Notes from Ind. Sup. - 8/24 ~ 8/31

* Pragmatic, solution-focused therapy; help the CL from the very first session;
* Intake Questionnaire: the reported vs. the un-reported (avoided); focus points;
* Motivation vs. Hesitation; the consumer model, instead of the expert model; encourage the CL to take ownership and responsibility for their problems;
* Brief therapy change questions: Any change since sending in the application? --> Take ownership for change; insight & awareness; distress level.
* Focus the CL by asking what is most important; why seek help now? Why not earlier or later?
* Be pragmatic and efficient: smallest changes to bring progress and improvement;
* Suicidal ideation and risk assessment: address connectedness and future orientation;
* We are NOT to be too important in their lives. Empower the CLs to be on their own. internal locus of control;
* CL-Counselor match; switch as expected and encouraged for take control over treatment;
* International students: Relatedness, role model, balance between feelings of sadness & functioning;
* Good time keeping. Try to reach conclusions. Seek feedback regarding helpfulness.
* Assessment: BAI, BDI, MMPI
* Use MMPI: hard to figure out, seem serious; objective expert feedback for CL might be helpful; Schizophrenia vs. intense neurotic distress. (interpretation: dimension --> profile)
* As much as possible, clearly identify the CL's goals for counseling.
* Be sure that you are NOT the person who works the hardest in the room.
* Not my agenda, but the CL's agenda. - CL-focused goals
* Ask the CL to tell it back or say it back to you to check for understanding.

- The story of the other therapist: leading attitude, too much trust (unfounded) may become a hindrance.


TO BE CONTINUED