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In clinical psychology, what is the best way to approach a client who is struggling internally? Was there ever a situation in which you didn't know how to respond to something a client told you? If so, how did you handle it?
I'm interested in learning more about clinical psychology and its practices, but I noticed that I freeze up whenever someone close to me tells me about mental illnesses or issues that they have been going through. In these sorts of situations, I want to support them and make them feel better, but I'm not sure what to do.
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Sidney’s Answer
Ashley,
Nancy has given the best answer to this question. As Nancy stated listening is the best option because counselors rarely approach situations with all of the answers or questions he or she is aware of asking before meeting any individual.
Also, when we are communicating we generally use body language, facial gestures, tone of voice all of these things and many others are indicators that not only clarify and verify emotional responses, they help us to communicate how we feel to each other. For example, I am sure you have seen a sad person without even talking to him or her.
In psychology training is necessary to refine the skill of Counseling, and it takes practice.
Nancy has given the best answer to this question. As Nancy stated listening is the best option because counselors rarely approach situations with all of the answers or questions he or she is aware of asking before meeting any individual.
Also, when we are communicating we generally use body language, facial gestures, tone of voice all of these things and many others are indicators that not only clarify and verify emotional responses, they help us to communicate how we feel to each other. For example, I am sure you have seen a sad person without even talking to him or her.
In psychology training is necessary to refine the skill of Counseling, and it takes practice.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ashley,
Guidelines for Assisting Clients Facing Internal Struggles in Clinical Psychology
In the realm of clinical psychology, the most effective method to assist a client grappling with internal issues is to employ a blend of empathy, active listening, validation, and scientifically-backed therapeutic techniques. Here are some pivotal strategies that psychologists typically use when dealing with clients who are wrestling with internal turmoil:
Fostering Trust and Connection: Constructing a robust therapeutic bond is key in making clients feel secure and supported. Psychologists frequently cultivate an unbiased and empathetic atmosphere where clients can freely express their thoughts and feelings.
Practicing Active Listening: It's vital to listen attentively to the client’s worries without interruption or judgement. Techniques such as reflective listening, paraphrasing, and clarifying statements can help show understanding and validate the client’s experiences.
Demonstrating Empathy and Validation: Expressing empathy for the client’s emotions and validating their feelings can make them feel acknowledged and accepted. Affirming their experiences can nurture a sense of connection and trust within the therapeutic relationship.
Setting Goals Together: Collaborating with the client to set treatment goals can encourage them to participate actively in their recovery process. Formulating attainable goals together can provide a sense of direction and motivation for the client.
Applying Evidence-Based Techniques: Implementing scientifically-backed therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, or psychodynamic therapy can effectively address the client’s internal issues.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Boundaries: It's crucial for psychologists to prioritize self-care and maintain professional boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure they can offer optimal support to their clients.
Managing Uncertain Responses
In clinical psychology, situations may arise where a psychologist is uncertain about how to respond to a client's disclosure. In such instances, psychologists are equipped to manage uncertainty by:
Consulting Peers: Seeking advice from colleagues, supervisors, or field experts can guide psychologists through difficult situations and help determine the most suitable course of action.
Pursuing Continued Education: Participating in continuous professional growth and training can boost a psychologist’s knowledge and skills, enabling them to effectively handle a broad range of client issues.
Reflecting on Personal Reactions: Reflecting on personal reactions and seeking supervision can provide psychologists with insight into their responses to challenging situations and help develop strategies for managing uncertainty.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Sticking to ethical guidelines and professional standards is crucial when dealing with uncertain situations, ensuring that the client's well-being remains the foremost priority.
By adhering to these methods, psychologists can navigate uncertain situations with professionalism, integrity, and a dedication to delivering quality care to their clients.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
The advice given in this response is grounded in guidelines, research findings, and best practices suggested by these esteemed sources in the field of clinical psychology and mental health.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Guidelines for Assisting Clients Facing Internal Struggles in Clinical Psychology
In the realm of clinical psychology, the most effective method to assist a client grappling with internal issues is to employ a blend of empathy, active listening, validation, and scientifically-backed therapeutic techniques. Here are some pivotal strategies that psychologists typically use when dealing with clients who are wrestling with internal turmoil:
Fostering Trust and Connection: Constructing a robust therapeutic bond is key in making clients feel secure and supported. Psychologists frequently cultivate an unbiased and empathetic atmosphere where clients can freely express their thoughts and feelings.
Practicing Active Listening: It's vital to listen attentively to the client’s worries without interruption or judgement. Techniques such as reflective listening, paraphrasing, and clarifying statements can help show understanding and validate the client’s experiences.
Demonstrating Empathy and Validation: Expressing empathy for the client’s emotions and validating their feelings can make them feel acknowledged and accepted. Affirming their experiences can nurture a sense of connection and trust within the therapeutic relationship.
Setting Goals Together: Collaborating with the client to set treatment goals can encourage them to participate actively in their recovery process. Formulating attainable goals together can provide a sense of direction and motivation for the client.
Applying Evidence-Based Techniques: Implementing scientifically-backed therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, or psychodynamic therapy can effectively address the client’s internal issues.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Boundaries: It's crucial for psychologists to prioritize self-care and maintain professional boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure they can offer optimal support to their clients.
