Counselling

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Counselling

Yashna Bahri Singh | Counsellor | Delhi Public School and NIVH

Counsellor Yashna Bahri Singh's Talk on Counselling

The Vital Role of Counseling: Insights and Experiences from the Field Counseling is more than just a career; it's a noble profession that acts as a guiding light for those navigating the complexities of their emotional and psychological landscapes. With individuals facing increasing pressures and mental health challenges, the role of a counselor is pivotal in fostering growth, resilience, and healing. In this article, we delve into the experience of Yashna, a seasoned counseling psychologist, who sheds light on the profession's facets, educational requirements, necessary skills, positives, challenges, and a typical day in her life. What Is Counseling? The Essence of Counseling Counseling is fundamentally a helping profession that focuses on supporting individuals through their emotional and psychological dilemmas. As Yashna explains, it involves working diligently with clients to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, all backed by scientific theories and therapies. The goal is to assist clients in overcoming confusion and finding clarity, ultimately leading them toward transformation and healing. For Yashna, the process is not merely about offering advice; instead, it is a structured journey that empowers individuals to navigate their inner turmoil. Education The Foundation of Psychology A solid foundation in psychology is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a counselor. Yashna emphasizes the importance of understanding both cognitive processes, such as decision-making and problem-solving, and overt behaviors, which can be observed and measured. This knowledge is key in crafting interventions tailored to each client's needs. Studying psychology equips future counselors with the theoretical and practical frameworks necessary to address the complexities of human behavior. The Role of the American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association (APA) serves as a cornerstone for psychologists, providing guidelines and frameworks essential for educational and professional development in psychology. Yashna highlights that the APA offers various dimensions for study, allowing aspiring psychologists to explore numerous courses and specializations. This structured approach to learning lays the groundwork for counselors to develop the skills and competencies required in their practice. Understanding Human Behavior A counselor's ability to understand human behavior is paramount. As Yashna points out, recognizing different personality types—such as introversion and extroversion—can significantly influence a person's suitability for various professions, including filmmaking. Counseling often involves using tools like career tests to help individuals identify their interests and aptitudes, enabling them to make informed career choices that align with their personalities. Skills Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills are at the heart of effective counseling. Yashna notes that building trust and comfort is essential for creating a safe environment where clients feel free to share their thoughts and feelings. A counselor’s ability to establish strong connections fosters open communication, which is vital for effective therapeutic intervention. Without these strong interpersonal links, a counselor may struggle to facilitate meaningful sessions. Intrapersonal Skills Equally important is a counselor’s self-awareness, or intrapersonal skills. Yashna stresses that counselors must prioritize their mental health to adequately support others. By understanding their own emotions and limits, counselors can avoid burnout and offer their clients the best possible care. This self-awareness is not merely beneficial; it is essential for maintaining a healthy and effective practice. Listening Skills Active listening is a quintessential skill for any counselor. Yashna explains that attentive listening enables a counselor to understand their clients' concerns deeply. By focusing not only on spoken words but also on non-verbal cues, counselors can accurately assess their clients' emotional states and tailor their interventions accordingly. This level of engagement is crucial for fostering client trust and openness. Observation Skills The ability to observe is a critical skill that allows counselors to pick up on subtle cues in client behavior. For instance, Yashna mentions that repetitive actions like fidgeting can signal a client’s anxiety. By honing observation skills, counselors can gain insights that may not be articulated verbally, leading to more effective support strategies. Empathy Empathy is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship. As Yashna illustrates, it involves putting oneself in the client's shoes to fully understand their feelings and experiences. This empathetic approach not only helps build rapport but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the client’s issues, leading to more impactful therapeutic outcomes. Positives Self-Satisfaction One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a counselor is the profound sense of self-satisfaction that comes from witnessing clients evolve. Yashna highlights that seeing a client transform into a happier and more confident individual instills immense joy and purpose in her work. This fulfillment is a testament to the lasting influence that skilled counselors can have on their clients' lives. Financial Compensation Beyond emotional rewards, a career in counseling can offer substantial financial benefits. Yashna states that well-trained counselors can expect competitive salaries, alleviating common concerns about financial stability in this profession. This financial security allows professionals to focus on their work without the stress of economic instability. Meeting New People For those who thrive on social interactions, counseling is an excellent career choice. Yashna describes her work as an opportunity to meet diverse individuals, enriching her personal and professional life. This aspect of counseling not only fuels her passion for the role but also broadens her understanding of human experiences. Challenges Myths & Misconceptions One significant challenge that counselors face is the prevalence of myths and misconceptions surrounding the profession. Yashna addresses a common misconception: that counselors merely dispense advice like family members or teachers. In reality, counseling is a scientific discipline that applies evidence-based therapies rather than casual advice, making this distinction essential for public understanding. Wrong Attitude The approach with which clients approach counseling can also pose challenges. Yashna emphasizes that when clients are brought to a counselor under negative assumptions—such as believing they are being punished for their actions—it can create resistance and hinder the therapeutic process. Educating clients about the purpose and benefits of counseling is crucial in overcoming this barrier. Personal Mental Fitness Counselors have an ongoing responsibility to maintain their mental well-being. Yashna acknowledges that neglecting her own mental health can impair her ability to support clients effectively. To thrive in this demanding field, mental fitness must be prioritized alongside client care. No Instant Results The counseling process does not yield immediate results. Yashna stresses that transformation takes time, which can be frustrating for both clients and counselors. Patience is essential as they work together toward incremental changes, but the eventual breakthroughs can be profoundly rewarding. Maintaining Boundaries Establishing and maintaining professional boundaries is a vital challenge faced by counselors. Yashna highlights that clients may seek to become overly familiar, which can blur the lines of the therapeutic relationship. It's critical for counselors to communicate and reinforce boundaries to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the counseling process. A Day In the Life of a Counselor Yashna’s day starts early as she heads to the Republic School, where her primary focus is ensuring the well-being and happiness of the children. Her responsibilities include engaging with students, teachers, and parents, allowing her to address various issues as they arise. After a fulfilling morning, she transitions to her role at the National Institute of Visually Handicapped (NIDH), where she counsels visually impaired children. Yashna finds immense satisfaction in empowering these students, affirming that their abilities are not defined by their visual impairment. She wraps up her day around 6:30 PM, having made a meaningful impact on the lives of many individuals throughout her busy schedule. As we conclude this exploration into the world of counseling, it becomes clear that this career is not only about providing support to others but also about personal growth, continuous learning, and forging deep connections. The journey of a counselor is both challenging and rewarding, necessitating a unique blend of skills, empathy, and resilience. For those considering a path in counseling, the opportunity to affect change in people's lives offers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

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