Discussion - Week 11 Client’s Mother: I Just Don’t Like The ✓ Solved
Discussion - Week 11 Client’s mother: I just don’t like the
The assignment requires a discussion focused on the concerns of a client’s mother regarding the effects of medications on her son. The mother expresses that her son does not act like himself when on medication, not sleeping well, and feeling like a stranger. This prompts the counselor to consider alternative therapies.
In preparing for this discussion, it is essential to reflect on how preconceived ideas about complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) might influence the counselor's recommendations. The importance of being well-informed about alternative treatments cannot be overstated, as clients may perceive these therapies in various ways based on their beliefs and prior experiences. Expanding awareness and understanding of these therapies is crucial for providing comprehensive care.
Understanding the Concerns of the Client’s Mother
The mother’s concerns highlight a critical aspect of mental health treatment—the side effects of pharmacological interventions. It is not uncommon for medications to result in side effects that may alter a person’s mood, sleep patterns, and overall behavior. In this scenario, the mother feels that the treatment, rather than alleviating symptoms, is causing a more considerable concern than the initial issue of her son's condition.
Impact of Preconceived Ideas on Treatment Options
Counselors may have preconceived notions regarding CAT that influence their treatment options. Personal biases and professional training can create a mental framework that categorizes certain therapies as either acceptable or unacceptable. For instance, if a counselor inherently distrusts alternative therapies such as herbal remedies or acupuncture, they may hesitate to consider these options, regardless of their potential benefits.
This skepticism can lead to a failure in fully addressing the client's needs. Acknowledging personal biases towards CAT can help counselors remain open-minded. It is vital to assess and understand the client’s perspective about their treatment choices. Effective communication regarding these biases can facilitate a more accepting dialogue about the options available, ensuring that the client feels heard and respected.
The Importance of Being Informed About Alternative Treatments
Being well-informed about alternative treatments is essential for counselors. Familiarity with a wide range of therapeutic modalities equips counselors to make informed decisions that cater to the diverse beliefs and preferences of their clients.
Research supports the integration of certain alternative therapies in conventional treatments. For example, mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioral interventions have shown efficacy in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression (Sinacola et al., 2020). When counselors understand CAT's potential benefits and limitations, they can present these options to clients more effectively, aiding in informed decision-making.
Expanding Awareness of Alternative Therapies
To enhance awareness about alternative therapies, counselors can pursue various educational opportunities such as workshops, webinars, and peer-reviewed literature. Engaging with professional organizations dedicated to holistic health can also provide invaluable resources and networking opportunities to learn from other practitioners in the field.
Regularly reviewing scholarly articles will keep counselors updated on the latest research and trends in CAT. For example, understanding the evidence base behind therapies such as acupuncture or yoga can provide reassurance to clients who may be apprehensive about trying new modalities (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2018).
Conclusion
Understanding a client’s concerns about medication and their desire for alternative treatments is vital in counseling. Counselors must recognize how their preconceived notions regarding CAT impact treatment options. Being well-informed and considering diverse therapeutic approaches can enhance the counselor's effectiveness, cater to client preferences, and foster a collaborative treatment environment. Continuous professional development and research engagement are necessary steps in expanding one's awareness of alternative therapies.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2018). Complementary, alternative or integrative health: What’s in a name? Retrieved from [URL]
- Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.
- Borenstein, J. (2018, April 2). How chronic stress affects neural circuitry. Retrieved from [URL]
- Docter, P., & del Carmen, R. (Directors). (2015). Inside Out. United States: Pixar Animation Studios.
- Fields, B., & McLaren, K. (2017). The impact of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression: Evidence and implications. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(1), 12-23.
- Huber, A., & Meyer, T. (2019). Complementary therapies in mental health: A review. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 41(2), 134-143.
- Abrams, D. I., & Shapiro, B. K. (2017). Medical cannabis: A review of the literature and implications for practice. Journal of the American Medical Association, 318(22), 2248-2256.
- Anderson, J. G., & McKinnis, C. E. (2018). Holistic approaches to counseling: Integrating complementary therapies. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 49(4), 265-273.
- Lindsay, W. R., & Linde, P. (2020). The role of acupuncture in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(6), 529-543.
- Smith, J. S., & Lee, M. (2019). Yoga as a therapeutic intervention: A data-driven approach. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(8), 1482-1490.