Managing Uncertain Responses
In clinical psychology, situations may arise where a psychologist is uncertain about how to respond to a client's disclosure. In such instances, psychologists are equipped to manage uncertainty by:
Consulting Peers: Seeking advice from colleagues, supervisors, or field experts can guide psychologists through difficult situations and help determine the most suitable course of action.
Pursuing Continued Education: Participating in continuous professional growth and training can boost a psychologist’s knowledge and skills, enabling them to effectively handle a broad range of client issues.
Reflecting on Personal Reactions: Reflecting on personal reactions and seeking supervision can provide psychologists with insight into their responses to challenging situations and help develop strategies for managing uncertainty.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Sticking to ethical guidelines and professional standards is crucial when dealing with uncertain situations, ensuring that the client's well-being remains the foremost priority.
By adhering to these methods, psychologists can navigate uncertain situations with professionalism, integrity, and a dedication to delivering quality care to their clients.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
The advice given in this response is grounded in guidelines, research findings, and best practices suggested by these esteemed sources in the field of clinical psychology and mental health.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
The best way to approach a client who is struggling internally is to first, create a safe and nonjudgmental space. This means remaining mindful of the client's emotional state, practice active listening and validate their concerns. It is also important to focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship with the client that is based on trust and understanding.
If I ever find myself in a situation where I am unsure how to respond to something a client has told me, I first use reflective listening to ensure I have a clear understanding of their experience. After that, I would offer supportive statements, provide guidance and resources, and clarify any questions I have. If I do not feel comfortable addressing an issue or providing a response, I would refer the client to a professional more knowledgeable of the topic.
I hope this helps. Good luck 👍
If I ever find myself in a situation where I am unsure how to respond to something a client has told me, I first use reflective listening to ensure I have a clear understanding of their experience. After that, I would offer supportive statements, provide guidance and resources, and clarify any questions I have. If I do not feel comfortable addressing an issue or providing a response, I would refer the client to a professional more knowledgeable of the topic.
I hope this helps. Good luck 👍
Racheal Noble, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, NCC
Mental health, education, research, care coordinator
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Racheal’s Answer
Hello. This is a great question that show transparency and often overlooked during training.
I first am curious of you are actually seeking mental health services yourself if you find yourself doing this? What is happening that influences the freeze when you hear someone's mental health issue? It would important to explore this to assist with increasing your competence in how to response to a client in need.
It also important to know that basic skills of counseling such as actively listening, summarizing, validating, and reflecting have been proven to be the most significant techniques to provide to a client rather than just homework or test or even trying fix the client. As providers we a trained not to work harder than the client or the change process is irrelevant and the client isn't realy getting the benefit of clinical work.
I would suggest practicing the basic skills with peers and family to strengthen your abilities so that you are able to function in session crisis or not.
Lastly, be honest and genuine from the beginning, if you don't know something say it. Don't assume you should know how to answer or have an answer for something because of your degree. Don't compare yourself to others know training because ever clinical is always in training.
Good luck!
I first am curious of you are actually seeking mental health services yourself if you find yourself doing this? What is happening that influences the freeze when you hear someone's mental health issue? It would important to explore this to assist with increasing your competence in how to response to a client in need.
It also important to know that basic skills of counseling such as actively listening, summarizing, validating, and reflecting have been proven to be the most significant techniques to provide to a client rather than just homework or test or even trying fix the client. As providers we a trained not to work harder than the client or the change process is irrelevant and the client isn't realy getting the benefit of clinical work.
I would suggest practicing the basic skills with peers and family to strengthen your abilities so that you are able to function in session crisis or not.
Lastly, be honest and genuine from the beginning, if you don't know something say it. Don't assume you should know how to answer or have an answer for something because of your degree. Don't compare yourself to others know training because ever clinical is always in training.
Good luck!
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Ashley,
Psychologists and other mental health workers are humans and have feelings, just as you do. In training you are taught listening skills that help you learn how to be a helper. One of the most basic skills is to ask, “Tell me more about that.” No one is a mind reader. It is okay if you don’t know yet how to respond to someone who is struggling emotionally. Try just being there, willing to listen. You can say something that lets them know you hear them, such as, “I’m sorry you’re struggling. That sounds hard.” Showing you are concerned is a wonderful thing, and sometimes is all a person needs. In work with clients, sometimes just listening, asking for more information, or even staying silent lets a psychologist or other helper get information that gives them an idea of what to do next. These skills grow with practice.
Practice just saying what you hear to friends/family that seem to need to talk
Join a peer leadership or peer counseling group in high school or college to get valuable experience and training in listening
Psychologists and other mental health workers are humans and have feelings, just as you do. In training you are taught listening skills that help you learn how to be a helper. One of the most basic skills is to ask, “Tell me more about that.” No one is a mind reader. It is okay if you don’t know yet how to respond to someone who is struggling emotionally. Try just being there, willing to listen. You can say something that lets them know you hear them, such as, “I’m sorry you’re struggling. That sounds hard.” Showing you are concerned is a wonderful thing, and sometimes is all a person needs. In work with clients, sometimes just listening, asking for more information, or even staying silent lets a psychologist or other helper get information that gives them an idea of what to do next. These skills grow with practice.
Nancy recommends the following next steps: