Professionals in the health and allied industries, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, etc, often work from their own self-employed businesses. In Australia, a considerable section of the industry is self-employed, whilst many other professional counsellors who have not yet become their own bosses, aspire to do so. »
In this article, we’ll discuss the basic rules of engagement in business: how to effectively start and maintain a counselling practice from legal, ethical and managerial perspectives. If you have the tools, get ready to step into the business world with the right knowledge. »
Dealing with children can be a challenging task to any well-educated, intelligent and emotionally stable adult. Alike the rules in any interpersonal communication process, knowing the thinking process of the other individual(s) defines much of the interaction’s success. »
If you believe that your child is a victim of bullying, you are most probably experiencing two reactions. Firstly, outrage, coupled with other emotions such as confusion and guilt. Secondly, this may raise memories of your own experiences with bullying - either as being bullied, as the bully or as a bystander. »
Puberty generally sees the rise of pubic and underarm hair, of menstrual changes and desire for intimacy in girls, of 'wet dreams' and desire for intimacy in boys and with hormones being produced in massive amounts to meet changes in the body and brain. The prefrontal cortex of the brain for example has not yet developed properly upon which adult emotional, problem-solving and decision-making amon... »
What is a 'problem adolescent' and what is coping? What impact could change have on the parent-child relationship when the child reaches puberty? Let's explore and see if you can recognise the situation faced by many parents as we progress. »
The very basis of socially acceptable behaviour is clear communication from parents. Often parents will simply call out in a stern voice: "Jane" and expect the child to understand this command. But Jane could be shoving cake in her mouth with both hands while watching TV. »
Children with aggressive behaviour constitute one of the most common and difficult challenges for parents, particularly for young parents. To work on this issue it is crucial that parents have developed a relationship (with the child) based on solid communication and trust. »
Edwin Friedman's quote (above) outlines a reality of communication - there is much more than mere syntax when two people engage in the process of exchanging messages. It is often complex, and most importantly, dependant (the outcome) upon each individual's cultural, social and emotional background, and the context in which the message is being delivered (or received). »
One of the most common reasons for not-so-good step-family relationships is lack of communication. It is important to include the children in family processes such as formulating rules and new rituals. This is a great start! The next thing to do is to encourage communication. »
Loneliness is such a subjective concept and what really is important here is the degree to which loneliness is affecting one's life and/or a family's life where relevant. What age is the person, because life goals and needs are often quite different for different age groups and for people with different priorities at different stages of life? »
Boundaries are a crucial aspect of any effective client-counsellor relationship. They set the structure for the relationship and provide a consistent framework for the counselling process. »
If not the most important feature of professional counselling, "respect for the client" is definitely high up on the priority list. Geldard and Geldard (2005) explain that regardless of who the client is, and regardless of their behaviour, the client has come to the counsellor for assistance and deserves to be treated as a person of worth and value. »
Disclosure is a controversial issue when examining therapeutic boundaries. There are two issues to consider regarding disclosure. The first is counsellor disclosure and confidentiality. The second is counsellor disclosure (ie. how much does a client disclose about their own lives to a client?). »
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