COUNSELING AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Counseling and Stress Management for the Grief counselor

Counseling and Stress Management for the Grief counselor

Introduction

In the last decade there has been a significant increase in the use of the counseling and stress management for the provision of mental health care, often in the form of grief counseling team. Grief counseling teams seek to assist individuals in dealing with a variety of physical and mental health concerns, such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, job stress, and loss and grief. Despite the increasing prominence of computer-based support and discussion groups in the mental health field over the past decade, there is still a dearth of literature and research in this area. Hence, few empirical studies have evaluated the effectiveness of grief counseling teams, especially as a tool for educating future counselors (Oltjenbruns, 2008). A review of the literature demonstrates the need for additional supervision opportunities for beginning counselors; hence, the goal of this study is to explicate the utility of a grief counseling team for counselors in training. Utilization of a peer group as a supervision opportunity has been shown to be helpful to the grieved and professionals however, a limited body of empirical studies documents this efficacy. This study examines the development, content, and process of a peer group supervision experience that takes place over the web.

Discussion

We believe this type of supervision is a valuable and useful opportunity for grief counselor to receive feedback on their development as professionals. The aim of supervision is to promote personal and professional growth, counselor competency, accountable counseling and guidance programs, skill enhancement, case conceptualization, professional identity development, and increased self-confidence and self-direction (Park, 2005). Peer supervision is a process through which grief counselor help each other become more effective and skillful helpers by using their relationships and professional skills with each other. There are numerous advantages and benefits to a group supervision format. Peer groups can provide support and encouragement, as well as enhance skills and promote personal and professional development (Malkinson, 2006). In addition, a clinical supervisor may not always be available or preferable to the grieved. Peer groups decrease dependency on “expert” supervisors and promote greater interdependence of colleagues. It also helps to further develop consultation and supervision skills, as well as increased awareness of one's own skill level. In the peer supervision model, the teaching and evaluative components of the traditional supervisory relationship are de-emphasized.

Peers commonly work in dyads or small groups that may offer support, encouragement, and new perspectives. In addition, peers, or novices, may speak the same language and have similar skill levels, which may increase the grieved' self-efficacy and motivation to learn. Group supervision is an effective means of providing clinical supervision for a number of counselors concurrently (Rothaupt, 2007).

For grief counselor, peer groups provide a supportive environment as well as reassurance that others are experiencing similar feelings and concerns. Peer supervision groups provide an opportunity to receive and offer (1) feedback about working with difficult clients, (2) consultation on ethical and ...