(WOA) Tour of Effective Skills!
What makes a good Addictions Counsellor!
SKILLS.
Basically a good addictions counsellor has good generic counselling
skills plus some "bolt on" extras which are specific to addictions.
Understanding aspects of the clients condition, most significantly
an understanding of, and empathy for the clients seeking help.
A developed "radar" that sentsitises you to possible substance related
problems in your case loads. The Index of Suspicion check list enables
a good counsellor to estamate on site clients state of presence.
Able to comprehensively assess clients needs whilst making the
interaction a pleasure and meaningful for both.
Motivational skills help repair confidance levels in clients, the
clients are introduced to beliving in the Change Cycle within. To Alter
their ways and regain a balance. Clients motivate themselves once
pointed in the right invironment.
Counsellors need to be aware of "Withdrawl Management" process for
clients experiencing the higher levels of withdrawl symptoms. Some
are classified as "Horrifying" and are extremely unpleasant.
Support and Supervision, coping with the needs of others can become
very wearying, and can present acute and distressing problems that
perplex our good nature, If we have good line of support the chain is
stronger, have a supervisor to monitor your case load progress,
All these skills interact to form the contents of a good Addictions
counsellor. If you are skilled in the above areas then the rest will
be impelementing Minimal Intervention Strategies to Help the Mass
deal with the high levels of stress they endure daily.
(Bill Saunders,Jonh O`Conner, Curtin Uni)
More on the Way!
Francis Broadbent,
ph-0422195315,
Coffs Harbour.
[email protected]
Revised date; 20-7-2008
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