Expert Interviews & Perspectives in Counseling

When clients show up for therapy, they often have exhausted all other resources, such as Internet searches, self-help videos, books, and other people’s advice. They may feel drained and unsure if therapy can help them.

The military meets our definitions of culture perfectly, and there are distinct differences from civilian culture that could impact military mental health. An understanding of factors such as military culture, moral injury, and resilience can maximize the counselor’s efficacy in assisting this population to maintain well-being.

Building rapport creates increased communication, trust, and motivation in the counselor-client relationship. Developing a positive emotional connection leads to client satisfaction and greater therapeutic outcomes.

As always, clients should be encouraged to ask questions, yet due to the long history of discrimination, LGBTQ+ individuals may have some unique concerns pertaining to their privacy, emotional safety, and legal rights.

Many benefits of social media support cognitive health and well-being, but some aspects can be detrimental. By exploring the benefits, risks, and best practices, counselors can help clients and themselves navigate online spaces with greater awareness and intention.

Mental health internships offer students the opportunity to learn hands-on clinical skills in various settings. Most graduate-level psychology programs require students to complete a practicum and an internship experience prior to graduation.

Rather than being motivated by self-referral, mandated clients do not choose to go into counseling and often must report their progress to a third party. Mandatory or court-ordered treatment areas can range from alcohol or substance use disorders, protective services cases, sex offenses, or anger management.

As a counselor, you hope to have a good ending in which the therapist and client have a final session to say goodbye and discuss aftercare plans. This is not always the case. To increase the odds of a good ending, termination must be discussed throughout the counseling process, starting at the first session.

Counselors use nonverbal communication in spaces of silence or as the client is talking. When counselors demonstrate attentiveness nonverbally, it creates a safe space for clients to explore their inner thoughts and feelings.

Libraries worldwide contain dusty manuscripts detailing the finer points of cultural etiquette. While most of these antiquated manuals have been retired to the shelf, contemporary society still maintains unwritten codes of conduct with the pressure of social performance.