For the first post I need 5-7 sentences long response and for the 2 and 3 post I need 120 words minimum long response. Thank you
1. One way I could utilize my skills in a K-12 educational setting would be through individual counseling, as well as workshops that many students could attend at one time. In school, kids face a multitude of stressors that may be hard to explain to their parents at home. Between the pressures put upon them by their teachers, homework, bullying, trying to “fit itâ€, kids have a lot on their plates these days. By providing individual counseling, I can offer support and guidance during these tough years, especially in the middle school and high school setting. I also think that by providing workshops, it would help students not feel so alone with their struggles and create a sense of community within the school. In addition, it would take the pressure out of seeking out one-on-one counseling, as it can be intimidating for many people. The workshops could be anything from body image workshops, anti-bullying, to how to apply to college.
A post-secondary educational setting is where the reality of “adulthood†sets in. I think that by providing career counseling, as well as guidance on how to transition successfully into adulthood (managing work, more school, moving out, etc…), it would help these students feel less overwhelmed. College students are experiencing all of these obstacles for the first time, and it is the first time that many of them are living independently (Gladding & Newsome, p. 329). According to the book, 86% of college students reported feeling overwhelmed sometime in the last 12 months (p. 329). Stress makes daily life that much harder, and if you pair that with all these “new†experiences and little support, you’re setting yourself up for failure. I know from experience that the first time I was living on my own, I felt like I was doing everything wrong. Independence is not as “easy†and “carefree†as you imagine it is when you’re younger, so offering support services to these students would help tremendously.
I think that working closely with the student’s school counselor/social worker is critical. Everyone involved with your client needs to be on the same page in order to conduct successful treatment. By checking in with the school’s service personnel to see how the student is in the school environment you can have a better understanding of your client. In addition, making sure that the school is meeting all the needs of your client is important, as well, for them to thrive and make the most of their experience. Personal/home life and school life effect each other, so making sure that both ends of the spectrum are being addressed and both professionals have an understanding of each other is super important.
2. 1. The ACA principles that are most applicable are beneficence and nonmaleficence. Beneficence applies because the counselor should work for the good of the client, which includes considering alternatives so a client can continue seeking services. Nonmaleficence applies in the sense that the counselor needs to avoid harming the client and should thoroughly consider the ramifications of bartering with Janice. The standard that is most applicable is A.10.e, Bartering. This standard explains that bartering is acceptable in cases where the client requests it, there is no harm in the exchange, concerns are discussed among the counselor and client, the exchange is accepted in the community where the counselor practices, and the exchange is thoroughly documented in a written contract. Taking these factors into account can assist in making the decision of whether to barter with Janice.
2. To avoid this situation in the first place, I would ensure there was a clear understanding between Janice and I prior to her developing any plans. Within our written contract, I would be specific as to what the plans would look like to avoid any miscommunication. In the event I was displeased with Janice’s plans, I believe the most ethical approach would be to consult with a mediator to rectify this situation. I would thank Janice for the work she had done and apologize for not being more specific about her plans in our contract. I would attempt to create a second written contract, in collaboration with the mediator and Janice, and frequently review this contract to ensure Janice and I were in agreement with our quality of services. I would attempt this approach in an empathic way to avoid offending the client. If I felt that disclosing my dissatisfaction would cause the client more harm than good, I believe the most ethical approach would be to accept her plans and remember to be more thorough in future bartering contracts.
3. Similarly, I would consult with a mediator to straighten out any misunderstandings that led me to take advantage of Janice. In collaboration with the mediator and Janice, I would attempt to work out a second written contract with specifics guidelines and a date of bartering termination. First, I would graciously thank Janice for the work she did and apologize for the miscommunication in our agreement. Depending on what was agreed upon in our contract, I might offer the option of extending our counseling sessions by one to two sessions. I might consider the option of offering a small good, as opposed to another service, since goods are typically more acceptable than services within bartering guidelines. However, I would stay clear of offering any large gifts to Janice in an effort to repay her because I would not want to cross any boundaries in the therapeutic relationship. My biggest concern is that I would not want to jeopardize my professional judgment or impact our therapy sessions. At the same time, I would want to balance our agreement.
3. 1. There are several principles at play in this situation. The first thing that came to mind was autonomy. The client losing their job is a major life event and her struggle to find work may make her feel like a failure, depressed, and unable to remain empowered and self-sufficient. I also considered nonmaleficence, in both rejecting Janice’s suggestion as well as accepting her bartering proposal. She may feel hurt or rejected if we decide bartering is not a good idea. Conversely, she may wind up hurt if the therapist disapproves of her work. The ACA standards at play are A.6.a and A.6.b. Extending Counseling Boundaries and Documenting said boundary extensions. I think the documentation is a crucial component of deciding to enter into this type of bartering situation, especially since this will probably require the client having extensive access to the therapist’s home. A.10.e Bartering, must also be considered carefully.
2. When we were ironing out the details of the bartering agreement, I would have been sure to include that adjustments may need to be made with the plans, and that they should not be viewed as criticism of her work, but only as a difference in our styles. I would be sure not to sound “displeased” but would validate all of the positive aspects of her plans. I would explain things I was looking for, and ask if she could work those into the plan to make it even better.
3. I again, would try to be very detailed in the documented agreement that it only included one set of plans, and a set number of adjustments specifically for that one room only. If I felt that Janice was going above and beyond, I would be sure to thank her kindly, but reiterate that the extra services were not necessary and that we need to stick to the agreement. I would encourage her to put her extra effort into caring for herself during this period of unemployment and assure her that she has done more than enough to make me a very happy customer.