Counseling Awareness Month: Essential Skills for the Modern Mental Health Therapist

 Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant


Counseling Awareness Month takes place every April in the United States. The origins of this month can be traced back to the 1970s when the American Counseling Association (ACA) began promoting the idea of a national counseling week. The first National Counseling Week was held in 1974, and it was later expanded to become Counseling Awareness Month in 2002. The purpose of having a Counseling Awareness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of counseling and to recognize the contributions of counselors to mental health and well-being. 

What makes counseling so effective, though? It’s no secret - studies show the therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist is the key to producing change and healing work. But what skills can a therapist use to create that strong bond? In other words, what makes a great therapist, and what makes great therapy?

Today, the pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would like to do a deep dive on essential skills for modern mental health therapists and how they create lasting change. Keep reading for more!

Active Listening

Active listening involves paying close attention to what the client is saying, both verbally and non-verbally. It helps the client feel heard and understood, which can build trust and rapport. Active listening involves not only hearing what the client is saying but also paying close attention to their nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. Therapists who practice active listening should strive to be fully present in the moment, avoiding distractions and interruptions, and providing the client with their full attention. By actively listening to their clients, therapists can better understand their needs and concerns, which can help build trust and create a safe and supportive environment.

Empathy

Empathy is another essential element in building a strong therapeutic relationship. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, and it is essential for therapists to demonstrate empathy towards their clients. Therapists who can put themselves in their client's shoes, and validate their experiences and emotions, can help clients feel understood and accepted. When therapists demonstrate empathy, clients are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, which can lead to greater insight and growth.

Honoring Autonomy

Respect for autonomy is a fundamental value (and an ACA ethic) that is crucial in any therapeutic relationship. Respect for autonomy involves honoring the client's beliefs and values, and providing a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and feelings. Therapists who respect their clients' boundaries, opinions, and experiences can help create a trusting and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to make positive changes. Additionally, therapists who respect their clients are more likely to establish strong rapport and trust, which can lead to greater therapeutic outcomes. By prioritizing respect in their therapeutic practice, therapists can help clients achieve their goals and promote positive change.

How Can I Improve?

Looking to improve your skills? Here are three resources that may help with developing your clinical skills:

1. Therapy in a Nutshell - This YouTube channel provides helpful insights and practical tips for both clients and therapists. It covers a range of topics, including anxiety, trauma, relationships, and self-improvement.


2. Doctor Ali Mattu - Dr. Ali Mattu's YouTube channel, "The Psych Show," explores a variety of psychology topics. Dr. Mattu has several videos covering developing your skills as a therapist.


3. Therapist Uncensored - this podcast discusses the science behind what actually sparks change in our lives, relationships, and thoughts.


We hope this blog post helped inform you about essential therapy skills and gave you a few resources to help develop them! If you’re looking to offboard some administrative tasks so you can focus on providing really good therapy, hire a Virtual Assistant. If you’d like help with administrative tasks, the pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you. Reach out today to be paired with someone who can take your administrative tasks, marketing, social media creation, and more off your hands! We look forward to hearing from you.

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