1.4 Integrate awareness of self in relation to professional role Flashcards
Integrate knowledge of the impact of the therapist’s self on the therapeutic process.
Self-exploration provided through Group Experiential, a weekly group therapy session, provided a personal exploration to appraise and evaluate different theories, concepts & techniques while learning and developing therapeutic skills and self-devolvement. Research indicates that the therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest influences on the success of treatment. An authentic representation works to build trust in the therapeutic relationship. A strong self-awareness enables therapists to be present for clients and recognize when healthy or harmful issues such of boundaries, countertransference and transference arise.
Recognize how the therapist’s values & attitudes, both in & out of awareness, may impact diverse clients.
In The Group Experiential course we spent 4 units on exploring our personal values. We looked at the origins and the impacts of these values and how individual values impact the therapeutic process from both sides of the relationship. Exploring these personal aspects was an insightful process and created a sense of understanding, awareness and tolerance for the personal, social and cultural value systems.
In our Social and Cultural issues in Art therapy course we examined a variety of social and cultural issues which may impact the therapeutic relationship. We also explored our own genealogy in comparison with a client to create an understanding of our own social and cultural influences and how they may overlap and impact our therapeutic relationship.
Recognize the cognitive, emotional and behavioural patterns of the therapist that may influence therapeutic relationship.
Therapy is an interaction between therapist and client. In the early days of psychoanalysis there was this idea that the therapist is a blank slate for which the client may project themselves onto. The views now are around therapeutic relationships being more of a partnership, with the clients being the expert on their own lives and the therapist providing an authentic presence. With this more authentic-self in the therapeutic experience it is important to maintain boundaries and be aware of the cognitive, emotional and behavioural patterns which are now present in this more authentic interaction and may impact the clients experience. For example, there may be reactions to a therapist tone of voice or eye contact which may be triggering for a client based on their experiences or culture. Having an awareness of these subtleties and the potential impact helps therapist check-in with clients when issues arise.
Recognize instances where the therapist’s life experiences may enhance or compromise therapeutic effectiveness.
An instance from my practicum placement illustrated an area of compromise due to personal experience that impacted my effectiveness. During the open art studio at Sanctuary shelter I worked with a homeless population many of whom struggled with addictions and were prone to outbursts and fits of rage. As a victim of domestic violence and the hands an alcoholic I found these outburst triggering. Through supervision I was able to work through these issues and come up with some safety protocols to help me manage. The same past-experience proved to enhance my therapeutic effectiveness at my placement at the Gardiner Museum in a recovery program in conjunction with the Barbara Schliffer clinic for adult survivors of violence. Having had a similar experience enhanced my capacity for empathy and understanding the needs of this population.
