I am training to be a counsellor. What I dont understand is why there has to be so m uch self disclosure on my part. There may be parts of my past that have had a part in constructing who I am, but why do I have to reveal this to a tutor or the rest of the group for that matter. I am a private person who has dealt with 'the demons' and truly am ok with my past - been through counselling myself. So why am I made to feel that if I don't disclose myself that there is something wrong with me - maybe I am just a private person and given that self disclosure to clients is inappropriate, what makes it appropriate at the training stage?
2007-02-28 23:57:32 · 5 answers · asked by The Real Mrs Incredible 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
I'm currently doing a Concepts of Counselling course - it's only a short course and just an introduction. However, I know exactly what you're talking about! I feel the same - I don't tend to "open up" much purely because I think that what's happened to me in the past is my business and if I needed counselling I'd go and have counselling sessions! I realise that it gets you to understand what it feels like to open up so that you can empathise with future clients, but some of the things some people in the group talk about, I wouldn't even dream of discussing with strangers! I totally agree with you...can't believe I saw you question because I was only discussing the exact same thing with a colleague earlier today!!
2007-03-01 00:39:46 · answer #1 · answered by long_luscious_lashes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While training, self disclosure can help you and your peers understand eachother better and may help you to let your peers know where you are coming from and understand you better.
You should never feel forced to self disclose though and the simple answer is don't do it. Your past is yours and it is up to you wether you decide to share it,
When I did my counselling course we were encouraged to use our own experiances in practice sessions but it is simple to make something up or use an annoymous friends situation as practice material as long as you can truely emphasise with it.
Self disclore can be helpful in some client situations to a degree. You would obviously not disclose too much or if you feel uncomfortable but to a client who has difficulty or shame talking to you as a counsellor you may feel appropriate in some cases to explain that you understand what they are going through because you have been through something similar. You would not go into detail about your past but just mention it to put the client as ease.
Get as much experiance with practice at the training stage and you will be thankful later.
Good luck.
2007-03-01 08:15:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have now got my diploma but I too hated the 'checking in' process. I never really did disclose anything of myself, one because I didn't want to (I am happy to talk to my therapist and my own support network) and two everyone seemed to revel in other peoples misery!! I was never really accepted within the group because I was so quiet and I and one other were the only one's that didn't cry publicly. Best of luck to you and only give of yourself what you feel comfortable with.
2007-03-01 10:50:18 · answer #3 · answered by Louise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally understand what you mean hun!... your past is your past, its been and gone... i did not disclose anything unless i HAD TO its my business, no-one elses, i spoke to the tutor and explained i am a private person thats what i am and thats what i will always be, my past has helped me alot on my course!! Good luck with everythin chick! And your past IS YOUR past!! x
2007-03-01 08:03:46 · answer #4 · answered by Conkys Mummy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess it is the old adage - how can you help someone if you don't experience what they feel? You can sympathise sure, but thats' not what they need is it? They need your empathy, not sympathy, and to be able to offer empathy, you have to know what they are feeling.
2007-03-01 08:03:59 · answer #5 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